education

Pros & Cons of AI  

Posted on by gshslionsdenadmin

By Samarah Guy  

Photo by: Samarah Guy

Teachers and students are torn on deciding whether or not AI will prove to be beneficial for today’s society. 

Artificial intelligence is a form of computer science that uses human intelligence to do everyday tasks like reasoning, generalizing, discovering meaning and problem solving.  

“I think AI has some good things about it, but I also think it has bad things about it because people come to rely on it more than human creativity,” technology education teacher Mr. Matthew King said.  

Artificial intelligence isn’t always used ethically. Students tend to use it to get quick answers for homework, but this is actually causing a lack of comprehension because no new information is being taken in.  

“I think people need to realize that ethics is also in control of the user,” Mr. King added. “Don’t use it as a substitute for learning, use it as an enhancement.”  

Students use AI as a substitute for their own abilities, resulting in their dependence on technology. It’s less likely for those relying on AI to develop certain skills further such as critical thinking. 

“The most important thing is to not hide from it, but to learn how to use it as a tool,” English teacher Mrs. Mary Logan said.  

Some teachers may even use AI to help make plans for upcoming classes, as well as for referencing when they need a quick and direct answer.  

“I have used artificial intelligence predominantly to generate things that I used to have to come up with on my own,” Mrs. Logan said. “For example, if I want to play a game … with vocabulary words, now I can go into chat AI and say, ‘give me sentences for each word using context clues.’”  

Students can also use AI in beneficial ways like checking over answers, receiving direct answers to questions or even to study.

“I use it as a search engine whenever I have a really specific question that google can’t answer,” senior Aryana Galdo said. “… once it can be integrated without completely diminishing a system, I think it could be capitalized on.”  

Artificial intelligence has the potential to be beneficial for everyone without negatively affecting some; however, it still has kinks that need to be ironed out before it can get to that point.  

“It’s meant to be help to you not the reason you get it right,” math teacher Mr. Matthew Sofran said.  

GSHS Outdoor Classroom Project

Posted on by gshslionsdenadmin

By Kerrick Shaw

Photo by: Kerrick Shaw

A change in scenery will be implemented by the start of the next school year for students and teachers to enjoy time learning in the sun. 

On top of renovating the pond and landscaping, the school board is moving forward with a pavilion project for classroom purposes, building on top of the cement slab outside of the science wing. 

“There used to be a greenhouse that sat outside by Mrs. Harper’s room … when that got taken down, that cement area was just left there,” GS Superintendent Dr. Ken Bissell said. “A lot of the science teachers still use that outdoor space … the science department really took the lead on deciding how to renovate it.” 

All students were taken into consideration during the decision making for this project, keeping it available to all classes rather than exclusively sciences. 

“It became, ‘can we have an area that any class or any student can use?’ with the pavilion and seating,” Environment and Ecology teacher Mr. Angelo Testa said. “Everything from science classes, obviously, to art classes, English – just anyone who wants to go outside will get to have this space.” 

Students have shared excitement for the space, agreeing that it will be beneficial for everyone. 

“I think the introduction of an outdoor classroom will be a great addition to the school, especially with the ecology classes,” junior Aiden Carota said. “… many students will be happy to get out of the building for some fresh air.” 

The School Board will be voting to move forward with a contractor and will then be able to map out the full timeline of the project. 

“I am hopeful for the pavilion to be done before summer,” Dr. Bissell said. “However, for the whole project – pavilion, pond, landscaping – I’d like that all to be ready for the next school year.” 

The staff involved are eager to provide this designated spot for outdoor learning. 

“There’s a certain energy that comes out of it,” Principal Mr. Adam Jones said. “It’s like: ‘Aw man!’ That’s what I hope it becomes, ‘Hey, let’s go use the outdoor classroom.’” 

Snow Days VS.  FIDs Days  

Posted on by gshslionsdenadmin

By Samarah Guy  

Photo Courtesy: Alyssa Martinez

Many schools don’t have snow days anymore because Covid-19 opened a new world of virtual learning.  

GS has flexible instruction days, so students can do work from the comfort of their own home when the weather gets bad.  There are many advantages to FIDS days, but there are also many disadvantages.  

“I wouldn’t be comfortable doing online because I don’t get the hands on learning I need,” sophomore Nevaeh Hirst said.  

Many students need a teacher to physically show or help them when it comes to learning, and a computer screen doesn’t allow that to happen.  

Some teachers will make videos or step-by-step directions for the students, and many benefit from this because they can look back and make sure they are doing what is being asked.  

“If I were to virtually learn, I would slack off because there are more distractions for me at home,” Hirst commented.  

Distractions are more limited in school, and the teacher can bring the student’s attention back to the subject at hand. When the child is at home, anything around them can take their attention away from school because they are in their comfortable place.  

Students can also cheat on assignments using the technology around them. Not only is this not helping their brain work, but it’s also giving kids the opportunity to become dependent on technology.  

When GS has a FIDS day, many students may fall behind on their work or their grades may even lower.  

“When we do online my teachers usually don’t give work, but when they do, I don’t do it because I’m used to not having to,” junior Savannah Herring said.  

Some students may not be able to attend their virtual classes because they don’t have access to the items they need. Not being able to do work or log onto the live class, the students not only are falling behind on work, but they also will be marked absent.  

“I think if you have access to a computer or WIFI at home, you can benefit, but if you don’t have access, school shouldn’t hold you accountable for it,” U.S. government and politics teacher Ms. Sierra Aires said.