The Thread for Reasonable, Informed, and Measured Commentary about A.I.

[hairysasquatch]

Originally Posted by JeremyNick

Can AI even pontificate on the gestational period of Sasquatches?
It would be hard to write college level papers using AI, when so little is known of your kind.

This is possibly true. My field is known for generating pretty laughable A.I. takes. Not sure how this will be impacted by "Sasquatch Sunset."

[hairysasquatch]

https://techcrunch.com/2024/04/17/bo...goes-electric/

We get closer to SkyNet every day.

[fulltritty]

[TheFrenzy]

[hairysasquatch]

Originally Posted by fulltritty

We are so stupid

[49erRCCollector]

[hairysasquatch]

https://techxplore.com/news/2024-04-...em-expert.html

Fake News Epidemic

[TheFrenzy]

Just wrote my first AI policy for an upcoming syllabus:

ON THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE:

Papers deemed to have been partially or completely generated by AI technology will not be accepted and, depending on the severity of the infraction, may be reported to the department as an Academic Integrity violation.

In order to be accepted and reviewed for a grade, all student papers must:

1. Feature sufficient footnote citations.

2. Footnote citations must only be from course materials. No outside sources.

3. Cited information must match the cited source. No random citations.

Papers which meet the three requirements above will be accepted. The grade these accepted papers then receive will depend on the quantity and quality of specific historical evidence used in supporting the paper’s arguments. These are the core principles of this course’s AI policy. If you like to use programs like Grammarly to catch typos and grammatical errors—that is completely fine. If you are more comfortable writing in a language other than English and then having an online program translate your text into English—that is completely fine. If you decide to experiment with an AI program like ChatGPT to develop an outline for your paper—you may do so to the extent that your text is still 100% your own and adheres to the core principles above.

Students may be called upon to provide an oral explanation of their papers at any time.

IMPORTANT: Given that this is a History course, the bulk of any paper’s grade will depend on the use of specific historical evidence. AI programs like ChatGPT are capable of generating very well-written papers, but they struggle to identify and incorporate appropriate historical evidence. They describe historical events very generally and vaguely rather than specifically and analytically. I have reviewed hundreds of papers written by these programs and the vast majority do not score higher than a low C due to their lack of specific historical evidence. I will not reject every paper I suspect of being AI-generated, but most of these papers will typically score somewhere in the 50-75% range.

[hairysasquatch]

Originally Posted by TheFrenzy

Just wrote my first AI policy for an upcoming syllabus:

ON THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE:

Papers deemed to have been partially or completely generated by AI technology will not be accepted and, depending on the severity of the infraction, may be reported to the department as an Academic Integrity violation.

In order to be accepted and reviewed for a grade, all student papers must:

1. Feature sufficient footnote citations.

2. Footnote citations must only be from course materials. No outside sources.

3. Cited information must match the cited source. No random citations.

Papers which meet the three requirements above will be accepted. The grade these accepted papers then receive will depend on the quantity and quality of specific historical evidence used in supporting the paper’s arguments. These are the core principles of this course’s AI policy. If you like to use programs like Grammarly to catch typos and grammatical errors—that is completely fine. If you are more comfortable writing in a language other than English and then having an online program translate your text into English—that is completely fine. If you decide to experiment with an AI program like ChatGPT to develop an outline for your paper—you may do so to the extent that your text is still 100% your own and adheres to the core principles above.

Students may be called upon to provide an oral explanation of their papers at any time.

IMPORTANT: Given that this is a History course, the bulk of any paper’s grade will depend on the use of specific historical evidence. AI programs like ChatGPT are capable of generating very well-written papers, but they struggle to identify and incorporate appropriate historical evidence. They describe historical events very generally and vaguely rather than specifically and analytically. I have reviewed hundreds of papers written by these programs and the vast majority do not score higher than a low C due to their lack of specific historical evidence. I will not reject every paper I suspect of being AI-generated, but most of these papers will typically score somewhere in the 50-75% range.

So you're saying I can get a C, are you now?

[TheFrenzy]

Originally Posted by hairysasquatch

So you're saying I can get a C, are you now?

If you finesse it right and take the time to make sure the citations are at least valid.

The behind the scenes rationale is that when in doubt, I’ll usually give a potentially AI paper a 70% and with almost no feedback. If the student says nothing, it’s usually a tip off that they used AI. If they reach out to discuss the grade and can explain their reasoning, I always bump it up to a nice grade.

[hairysasquatch]

https://www.govexec.com/management/2...ection/395867/

Tax collection

[hairysasquatch]

Originally Posted by TheFrenzy

If you finesse it right and take the time to make sure the citations are at least valid.

The behind the scenes rationale is that when in doubt, I’ll usually give a potentially AI paper a 70% and with almost no feedback. If the student says nothing, it’s usually a tip off that they used AI. If they reach out to discuss the grade and can explain their reasoning, I always bump it up to a nice grade.

Has A(I)SU made any official pronouncements on the use of A.I. by students in courses?

[TheFrenzy]

Originally Posted by hairysasquatch

Has A(I)SU made any official pronouncements on the use of A.I. by students in courses?

This Wednesday’s Teaching Circle meeting is on AI. I’ll let you know what comes out of that.

[hairysasquatch]

Originally Posted by TheFrenzy

This Wednesday’s Teaching Circle meeting is on AI. I’ll let you know what comes out of that.

Teaching Circle - yikes. We have an "Active Learning Initiative" that I make a point of missing - this week's topic: "What to do when students don't do the reading" - really?

[TheFrenzy]

Originally Posted by hairysasquatch

Teaching Circle - yikes. We have an "Active Learning Initiative" that I make a point of missing - this week's topic: "What to do when students don't do the reading" - really?

Webinar via Zoom. 100% optional. I’ll only be tuning in to hear what they say about AI. It will be one of those “log in and keep your camera off” kind of meetings.

[TheFrenzy]

If anyone wants to see what an AI-generated paper looks like, a student sent me this asking if I would be willing to "review a rough draft."

Instead I got eight pages of ChatGPT.

The prompt for the final paper was essentially for students to decide how well Olympic-style institutions (the Olympics, the Paralympics, and Special Olympics) have done in promoting the "human spirit" (a term they defined for themselves at the start of the class).

Some of the major tip-offs include:

- A stunning lack of specific historical evidence (names, dates, places) in an otherwise well-written paper.

- The bulk of the paper consists of very general statements, many of which are repeated almost verbatim at multiple points.

- A misunderstanding of some of the course's most basic facts. Example: The ancient Olympics were not geopolitical spectacles intended to promote cultural exchange and world peace. They were local religious festivals.

- References to assigned readings only repeat the information found in the titles of the readings.

The "human spirit" is a concept that includes traits like compassion, resiliency, and determination that inspire people to overcome obstacles and pursue greatness. The insights from different readings help assess how Olympic-style institutions are promoting this spirit. The ancient Olympics promoted unity among city-states by honoring physical prowess in addition to more general virtues like honor and integrity. Although they were not as inclusive as they could have been, they did set the stage for the modern Olympic Games, which have become a universal representation of human achievement and unification. The Games uphold the principles of global cooperation and the pursuit of excellence despite commercialization influences. Through their celebration of perseverance and fortitude among athletes with disabilities, the Paralympics inspire inclusivity and empower people with disabilities. They are a true representation of the human spirit. Similar to this, the Special Olympics, promotes a culture of pride and acceptance by giving people with intellectual disabilities the chance to participate in sports, questioning societal norms, and recognizing each person's unique abilities. Whether in historic arenas or contemporary stadiums, Olympic-style organizations have generally been successful in elevating the human spirit by giving athletes a stage on which to inspire and motivate others through their accomplishments. Overall, by giving athletes a stage on which to demonstrate their skills, these competitions have been instrumental in elevating the human spirit. The Olympics stand as a tribute to the fortitude and compassion that characterizes the best aspects of humanity, whether they are held in historic arenas or cutting-edge stadiums.

Olympic history is a tapestry woven with stories of human tenacity, cultural exchange, and sporting prowess. The Olympic Games originated as a celebration of physical prowess in ancient Greece, bringing together athletes from various city-states to compete in the name of their respective gods. According to Guttmann's 1978 book "From Ritual to Record," these ancient Olympics had religious significance and were a symbol of the moral and physical qualities that Greek society held in high regard. Victors were praised as heroes, and their accomplishments were captured in poetry and other works of art, signifying the triumph of the human spirit over misfortune. However, the ancient Olympics served as platforms for diplomacy and cross-cultural interchange in addition to being competitions of strength and skill. Guttmann claims that both competitors and spectators traveled to Olympia to take part in the celebrations, creating ties of friendship and cooperation that cut beyond party lines. The Games provided a haven where rivalries could be set aside in the name of a higher ideal—the pursuit of excellence—amid the fervor of competition. Pierre de Coubertin brought back the Olympic Games in 1896, carrying on the rich tradition of athleticism and camaraderie. The first Games in Athens represented a momentous occasion of rebirth, uniting athletes from 14 different countries to compete in a spirit of unity and friendship. Coubertin, who was influenced by the principles of classical Greece, saw the Olympics as a means of promoting world peace and understanding. This vision is still present today. The Olympic Games have become a worldwide phenomenon that cuts across national, racial, and religious boundaries since their revival. As Lucas recounts, successive editions of the Games have borne witness to moments of triumph and tragedy, from Jesse Owens' defiance of Nazi ideology in Berlin to the massacre of Israeli athletes in Munich. But the Olympic flame has continued to burn bright, serving as an inspiration and a source of hope for countless numbers of competitors and fans. The Olympics have faced difficulties in recent decades, from commercialization to doping scandals, but their fundamentals have not changed.

The increasing integration of the Games with corporate interests and consumer culture has called into question their integrity and authenticity. However, the Olympics continue to stand for the greatest qualities of humanity, including the spirit of competition, and fair play. The fundamental principles of the Olympic movement are naturally extended by the Paralympic Games and Special Olympics, which were founded on the desire to empower and encourage inclusivity. These competitions give athletes with disabilities a stage on which to demonstrate their skills and motivate others. They thus capture the enduring essence of the Olympics, which celebrates the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.

The Olympics have developed into a worldwide event in the twenty-first century, attracting athletes and spectators from all over the world. Host cities have seized the chance to present their cultures, values, and goals on a global scale. In particular, the Sydney 2000 Olympics marked a turning point in the promotion of multiculturalism and reconciliation, as Australia celebrated its diversity and embraced its indigenous heritage. But in the middle of all the success and celebration it brought, the Olympics have also faced significant difficulties. Pieper discusses how issues with gender verification and doping have put the integrity of the Games to the test and raised concerns about inclusivity, fairness, and the protection of athletes' rights in "Sex Testing: Gender Policing in Women's Sports." Similarly, debates over the commercialization of the Olympics, as explored in "Consuming Olympus" by Smart (2018), have prompted soul-searching within the Olympic movement, as organizers grapple with balancing tradition and authenticity. In response to these challenges, the Olympic movement has tried to reiterate its commitment to elevating the human spirit.

Programs like the Olympic Truce, which demands an end to hostilities during the Games, and the Olympic Values Education Programme, which instructs young people worldwide in excellence, friendship, and respect, are examples of how the Olympic ideals are reflected. The Paralympic Games and Special Olympics serve as platforms for athletes of all abilities to compete and inspire, and it moved many people's hearts in this fierce competition. With technology advancing and social norms changing, geopolitical tensions and changing expectations for the Olympics spell uncertainty for the future. But the Games are more than just a sporting event, as shown by their long history and enduring legacy, they are a celebration of the human spirit in all its complexity and diversity. The Olympics never fail to bring people together in the pursuit of excellence, friendship, and harmony; whether they are held in contemporary stadiums or the ancient Olympia. The history of the Olympics serves as a tribute to the human spirit's tenacity, willpower, and compassion. The Games have inspired generations to strive for greatness and overcome hardship by spanning time and space with both ancient rituals and contemporary spectacles.

In the annals of Olympic history, each Games has left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of humanity. From the grandeur of the opening ceremonies to the nail-biting finishes of the competitions, the Olympics have been a stage where dreams are realized and the human spirit soars. The ancient Olympics, with their roots in myth and legend, provided a sacred space for athletes to test their mettle and honor the gods. These early Games were steeped in tradition and ritual, serving as a beacon of unity for the disparate city-states of Greece. Fast forward to the modern era, and the Olympics have become a global phenomenon, transcending borders and languages to unite people from all walks of life. The revival of the Games in 1896 marked a watershed moment in sporting history, heralding a new era of international cooperation and athletic achievement. Since then, the Olympics have evolved into a showcase of human potential, with athletes pushing the boundaries of what is possible and inspiring generations to reach for their own goals. However, the journey of the Olympics has not been without its challenges. The increasing commercialization of the Games has raised concerns about their integrity and authenticity. From corporate sponsorships to multi-billion dollar television deals, the Olympics have become big business, prompting questions about their true purpose and value in the modern world. Additionally, issues such as doping scandals, gender verification controversies, and geopolitical tensions have threatened to overshadow the spirit of the Games, as discussed in various articles. Yet, amidst the complexities and controversies, the Olympics remain a symbol of hope and possibility. Events such as the Paralympics and Special Olympics have expanded the definition of athleticism and inclusion, celebrating the triumph of the human spirit in all its forms. These Games remind us that, regardless of ability or background, we all possess the capacity to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. In the expansive history of the Olympics, each iteration serves as a chapter in the ongoing saga of human achievement and aspiration. From the humble origins of the ancient Games to the global spectacle of the modern Olympics, the evolution of this institution mirrors the journey of humanity itself. In the ancient world, the Olympics were more than just athletic contests; they were sacred rituals that honored the gods and celebrated the highest ideals of Greek culture. These Games were a testament to the power of faith, community, and physical excellence to unite a fractured society.

As we reflect on the expansive history of the Olympics, we are reminded of the enduring values that they represent: excellence, friendship, and respect. Whether in ancient Greece or modern times, the Olympics have served as a testament to the remarkable capacity of human beings to overcome obstacles, achieve greatness, and inspire others. As we look ahead to future Games, let us continue to uphold these values and celebrate the incredible diversity and resilience of the human family.

In light of the ideas I first expressed in my Reflection Paper #1 regarding the Olympics and the human spirit, as well as the knowledge I've gained from the articles we've read throughout the semester, I can say with certainty that my understanding of the “Human Spirit” has expanded and deepened. Initially, I described the human spirit as embodying qualities of fortitude, tenacity, empathy, and unity, recognizing its ability to overcome challenges and inspire greatness. I saw the Olympic Games as a manifestation of the human spirit, a gathering place for competitors, officials, and fans to celebrate athletic achievement and cross-cultural interaction. I have learned a great deal from reading the articles that were provided, including "From Ritual to Record" by Guttmann, "The Modern Olympics" by Lucas, "The Case Against the Special Olympics" by Storey, and many others. For example, Guttmann's study of the ancient Olympics showed how these events celebrated human potential for greatness and upheld moral principles like honor and integrity in addition to encouraging unity among city-states and physical competition. Lucas's examination of the modern Olympics demonstrated how the Games have developed into an international phenomenon that represents the ideals of global collaboration and the pursuit of excellence in the face of obstacles like nationalism and commercialization. While Storey's discussion of the Special Olympics highlighted the transformative power of sports in challenging societal perceptions and celebrating individual abilities, Alexander's examination of the Paralympics offered moving examples of determination and resilience among athletes with disabilities, highlighting how these Games promote inclusivity and empowerment. My appreciation for the various ways the human spirit manifests itself within the Olympic context has grown as a result of these readings. The Olympics are a canvas on which the human spirit paints its brightest colors, from the stories of triumph to the tales of resiliency, from the ancient arena to the contemporary stadium. Through acts of sportsmanship and perseverance, the Games remind us of our shared humanity and the boundless potential that resides within each of us.

[TheFrenzy]

[jplarson]

Sounds like I'll never be out of a job since I took my humanities and language arts studies seriously.

[TheFrenzy]

Originally Posted by jplarson

Sounds like I'll never be out of a job since I took my humanities and language arts studies seriously.

I feel sorry for the people who draw giant rat penises for a living.

It looks like AI is coming for them fast.

[TheFrenzy]

[hairysasquatch]

https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/10/busin...cap/index.html

[TheFrenzy]

Originally Posted by hairysasquatch

https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/10/busin...cap/index.html

Here's the Apple "machine crushing the fruits of human creativity" commercial that's backfired for them.

[TheFrenzy]

"Comments are turned off. Learn more"

LOL!

[TheFrenzy]

From last year, but relevant: "Olivia Dunne TikTok about AI essay writer forces LSU to issue stern warning"

[hairysasquatch]

https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/a...-b2542107.html

Not even death is an escape from A.I.