AI AI AI AI: Canta y no llores! But seriously: Should you laugh or cry?

Yes, some people think this is the end of humanity. Evil computers united in their dislike for all things soft, wet, organic and shlumpy will wipe us out tomorrow! Not so fast. Looking at the world around me, I’m much more worried about us wiping ourselves out spontaneously, and without any supercomputer AI help. But for now, many people worry. One article imparts wisdom suggesting that “For the short term, departments and instructors need to evaluate how problematic ChatGPT is for achieving learning outcomes in their classes.” Or, more futuristically (same article) “[…] the concern around ChatGPT is not in regard to what it is now, rather, it should surround what ChatGPT can become as it continues to develop.” And Fox (somewhat typically) fans the flames of freshly hatched fear with an ominous: “NYC bans AI tool ChatGPT in schools amid fears of new cheating threat.”

First, the AI really is LLM (large language model), a tool that is not really “intelligent” but can swiftly and quickly re-assemble and rearrange words using very complex statistical models, creating an impression of “thinking.” But it cannot come up with new ideas it has not already found out there in the wild… Of course it will force everyone to stand back, and think what exactly they are doing.

ChatGPT is not the only contender in this space: Google just invited me to try its new tool called Bard, and one of my favorite writing apps, Craft, offers a built-in AI assistant you can engage directly while writing – all it takes is a / (yes, just a forward slash) and – easy! – you can type a question or a request – and when you get the answer, which is fast – you get the option to insert it into the text, and continue writing… and so the line between you-writing and it-writing is so easily blurred… Was this my sentence, or was it my AI assistant’s? My subscription to Craft gets me 250 AI assistant “requests” per month, and then resets back to 250; similarly, other tools started to monetize their services: GhatGPT now (as of March 28, 2023) offers me better access at peak times and much faster answers, for just $20/month.

Back to our concerns about AI in education: here is what Craft AI thinks about it (George – Q: What are the main concerns regarding the use of AI in education?):

Craft AI assistant responds briefly: “To answer your question, as an AI language model, I can say that the main concerns regarding the use of AI in education include issues of equity and accessibility, privacy and data security, bias and discrimination in algorithms, and the potential replacement of human educators. There are also concerns about the effectiveness and accuracy of AI in assessing and evaluating student performance and the ethics of using AI for decision-making in educational settings. These are complex issues that require careful consideration and discussion among educators, policymakers, and the public.” END OF CRAFT AI ASSISTANT

CharGPT is better here, offering an intro and a list:

There are several concerns regarding the use of AI in education, including:

Bias: AI systems may perpetuate existing biases and discrimination in education. This could result in disadvantaged groups being further marginalized and excluded.
Privacy: There are concerns about the collection and use of student data by AI systems, and the potential for this data to be used inappropriately or without proper consent.
Transparency: The algorithms used in AI systems can be complex and difficult to understand. This lack of transparency can make it challenging to identify how decisions are being made and to hold AI systems accountable.
Quality of Learning: There are concerns that AI-based education systems may focus too heavily on standardized testing and metrics, and may not prioritize creativity, critical thinking, and other important skills.
Cost: The cost of implementing and maintaining AI systems in education can be prohibitive for many schools and educational institutions, leading to further inequality.
Overreliance: There is a risk that overreliance on AI systems could lead to a reduction in the role of human teachers, potentially resulting in a loss of important social and emotional connections between students and teachers.
Ethics: As AI systems become more advanced, there are concerns about their potential impact on the job market and the ethical implications of replacing human workers with machines.
Overall, while AI has the potential to revolutionize education, it is important to carefully consider and address these concerns in order to ensure that AI-based education systems are equitable, effective, and beneficial for all students.- END OF CHAT GPT

Google Bard, too has an intro + a list to offer:

The main concerns regarding the use of AI in education are:

Bias and discrimination: AI systems can be biased, reflecting the biases of the data they are trained on. This can lead to unfair decisions about students, such as which students are offered scholarships or which students are placed in gifted programs.
Privacy and data security: AI systems can collect and analyze vast amounts of data about students, including their academic performance, their interests, and their social media activity. This data could be used to track students’ progress, but it could also be used to invade their privacy or to discriminate against them.
Job displacement: AI could automate many of the tasks that are currently done by teachers, such as grading papers and providing feedback. This could lead to job displacement for teachers, especially in low-income schools.
Lack of transparency: AI systems can be complex and opaque, making it difficult to understand how they work or how they make decisions. This can make it difficult for students, parents, and teachers to trust AI systems or to hold them accountable.
Cost: AI systems can be expensive to develop and maintain. This could limit access to AI-powered education for students in low-income schools.

These are just some of the main concerns that have been raised about the use of AI in education. It is important to be aware of these concerns and to take steps to address them before using AI in schools. – END OF BARD

It is interesting that ALL THREE AI bots listed “bias and discrimination” (or its synonymous equivalent) as their top, first concern, and NONE OF THEM listed cheating or accuracy (Craft AI assistant mentions accuracy, but it’s not clear if it is the accuracy of the information AI provides in general, or only accuracy “of AI in assessing and evaluating student performance”). In all my informal conversations with colleagues who mostly work in education, in several countries on both sides of the Pond, cheating always comes up first, accuracy/correct information is also often mentioned (but again, not mentioned by most AI at all!); some people have mentioned cost. No-one mentioned “issues of equity” as one of the top concerns in this context, which proves – ironically – that AI bias indeed IS a concern: most of the answers all three AI chats tend to give, on a variety of topics beyond this one, tend to have a noticeably left-leaning bias – this example is a case in point. At the same time, lack of any consideration or mention of accuracy of the info AI provides looks like it is programmed to purposefully avoid mentioning anything that would bring the issue of accuracy to your attention… NOTE: After I finished writing this (admittedly somewhat disjointed) post, I asked Craft AI Assistant and ChatGPT to summarize it in about 200 words – you can see it in APPENDIX 3 – Assistant showed the same political biases in the summary as the ones I mentioned here, attributing to this post (=me) the views which are NOT expressed here… but clearly reflect the software’s own focus and preferences… Ghat GPT refused to summarize the post (failed three times due to load at the time, or other issues – I do not have a paid ChatGPT subscription).

In a recent search for a position on my team, we asked the candidates a question (we emailed it to them, in advance of their Zoom interview): Could you create a checklist of items to consider when planning a live face-to-face workshop for a group of people? Then we asked how the list would be different if it were a Zoom workshop. I decided to ask Craft AI assistant to help me here (see Appendix, below), and its list was almost as complete as those offered by our very smart job applicants, many with graduate college degrees. So is this really a threat? Should we employ AI assistant instead of our candidates? No, not really – if I had to organize a workshop (or our new employee was planning it) this would have saved one of us 15-20 minutes, and probably improved the list overall, by including some items we could have missed. It also missed a few very good ideas some candidates had – but these were usually more original, clever ideas that you would not easily find online. Yes, in the case of complicated, specialized questions (What is the relationship between metformin and vitamin B in people with type 2 diabetes?) this tool can save a lot of time, and quickly collect, aggregate, weigh, and prioritize information dispersed across many, many sources, saving a lot of time in the process (imagine going to the library and finding, reading, summarizing and connecting the info in 6 different scholarly articles). And it will list the articles, if this is what I need (See Appendix 2). So it is a tool – to use Steve Jobs’s famous, “insanely great” metaphor – just like personal computer was a bicycle for the mind for him, this is an e-bike. We do not think much about it, but in many ways we all already are cyborgs: for better, or for worse, but mostly for the better, I think. I talk to my friends who are 6,000 miles away, on a device that has no buttons and no wires, it dials their long number which I don’t remember off the top of my head, and I use the same device I’m talking “to,” while I’m talking to them, to check the weather – accurate to the minute – at their place, so they go to the window and check (it’s night there!), and confirm that – yes, it is snowing. So AI or not, it we were supposed to cry at some point about becoming less human and more machine, it’s too late for it now. And I pause briefly, before I continue to dictate this post to my phone that transcribes it, flawlessly. New paragraph.

OK – so, let’s address the problem of accuracy: if you ask for a checklist, like I did, it would be easy to spot any nonsensical or unhelpful items on the list. But if you ask something you (of, for example, a student) doesn’t actually know, it seems the biggest challenge right now is accuracy and correct information. Or the lack of it, to be exact. In my preparation of a few slides I needed on the symbolism of numbers in the Hebrew Bible, ChatGPT suggested that number 18 is often used symbolically – here is our conversation on this topic (have fun reading! it is actually quite hilarious, and completely wrong, in all cases mentioned!)

AI: The number 18 was considered to be a “sacred” number in the Hebrew Bible. (My note: I am not sure why “sacred” is in quotes – so was it considered sacred? or just pretend-sacred? what does “sacred” in quotes mean, especially in reference to a religious text? Or are we bumping uncomfortably against another ideological bias again – in this case, clearly a materialist bias? Since in materialist view nothing can be sacred, it can only be “sacred”?)

George: Which verses in Hebrew Bible see number 18 as symbolic?

AI: The number 18 has a number of symbolic meanings in the Hebrew Bible, and it appears in a number of verses throughout the text. Here are a few examples of verses in which the number 18 is mentioned or used symbolically:

In Genesis 18:32, Abraham pleads with God to spare the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah if there are at least 18 righteous people living there. (hmm… nope!)
In Exodus 12:3, the Israelites are commanded to take a lamb on the 10th day of the month of Nisan and keep it until the 14th day, when it is to be slaughtered as a Passover sacrifice. The number of days between the 10th and 14th of Nisan is 18. (hmm… this is a good one! – nope!)
In 1 Kings 10:14, the Queen of Sheba brings Solomon 18 kinds of gold as a gift. (hmm… that would news to both Sheba and Solomon! At least in my Bible!)
In the book of Esther, Mordecai is told by the king’s eunuchs to fast for three days and three nights (Esther 4:16). This is often interpreted as symbolizing the number 18, as three days and three nights is equivalent to 18 hours. (hmm… LOL!)

In these and other verses, the number 18 is used to represent a specific quantity or duration of time, or to symbolize completeness or perfection. It is often interpreted as having a special or symbolic significance in the context of the verse in which it appears. – END OF CHATGPT – BRILLIANT ANSWER! I rest my case!

Featured photo by Cassi Josh on Unsplash.

APPENDIX: As a reference, here is the workshop checklist from Craft AI Assistant (actually, pretty good / useable – boldface/emphasis is mine):

Could you create a checklist of items to consider when preparing a live face-to-face workshop for a group of people?

Define the objectives and goals of the workshop.
Determine the target audience and their needs.
Choose a suitable venue with appropriate facilities.
Plan and design the content and agenda of the workshop.
Select and prepare materials, equipment, and resources.
Arrange for meals, snacks, and refreshments.
Promote and market the workshop to reach the target audience.
Set up registration and payment process.
Prepare a list of participants and their contact details.
Prepare handouts, worksheets, and other materials for participants.
Organize and prepare presentations and activities.
Ensure accessibility and comfort for all participants.
Test equipment and technology to ensure they work seamlessly.
Prepare backup plans in case of unexpected circumstances.
Assign roles and responsibilities to workshop team members.

If this were a fully online Zoom workshop, some items on the list would need to be modified or added to reflect the virtual nature of the event. Here are some examples:

Choose a suitable platform for the workshop (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.) and ensure that all necessary accounts and licenses are in place.
Determine the technical requirements for participants (e.g., internet speed, microphone and camera quality, etc.) and communicate these requirements clearly in advance.
Develop guidelines for online behavior and interaction, including how to ask questions, participate in group discussions, and handle technical issues.
Provide instructions for accessing and using the workshop materials and resources online.
Consider how to replicate hands-on or interactive activities in a virtual environment (e.g., using breakout rooms, virtual whiteboards, etc.).
Test the platform and technology in advance to ensure that all participants can join the workshop and that audio and video are working properly.
Develop a contingency plan for technical issues or disruptions during the workshop, such as providing an alternative way to access content or rescheduling the event.
Consider how to maintain engagement and motivation among participants in a virtual setting, such as incorporating interactive polls, quizzes, or games

APPENDIX TWO: Metformin and vitamin B

George – Q: What is the relationship between metformin and vitamin B in people with diabetes?

Metformin is a commonly used medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. One of the potential side effects of metformin is a decrease in vitamin B12 absorption in the body. This occurs because metformin can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestines, leading to a deficiency of this important nutrient. Vitamin B12 plays a key role in the proper functioning of the nervous system, the formation of red blood cells, and the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. A deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to anemia, fatigue, weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, and cognitive impairment.

Studies have shown that people with diabetes who take metformin may have a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency compared to those not taking metformin. The risk of deficiency may increase with the duration of metformin use and with higher doses of the medication. To prevent vitamin B12 deficiency in people with diabetes who take metformin, it is recommended to monitor vitamin B12 levels periodically and to supplement with vitamin B12 if deficiency is detected. Vitamin B12 supplements can be taken orally or through injections, and can help prevent or correct vitamin B12 deficiency. It is important for people with diabetes who take metformin to discuss the potential risk of vitamin B12 deficiency with their healthcare provider, and to have their vitamin B12 levels monitored regularly.

George – Q: If metformin interferes with vitamin B absorption in the intestines, what is the point of taking vitamin B supplementation orally? Shouldn’t it be through injections only?

While it is true that metformin can interfere with vitamin B12 absorption in the intestines, oral supplementation with vitamin B12 can still be effective in correcting or preventing deficiency. When vitamin B12 is taken orally, it is absorbed in the stomach and small intestine through a process that does not rely on the same mechanism as that of metformin. While some vitamin B12 may be lost due to interference from metformin, enough of the nutrient is absorbed to maintain adequate levels in most people.

In cases where oral vitamin B12 supplementation is not sufficient, or when a person has severe vitamin B12 deficiency, vitamin B12 injections may be necessary. Vitamin B12 injections are delivered directly into the muscle or subcutaneous tissue, bypassing the intestinal absorption pathway altogether. This method of administration allows for high doses of vitamin B12 to be delivered directly to the bloodstream, making it an effective option for those with severe deficiency.

In summary, while metformin can interfere with vitamin B12 absorption in the intestines, oral supplementation with vitamin B12 can still be effective in most cases. However, in cases of severe deficiency or when oral supplementation is not effective, vitamin B12 injections may be necessary. It is important for people with diabetes who take metformin to discuss their vitamin B12 status and supplementation options with their healthcare provider.

George – Q: Does metformin interfere with intrinsic factor?

Metformin does not directly interfere with intrinsic factor, which is a protein produced by the stomach that is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12. However, metformin can indirectly affect the absorption of vitamin B12 by altering the pH levels in the intestines and reducing the activity of intestinal calcium-dependent membrane proteins that are involved in the absorption of vitamin B12.

Intrinsic factor is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the last part of the small intestine, called the ileum. Intrinsic factor binds to vitamin B12 in the stomach, forming a complex that travels to the ileum where it is absorbed. While metformin does not interfere with intrinsic factor, it can cause a reduction in the absorption of vitamin B12 in the ileum, which can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency over time. This occurs because metformin alters the pH levels in the intestines, making it harder for vitamin B12 to be released from food and absorbed. In addition, metformin can decrease the activity of intestinal calcium-dependent membrane proteins that are necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12.

To prevent vitamin B12 deficiency in people taking metformin, it is recommended to monitor vitamin B12 levels regularly and to supplement with vitamin B12 if deficiency is detected. Supplementation can be done orally or through injections, depending on the severity of the deficiency. It is important for people with diabetes who take metformin to discuss their vitamin B12 status and supplementation options with their healthcare provider.

George – Q: Are there articles on the topic of vitamin B deficiency caused by long term use of metformin?

Yes, there are several published articles on the topic of vitamin B12 deficiency caused by long-term use of metformin. Here are a few examples:

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Diabetes and its Complications in 2017 found that long-term metformin use was associated with a significantly higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. The study analyzed 29 articles involving over 200,000 participants and found that the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency was higher in people taking metformin compared to those not taking the medication.

A study published in Diabetes Care in 2006 found that people taking metformin for more than four years had a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency compared to those taking other medications for diabetes. The study involved over 1,000 participants and found that the risk of deficiency increased with higher doses of metformin and with longer duration of use.

A review published in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation in 2019 concluded that long-term use of metformin was associated with a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, and recommended regular monitoring of vitamin B12 levels and supplementation if deficiency was detected.

Overall, the evidence suggests that long-term use of metformin can increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, and regular monitoring and supplementation may be necessary to prevent or correct deficiency in people with diabetes taking metformin.

George – Q: Please include a few more articles on this topic.

Sure, here are a few more articles on the topic of vitamin B12 deficiency caused by long-term use of metformin

A study published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice in 2016 found that long-term metformin use was associated with a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency and neuropathy in people with type 2 diabetes. The study involved over 1,200 participants and found that the risk of deficiency and neuropathy increased with higher doses and longer duration of metformin use.

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews in 2019 found that long-term metformin use was associated with a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, but not with clinical neuropathy. The study analyzed 12 articles involving over 22,000 participants and found that the risk of deficiency was higher in people taking metformin compared to those not taking the medication.

A study published in the Journal of Diabetes and its Complications in 2019 found that long-term metformin use was associated with a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency and anemia in people with type 2 diabetes. The study involved over 1,500 participants and found that the risk of deficiency and anemia increased with higher doses and longer duration of metformin use.

Overall, the evidence suggests that long-term use of metformin can increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency and related complications in people with diabetes. Regular monitoring of vitamin B12 levels and supplementation may be necessary to prevent or correct deficiency in those taking metformin.

George – Q: Could you please list the exact source for the 6 articles referred to above?

Sure, here are the sources for the six articles referred to above:

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Diabetes and its Complications in 2017:
Niafar, M., Hai, F., Porhomayon, J., & Nader, N. D. (2017). The role of metformin on vitamin B12 deficiency: a meta-analysis review. Journal of diabetes and its complications, 31(1), 141-146. doi: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2016.09.016

A study published in Diabetes Care in 2006:
de Jager, J., Kooy, A., Lehert, P., Wulffelé, M. G., van der Kolk, J., Bets, D., … & Stehouwer, C. D. (2006). Long term treatment with metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes and risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency: randomised placebo controlled trial. Diabetes care, 29(5), 1106-1107. doi: 10.2337/dc05-2475

A review published in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation in 2019:
Kancherla, V., & Elliott, J. L. (2019). Vitamin B12 deficiency in metformin-treated type-2 diabetes patients, prevalence and association with peripheral neuropathy. Journal of diabetes investigation, 10(5), 1198-1204. doi: 10.1111/jdi.13007

A study published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice in 2016:
Singh, A. K., Kumar, A., & Karmakar, D. (2016). Association of long-term metformin use with vitamin B12 deficiency and neuropathy in a retrospective cohort of individuals with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes research and clinical practice, 118, 68-74. doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2016.06.005

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews in 2019:
Wile, D. J., Toth, C., & Zhu, X. (2019). Association of metformin, elevated homocysteine, and methylmalonic acid levels and clinically worsened diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabetes/metabolism research and reviews, 35(2), e3098. doi: 10.1002/dmrr.3098

A study published in the Journal of Diabetes and its Complications in 2019:
Gul, E. E., Munir, A., & Azeem, A. (2019). Long term metformin use and vitamin B12 deficiency in type 2 diabetes. Journal of diabetes and its complications, 33(2), 107-111. doi: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2018.10.011

APPENDIX THREE:

200 word summary of this post by AI Assistant (Craft, paid subscription):

Craft AI Assistant: The article on Musings on T&L discusses the symbolism of the number 42 in the Bible, which is often associated with time, education, and learning, particularly in the context of completing a cycle or a period of transition. However, the author clarifies some misconceptions about the number’s symbolism and suggests that it is open to interpretation depending on context and beliefs. [NOTE: No, and no]

Moving on to the concerns regarding the use of AI in education, the article highlights several issues, including equity and accessibility, privacy and data security, bias and discrimination in algorithms, potential replacement of human educators, effectiveness and accuracy in assessing student performance, and ethics of using AI for decision-making. The author notes that these are complex issues that need to be carefully discussed among educators, policymakers, and the public. [NOTE: actually all five highlights are not true!]

As an AI language model, the author does not have a belief system but provides these insights on the concerns regarding the use of AI in education, which is a crucial topic in today’s world. It is indeed crucial to ensure that AI technology is implemented in a way that serves students’ best interests, is inclusive and equitable while addressing concerns around privacy and data security. The discussion on AI technology’s potential in education needs to be inclusive to ensure that students’ education and the learning process are genuinely enhanced. [NOTE: Should I take it as a complement? Should I laugh or cry? AI thinks I’m AI… ‘nough said… I’m not. Really.]

END OF POST

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