Nelson Terdoo Nondo began his presentation by defining plagiarism as using someone else’s work without proper acknowledgment. Referencing earlier speakers on AI, he explained that AI relies on vast repositories of human-generated content to provide its outputs. He emphasized:
“AI is not creative; it is generative.”
The Role of References
He stressed the importance of references in research work, reminding the audience that no one is an island of knowledge. Every discovery builds on prior knowledge. Using ChatGPT as an example, he highlighted how generative AI operates by pulling from countless sources.
Authenticity in STEM Education
Authenticity, according to Nondo, encompasses originality in thought, research, work, and application. He cited examples such as the development of airplanes using aerodynamics and physics principles, and Henry Ford’s innovative application of established principles to create automobiles.
He categorized authenticity under three key headings:
- Originality: Having moral thoughts and approaches.
- Innovation: Improving on existing work rather than creating something entirely new.
- Critical Thinking: Applying deep reasoning and analysis to problems.
The Impact of Generative AI on Creativity
Sharing his personal experience, Nondo discussed how using AI tools like ChatGPT affected his creative writing skills.
“I love to write. As a digital marketer, I create content and write copy. Initially, I resisted using AI, but seeing how easy it made things for others, I adopted ChatGPT. Over time, however, I noticed I was losing my ability to think and spell independently. I had to stop deliberately and return to my roots of creativity.”
Predictions on Automation and AI
Nelson referenced an article by Prof. Socrates Survey, former Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, titled “The Future of Work.” Written in 2019, the article predicted a wave of automation that would reshape industries. While critics labeled it as overly pessimistic, he noted how the current AI revolution aligns with those forecasts.
He posed a crucial question: “What is the hope for humanity in a world where automation takes over?” His answer was stark:
“If you’ve outsourced your critical thinking to AI, AI will take over you.”
Challenges with AI Adoption
Nelson identified significant challenges associated with AI use:
- Over-Reliance: Students excessively depending on AI for assignments.
- Content Indistinguishability: Difficulty in distinguishing original content from AI-generated content.
- Skill Erosion: Loss of critical thinking and creativity.
He urged the audience to develop their cognitive skills before turning to AI as a collaborative tool.
Opportunities in Authenticity
He highlighted how AI can enhance authenticity when used correctly:
- AI as a Collaborative Tool: Supporting creativity and idea generation.
- AI as an Efficiency Booster: Streamlining workflows and saving time.
Framework for Ethical AI Use: The 3 A’s Framework
- Acknowledge: Always credit AI contributions.
- Analyze: Critically evaluate AI-generated outputs before use.
- Apply: Use AI responsibly and ethically.
Tools to Detect Plagiarism
He recommended popular tools such as Grammarly and Copyscape for ensuring originality in written content.
Key Takeaways
- Understand AI’s role as a tool, not a replacement.
- Maintain integrity by acknowledging all sources, including AI.
- Cultivate critical thinking, as neglecting this skill leads to stagnation.
- Embrace ethical practices in AI usage.
Food for Thought
- Plagiarism undermines credibility; authenticity builds trust.
- AI is a tool, not a shortcut. Use it responsibly.
- Critical thinking is essential for growth; when you stop thinking, you stop evolving.
Nelson’s talk served as a reminder to embrace AI as a collaborative ally while staying true to the values of authenticity and ethical research practices. His insights were a call to action for individuals to think critically, act responsibly, and use AI as a tool for innovation rather than dependency.
