Photo: Getty Images, Andriy Onufriyenko
If you’ve done a quick online search, chances are artificial intelligence (also known as (AI) contributed to the answer in some way.
Although AI can be a very powerful tool, it’s just that: a tool. Like any tool, it can be used properly or improperly, and it’s important to treat it with both caution and intention. If you’re weighing the pros and cons of AI and its uses, here are a few guidelines for you to consider.
Reliability
Let’s say you’re working on a presentation for your peers or FFA chapter about new trends in agriculture. AI can help you get started by identifying these trends and providing some helpful avenues for additional research. But it can also rely on faulty data or provide
incomplete information that may not be up-to-date.
Be careful about what’s supplied to you using AI and make sure to review its results for accuracy and credibility
Plagiarism
Using someone else’s words, ideas, expressions or language and passing them off as your own work is called plagiarism, and it’s a big no-no. Plagiarism occurred well before the internet, but today it can still be tempting to copy and paste an idea you think is cool — especially if it was generated by AI.
Remember to clearly identify where information came from and always give credit where it’s due.
Assistance
AI can make doing your schoolwork a lot easier. After all, there was a time when a research project involved spending hours in a library looking up information in various books and magazines and writing it down by hand. That same research can now be done in the comfort of your home with only a few searches on your computer.
However, not all information you find on the internet is correct, and quickly completing a task doesn’t always mean it’s better. It’s your responsibility to ensure all information is correct and to put forth your best effort in everything you do.
Understanding
Not quite sure about a specific topic? It’s easy to ask AI to give you an answer. However, it’s equally — if not, more — important that you understand the information being presented, what it means and that you’re clear on the concepts or research you’re learning about and sharing. It’s not enough to just ask the right questions — you have to understand the answers, too.
To check yourself, see if you can explain the information to someone like a classmate, teacher, parent or friend.
Careers With AI in Mind
If working with innovative technology like AI piques your interests, there are some exciting agriculture-focused careers you may want to consider. These include, but aren’t limited to:
- Research scientist
- Software engineer/architect
- Data analyst
- Information technology (IT) programmer
- Precision agriculture specialist
- Plant breeder
- Agronomy consultant
Still looking? Check out AgExplorer, which is made possible thanks to FFA corporate partners Culver’s and Syngenta. This interactive tool is designed to provide you with the resources needed to explore potential career paths.
Bottom Line: Use Safely and Responsibly
As our world continues to evolve, stay informed on the latest technological innovations and advancements. Click here to access the National FFA Organization’s standard operating procedures on the use of AI.
