From English Essays to Algebra: The Generative AI Revolution in Student Homework

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Generative AI Revolutionizes English Assignments, Math to Follow

Since its release to the public by OpenAI towards the end of 2022, ChatGPT has significantly disrupted traditional teaching methods, particularly in the way writing assignments are handled. School officials quickly sought methods to identify essays produced by AI, while students hurried to disguise their AI-crafted work. However, while the focus was predominantly on written tasks, a notable change was also happening quietly on the side: an increasing number of students started turning to AI for help with their math homework as well.

Currently, students in high schools and colleges across the nation are trying out no-cost mobile applications that utilize generative AI to assist with their mathematics assignments. Among the top choices for these students is the Gauth application, which boasts millions of downloads. ByteDance, the company behind TikTok, owns this app.

Initially released in 2019, the Gauth application primarily centered around math before broadening its scope to include subjects such as chemistry and physics. Its importance has surged, positioning it near the peak of the education category in smartphone app download charts earlier this year. It has garnered a strong following among students, evidenced by its hundreds of thousands of mostly positive critiques. On both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, Gauth boasts an impressive 4.8-star average rating.

Once the app is installed, students simply need to aim their smartphone camera at a homework question, whether it's in print or handwritten. They should ensure that all necessary details are captured within the photo frame. Following this, Gauth's artificial intelligence program will produce a detailed walkthrough, frequently including the solution.

In our evaluation using algebra and geometry assignments designed for high-school students, Gauth's artificial intelligence application failed to achieve top marks, especially having difficulty with questions that involved graphing. It managed to secure a score equivalent to a high C or a low B on the assignments we provided. While not outstanding, it's possibly sufficient for students looking for a shortcut to avoid spending their post-school hours on homework.

The application faced greater challenges with advanced mathematics problems, such as those found in Calculus 2, indicating that students who are deeper into their academic paths might not find this iteration of AI-based homework assistance apps as useful.

Indeed, artificial intelligence (AI) applications, built upon natural language processing technology, often struggle to provide correct solutions to intricate mathematical problems. However, efforts are underway to enhance AI's proficiency in this area, and it's probable that these tools can already handle the mathematics taught in introductory high school courses. Will has also shared insights into how the team at Google DeepMind is thrilled with the performance of a new, math-oriented large language model named AlphaProof, especially its performance on questions from this year's International Math Olympiad.

Gauth identifies itself as a company focused on AI-driven study assistance, aimed at mastering homework assignments and tackling challenging questions, rather than facilitating academic dishonesty. It emphasizes responsible use by featuring an "Honor Code" on its website, advising users to avoid exploiting the tool in manners that conflict with their personal ethics or the guidelines of their educational institutions. The message from Gauth suggests an understanding that, despite its intended purpose, some users, particularly impulsive teenagers, might be tempted to misuse the application. Consequently, it encourages them to commit to using the service wisely.

Before the article was released, a representative from ByteDance failed to respond to a series of inquiries regarding the Gauth app after WIRED reached out via email.

Concentrating on Gauth's constraints might be simple, yet it's worth noting that countless students currently possess a no-cost application on their mobile devices capable of guiding them through numerous mathematical issues swiftly and with reasonable precision. Such an idea would have seemed nearly unimaginable to learners just a short time ago.

One could make the case that Gauth enhances educational accessibility for learners who lack exposure to high-quality instruction or who assimilate knowledge more gradually compared to the pace set by their instructor's syllabus. This viewpoint is echoed by advocates of integrating AI solutions, such as ChatGPT, into educational settings. The argument goes that if all students ultimately reach the same academic goal, the specific route they took to get there is of little consequence. Furthermore, could this not be considered a natural progression in the evolution of mathematical tools? We transitioned from using the abacus to employing graphing calculators; thus, it seems logical to view the adoption of generative AI as yet another significant advancement.

I recognize the benefits of educators strategically using artificial intelligence in educational settings for particular teachings or to offer learners tailored practice exercises. However, I'm concerned that excessive dependence on this technology by students might undermine the development of their critical thinking abilities—skills usually developed through the challenges of rigorous math courses and demanding homework. (As someone who majored in English, I completely understand the sentiment.)

If educational authorities keep pinpointing AI-created compositions as the main danger to contemporary teaching methods, they're overlooking the bigger picture. Perhaps shifting the focus towards conducting math exercises during class time, rather than assigning strenuous homework, could still promote beneficial learning results in the AI era.

Should Gauth and similar platforms ultimately spell the end of math assignments for high school students, a vast number of them will undoubtedly welcome this change with open arms. The reaction from parents and teachers, however, is less certain. This issue still hangs in the balance, and it's something even Gauth hasn't figured out a solution for just yet.

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