The enthusiasm for education among college students has significantly declined. Many students can be seen absorbed in their devices, scrolling, swiping, or even dozing off during classes. This lack of interest extends beyond lectures, as students increasingly rely on platforms like ChatGPT to tackle their inquiries, compose essays, and solve mathematical problems. There are now numerous ways to circumvent genuine learning, and students are taking full advantage of these options. This widespread dependence on such tools is undermining the core principle of education: the pursuit of knowledge purely for its own sake.
Reflecting on my experience, I too have utilized these shortcuts. In my first year of college, I enrolled in several general education classes that initially captivated my interest. I found joy in attending and absorbing the material. However, my engagement waned over time, leading me to resort to technological aids like ChatGPT, Chegg, and Brainly to manage my coursework.
At first, my use of these shortcuts was limited, but it quickly spiraled to the point where I realized I was not truly learning much. I justified my actions by telling myself that the courses were insignificant, and it didn’t matter whether I or AI completed the assignments.
Despite my rationale, a friend consistently urged me to consider the value of every class: “No matter how dull or minor you think a course is, there’s always something to learn,” he would insist. Initially, I brushed off his comments, but over time, they began to chip away at my stubborn attitude.
It wasn’t until I embraced his perspective that I recognized my avoidance of real learning. I became aware that although I had been taking shortcuts, I believed I was still benefiting from my classes. This realization was disheartening, especially since I consider myself an inherently curious person who enjoys learning.
I can understand how easy it is to fall into the habit of relying on shortcuts, as I did. With a few keystrokes, ChatGPT can provide answers to nearly any inquiry, making it unsurprising that many students depend on it excessively.
Using these tools occasionally isn’t detrimental, but becoming overly reliant on them is. Leaning too heavily on AI hinders our ability to grasp course content or to learn from struggling with complex concepts and overcoming challenges; even academic setbacks can offer critical lessons. While mastering course material is essential, the insights gained from grappling with difficult topics can be even more valuable. Unfortunately, the convenience of shortcuts may prevent many students from fully engaging in either aspect of learning.
Computerized shortcuts serve various purposes beyond merely completing assignments. They can effectively summarize complex texts, clarify difficult ideas, and translate writings—all of which are much more constructive uses. It is important to reflect on how these shortcuts align with your genuine passion for learning.