Learning in the Age of Generative AI

Artificial intelligence was once a distant concept of the future. But in 2024, it has become a substantial reality. In today's world, we can not say that AI is only related to computer science. It has thoroughly transformed the way we live and work. Generative AI has emerged as an everyday tool that supports students, professionals, and researchers. Be it anything like answering questions, generating essays, or writing code, AI has made complex tasks simpler and faster with just a few prompts. Being one of the most significant innovations of our time, it’s reshaping and redefining how we learn, create, and interact.??

Difference between Google and Generative AI??

When we use Google to search for information, it leads us to a variety of websites. Each offers its perspective on the topic. The results can differ greatly, as each source has its unique style of writing and presenting facts. These answers are mostly reliable, but they may vary depending on the writer’s point of view. Google essentially acts as a tool to guide us toward different sources where we can explore diverse opinions and data and choose from them.??

On the other hand, when we ask Generative AI a question, it generates a single response. Their response is based on patterns and knowledge it has provided. Unlike Google, which offers multiple viewpoints, Generative AI only provides an answer, making it more direct. However, this comes with some limitations. The information AI provides may not always be factually accurate, as it tends to give answers based on what users expect, rather than what is necessarily correct. Apart from that the most widely used generative AI, ChatGPT's knowledge is frozen in 2021. It means it lacks access to more recent developments. While users may find ChatGPT's responses appealing, it’s important to remember that they are not always reliable, unlike the diverse results offered by Google.??

How AI is helping teachers and students??

AI can be a valuable tool for both teachers and students. For teachers, AI offers fresh approaches to lesson planning and classroom management. A classroom can sometimes feel repetitive with the same teaching methods and assignments. But by consulting AI, teachers can discover a variety of new teaching strategies and also ideas which keep the learning experience engaging.??

Curiosity is not a bad thing but rather a symbol of intelligence. However, for some students, it might feel like a curse. For instance, introverted students who might feel uncomfortable asking questions in class can easily turn to generative AI for immediate assistance without any fear of judgment. This helps students overcome the fear of asking questions, especially those who may have felt humiliated in the past. With AI available 24 hours, there’s no need to wait for the next class. In this way, AI is making learning more accessible and flexible.??

However, there are also concerns. For example, while students may ask sensitive questions to AI—like how to make a bomb—they might hesitate to ask a teacher. This raises challenges in understanding students' thought processes and providing the right guidance.??

Limitations of generative AI??

While generative AI can be a helpful tool, it has some limitations. Although it may not always be 100% accurate with facts, it is great for tasks like checking grammar and improving the overall quality of your writing. For example, if you summarize an article or create an outline for your essay, you can ask AI to help write the content. It will follow your instructions, match the tone you want, and create a more polished version of your work. This can save time and help you refine your ideas.??

Language barriers

Although generative AI can help us in so many ways, it has limitations. These advanced generative AIs can work swiftly mostly in the English language. So, if you need help with anything, knowing English is a must.??

Nonetheless, one big problem is the risk of plagiarized work. Since AI generates content based on patterns, there is a chance that the text can be too similar to some of the pre-existing works.??

Another issue is that AI doesn’t properly cite its sources. While it can give you answers quickly, it doesn’t always show where the information comes from. In research and academic writing, citing sources is important to prove your points and ensure your work is credible.??

AI is the end of humankind??

AI has already entered our professional lives and is no longer a sci-fi idea. It’s transforming how we approach repetitive and monotonous tasks. As the use of AI has become extensive, learning to use it productively isn’t just an option. It has become a necessity. This is making us more efficient across various fields. Although it raises the question what if AI will take all human jobs? But no human jobs are not disappearing, rather the way we work is changing. To stay relevant, we must embrace digital literacy and make continuous learning a priority.??

The days of saying, "I've landed a good job, so I don't need to think about the future," are long gone. Upskilling and reskilling are essential in the fast-moving world of today. The job market is invariably changing. Eventually, AI will create new roles in future that we are still not aware of. But despite AI’s capabilities, it still needs human guidance.??One exciting new job role that has emerged is Prompt Engineer—someone who knows how to ask the right questions to get the best results from AI.

Without the right prompts, even the most advanced AI can fall short. So, mastering how to communicate with AI is becoming just as important as the technical skills we’ve always valued. The future of work will be how well we blend human creativity with AI’s efficiency.?

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