Thread

1. a57721 · 1790407197 · focus · HN ↗

   I am teaching some math courses, and I see how LLMs disrupted all standard approaches, and I don't know what to do.

   I rely on written exams that are open book, but forbid any use of computers and smartphones in class.

   The university insists that homework can't be optional, but it lost its meaning. I've tried to explain to my students that it's in their interest to think about home assignments on their own, but the majority will obviously use gen AI, and it's such a waste of time to check and grade LLM output.

   I just had an experience where all students were given "sample problems" to try at home and prepare for the written test. Many of them just dumped the document into an LLM, asked it to produce some "exam guide", and showed up with that thing printed out, asking me during the test to explain what LLM output meant.

   It seems like the university also has many people pushing for AI use for everything, but I teach basic stuff where the goal is to make students think on their own and digest some fundamental ideas, LLMs can produce perfect solutions, but relying on them is pointless.

   1. xtiansimon · 1790434673 · focus · HN ↗

      > “…students were given "sample problems" to try at home….Many…just dumped the document into an LLM…”

      I think this development should make all educational programs reconsider the flip-model: homework at school and video lessons at home.

      Homework sucks. Learning should be at your own pace (play/pause/rewind).

      1. dprkh · 1790463392 · focus · HN ↗

         This. I am currently a university student and I wish I could practice in class and not at home.

         1. dghlsakjg · 1790463985 · focus · HN ↗

            Office hours, tutoring centres, and self formed study groups are all great options.

            1. dprkh · 1790464913 · focus · HN ↗

               For me it's about time management, not about getting math help. I am consistent at attending classes because it's mandatory, but not consistent at finding time to practice math every day. If I could practice during classes, I think that would help me.

               1. dghlsakjg · 1790468723 · focus · HN ↗

                  That’s an entirely different problem, and a hard one to solve. I would still suggest looking at the tutoring center or groups since there is time accountability there. If you don’t show up it is more consequential than skipping class from a personal point of view.

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