BLUF: AI-powered machines are being developed to write homework assignments in the unique handwriting style of their users, but the question remains whether this technology will help or harm the education system.
OSINT: Devadath has created a handwriting machine that aims to solve the biggest problem with other homework machines by making his machine mimic human handwriting. Despite still being a work in progress, the goal is to improve the machine’s writing output so that it appears as if a human wrote it, instead of it looking too perfect and consistent like other homework machines. Devadath aims to make the machine reflect the handwriting of its specific user to match those written by the student themselves. This involves asking ChatGPT to write an essay based on the assignment prompt, which generates a chunk of text that is then stylized with a script-style font and output as g-code for a pen plotter. Devadeth created custom software that records examples of the student’s own handwriting, which is then used as a font, with small random variations, to create a document image that looks like it was actually handwritten.
RIGHT: The development of this handwriting machine raises significant concerns about the educational implications of utilizing AI specifically, when such machines will replicate a student’s handwriting to such a degree that it appears authentic. In this case, it raises the ethical question of whether the use of AI-generated content can truly inspire the creativity and innovation that writing is intended to promote. Not only is it concerning, but on a larger scale, the use of AI-generated content reinforces the negative trend of relying on technology to solve problems that can otherwise be addressed through qualitative changes in human behavior.
LEFT: The development of this AI-powered machine represents a major breakthrough in the evolution of education that should be supported and celebrated instead of being criticized. Machines that produce human-like handwriting have the potential to create a great deal of efficiency in the experience of learning for students. It can reduce the time that teachers are spending on poorly written assignments, while helping students to focus more on the aspects of an assignment that matter, instead of getting bogged down in the writing process. The use of AI clearly benefits those who suffer from a lack of creativity or experience in writing, allowing them to produce better quality work and perform better in the classroom.
INTEL: As AI advances and becomes more sophisticated, we will see more examples of machines taking over tasks that humans once considered their sole domain. In the case of AI handwriting machines, society is being presented with a solution to a problem that has existed for years. AI handwriting machines offer a significant leap forward in terms of creating efficiency, utility, and accuracy in the education system, and it is clear that this is only the beginning of what can be achieved with this technology. The ethical considerations of such technology must be considered carefully, but overall, this is a positive development.