AI in the Genetics Classroom: A Useful Tool but Not a Replacement for Creative Writing
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| Title: | AI in the Genetics Classroom: A Useful Tool but Not a Replacement for Creative Writing |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Kristen A. Behrens (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Science Education and Technology. 2025 34(4):621-635. |
| Availability: | Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 15 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Environmental Biology (DEB) |
| Contract Number: | 1830753 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Artificial Intelligence, Technology Uses in Education, Creative Writing, Genetics, Ethics, Student Surveys, Writing Assignments, Essays, Student Attitudes, College Students |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10956-024-10160-6 |
| ISSN: | 1059-0145 1573-1839 |
| Abstract: | Since it became available free to the public in November of 2022, ChatGPT and other large-language model AIs have impacted the higher education classroom. Some fear that this is the end of essay-based assignments, as these are easily generated by ChatGPT. Principles of Genetics, an entry level genetics class, has previously incorporated a creative writing assignment designed to prompt students to engage with the ethics surrounding genetics in a non-traditional manner. The overarching aims of this study are the following: (1) educate students on the ethical use of AI, (2) gauge how they feel AI impacts their education using pre and post surveys, and (3) develop a creative writing assignment that can co-exist with ChatGPT while allowing students to explore its strengths and weaknesses. To this end, we collected pre- and post-surveys from 191 students in the genetics class. We used a mixed method analysis (quantitative and qualitative) to analyze students' ratings and explanations. We found that after the study, students were less likely to use AI to write an entire paper or essay, but students also reported more positivity toward AI as a tool. Additionally, we present suggestions from students as to how they feel AI should be used in the classroom. This study and the activity used in the classroom provide an exploration of AI use in the classroom for educators to expand upon. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1477794 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Since it became available free to the public in November of 2022, ChatGPT and other large-language model AIs have impacted the higher education classroom. Some fear that this is the end of essay-based assignments, as these are easily generated by ChatGPT. Principles of Genetics, an entry level genetics class, has previously incorporated a creative writing assignment designed to prompt students to engage with the ethics surrounding genetics in a non-traditional manner. The overarching aims of this study are the following: (1) educate students on the ethical use of AI, (2) gauge how they feel AI impacts their education using pre and post surveys, and (3) develop a creative writing assignment that can co-exist with ChatGPT while allowing students to explore its strengths and weaknesses. To this end, we collected pre- and post-surveys from 191 students in the genetics class. We used a mixed method analysis (quantitative and qualitative) to analyze students' ratings and explanations. We found that after the study, students were less likely to use AI to write an entire paper or essay, but students also reported more positivity toward AI as a tool. Additionally, we present suggestions from students as to how they feel AI should be used in the classroom. This study and the activity used in the classroom provide an exploration of AI use in the classroom for educators to expand upon. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1059-0145 1573-1839 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10956-024-10160-6 |
