A significant decline in genuine enthusiasm for learning has been observed among college students.
In classrooms, many students seem disengaged, frequently looking at their phones, scrolling through social media, or dozing off. This lack of interest is not only evident during lectures but also extends to coursework, as students increasingly rely on tools like ChatGPT to help answer questions, draft essays, and solve problems. The widespread use of these shortcuts is undermining the fundamental goal of education, which is learning for its own sake.
Personally, I also succumbed to using these shortcuts. As a first-year student last year, I found myself enrolled in numerous general education courses. Initially, I was engaged and enjoyed participating in these classes. However, as time went on, I grew complacent and started turning to digital tools such as ChatGPT, Chegg, and Brainly to do the work for me.
At first, my use of these shortcuts was minimal, but it quickly escalated to the point where I realized I wasn’t absorbing much of the material. I justified my actions by dismissing these courses as unimportant, convincing myself that it didn’t matter whether I did the work or had AI do it.
A friend often voiced his concerns about my approach, insisting, “No matter how boring or trivial you think a class is, there is always something to learn from it.” Initially resistant to his advice, I eventually began to reconsider my stance.
It wasn’t until I reflected on his words that I recognized I was avoiding the learning process altogether. I had previously told myself that I was still gaining something from the courses, but this realization was particularly disheartening, especially since I consider myself a naturally curious person who enjoys learning.
I understand the allure of leaning on shortcuts; I fell into that trap myself. With just a few keystrokes, tools like ChatGPT can provide answers to virtually any question, making it easy for students to rely on them excessively.
While occasional use of these shortcuts might be acceptable, becoming overly dependent on them is a concern. When we rely too heavily on AI, we miss out on understanding course content and do not fully engage with the challenges that come from grappling with difficult concepts. Even experiencing failure can impart valuable lessons. Learning from classes is essential, but the insights we gain from navigating challenging coursework are equally important. Unfortunately, the convenience of shortcuts often means that students do not fully experience either of these learning opportunities.
These digital tools clearly offer more than just homework assistance; they can aid in summarizing complex texts, clarifying difficult concepts, and translating writing. It’s important to evaluate your use of these shortcuts and consider whether they align with your genuine passion for learning.