Sociology 101

This week, we are exploring institutions, which are the large scale societal entities that meet societal needs (family, education, economy, military, government, etc.). For this discussion board post, we’ll focus on education. Particularly, let’s explore the impact of ChatGPT and other AI text generators on education.

Background on McDonaldization: Sociologist, George Ritzer, coined the concept, McDonaldization, which is when society’s institutions take on the same characteristics of McDonalds (efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control). Consider that when you go to McDonalds, the product is standard, often no matter the location. (There is some variability to meet differing tastes across the world.) But the question becomes, does the efficiency and predictability impact quality? Ritzer said that the focus on predictability and efficiency made its way to institutions, like education. Standardized tests, for example, are a way that schooling is made more efficient and predictable, but whether or not standardized tests are indicative of high quality education is debated. Also, consider if you think the McDonaldization of education diminishes our humanity. Ritzer said there was a downside to McDonaldization: “Most specifically, irrationality means that rational systems are unreasonable systems. By that, I mean that they deny the basic humanity, the human reason, of the people who work within or are served by them.” Would you like more information on McDonaldization? Here’s a brief video Clip and here’s a ThoughtCo. explanation.

ChatGPT and other AI Text Generators: Check out this article. Also, view this corresponding video of a journalistic experiment using ChatGPT to try to pass an Advanced Placement high school class and this video showcasing the use of AI tools in the elementary school classroom. Then please address the following:

To what extent do you think AI tools, like ChatGPT, will McDonaldize education?
ChatGPT is being called “CheatGPT” do you think that’s fair? Why or why not?
Overall, do you think that tools like ChatGPT will strengthen or weaken your education? Explain. (Maybe consider, do you want to use these tools freely as a student? Would you want educators to use these tools freely to create content and grade your work? Are there any exceptions to your thoughts? For example, would you want your doctor to have used ChatGPT on medical examinations as a student?

(Though syllabus policy this semester asks you not to use AI tools to generate your assignments, feel free to use for this discussion board post. But, please review the generated text to be sure you agree with the output entirely, as I want for this discussion to be based on your true feelings about ChatGPT and other generators.)

Attachments area

Preview YouTube video McDonaldization