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Reflection #1 Embracing AI: My Journey from Doubt to Empowerment
- Genevieve Jomantas
- Feb 2
- 6 min read
By Genevieve Jomantas M.Ed, M.S.
Content Disclaimer:
This reflection delves into personal experiences concerning disability and academic challenges. If such topics make you uncomfortable, you might prefer to skip this reading. Please note that this was a required reflection assignment, and the content aligns with my personal experiences and insights.
Introduction: A Chance Encounter with AI
Starting my Doctorate in Educational Technology (DET) was exciting and nerve-wracking. Little did I know that a casual introduction to ChatGPT would become a game-changer in my academic journey, helping me tackle challenges and reshape my learning experiences.
How It All Began
Back in November 2022, during the holiday season—a time I cherish for its warmth and joy—I first heard about ChatGPT through a CNN segment. Initially, it was just background noise amid the festive hustle. However, during a casual Teams call, a coworker shared a poem generated by the AI, showcasing its creative flair. This reminded me of earlier debates about ChatGPT's role in assisting screenwriters, which sparked discussions about intellectual property. My interaction with ChatGPT, however, didn't occur until July 20, 2022, when a coworker used it to craft a narrative based on a few prompts. To my surprise, ChatGPT produced a narrative that resonated with my personality despite knowing nothing about me. (Note to my boss: this was just me staying updated with evolving technology!)
Diving into New Academic Waters
In July 2023, I began my journey in the Doctorate in Educational Technology (DET) program, marking a significant transition as this was my first academic experience outside of the institution I had been part of since 2020. The prospect was daunting, particularly given my past struggles with traditional learning. I was diagnosed with ADHD in the second grade, which often made it challenging for me to grasp new material. This led to feelings of inadequacy and a deep dislike for school. Comparing myself to my sister, who excelled effortlessly, only compounded these negative feelings. As a result, I did not have positive associations with my formative years in education.
This background is essential to my doctoral journey, as it reflects my early disdain for learning and my belief that I could not succeed. Research has shown a direct link between academic self-efficacy and student outcomes, a topic I will discuss later in this reflection.
I am excited to enter the DET program at a revolutionary time for educational technology. Encouraged by Dr. Deshryver to utilize ChatGPT for research, I was initially hesitant due to widespread concerns about AI tools and academic integrity. At that time, many higher education institutions were grappling with the implications of AI, with some developing strict policies that linked its use to severe penalties for academic misconduct. For example, institutions like Harvard University explicitly prohibited the use of generative AI tools in coursework, viewing it as a violation of academic integrity. Similarly, other universities were updating their academic integrity policies to address the challenges posed by AI. This reactive approach has proven to be more harmful to students than effective in upholding the integrity of higher education.
As I immersed myself in the world of academia, I quickly discovered that ChatGPT had the remarkable ability to break down complex journal articles into content that was both accessible and engaging. This transformation allowed me to grasp the main ideas more clearly and understand intricate concepts that had previously felt daunting. However, as I harnessed this powerful tool, a sense of unease began to creep in. I found myself grappling with the thought that I might be cheating the system—relying on it instead of fully engaging with the material, much like a student who depends on a calculator to solve mathematical problems without understanding the underlying principles.
Amidst these reflections, my imposter syndrome surfaced, intensifying my apprehension about becoming overly reliant on artificial intelligence and the ethical dimensions that accompanied its use. I firmly believe that education should prioritize teaching students how to harness AI responsibly and ethically, rather than imposing outright bans, which only serve to create more challenges in the long run.
Within our cohort, I was heartened to find that many of my fellow students shared my curiosity about the implications of ChatGPT in educational settings. It was refreshing to engage in thoughtful discussions, especially given our shared aspiration of earning a Doctorate in Educational Technology. These conversations highlighted not only our eagerness to embrace technological advancements but also our commitment to navigating their complexities in a manner that enhances learning and fosters responsibility.
Discovering My 'Why': Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Over the past year, I have come to a profound realization: while my disability presents an array of challenges, it also opens doors to unique opportunities that shape my academic and personal journey. Many individuals embark on research paths not merely out of curiosity, but because these topics resonate deeply with their life experiences and struggles. My own challenges in the academic landscape have illuminated a critical and purposeful avenue through which I can instigate significant, actionable changes designed to support others who struggle with feeling marginalized simply for being who they are.
In the field of counseling, this transformative journey toward fully embracing one's authentic self and inherent potential is often referred to as self-actualization. Self-actualization is a state of personal development marked by the ability to realize and harness one's full capabilities while finding meaning and purpose in one's experiences. It represents a profound psychological achievement that, unfortunately, remains elusive to many individuals throughout their lives. By facing and understanding my own challenges, I have uncovered a deeper sense of purpose, allowing me to turn obstacles into meaningful opportunities for personal growth and valuable contributions to the community.
Furthermore, I have come to understand that many others share my struggles. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 21% of undergraduate and 11% of postbaccalaureate students reported a disability during the 2019–20 academic year. Given the stigma surrounding disabilities, this statistic is likely an underrepresentation, as many students opt not to disclose their disabilities due to fear of judgment or discrimination. Recognizing that nearly one in five students face similar challenges has inspired my research interests and aspirations. It drives me to explore innovative ways to create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students. My focus is not only on combating the stigma surrounding disabilities but also on empowering individuals by helping to enhance their academic self-efficacy and fostering a sense of belonging and confidence in their abilities.
Embracing ChatGPT as a Thought Partner
I deeply appreciate how educational technology, particularly tools like ChatGPT, can help tackle the pressing challenge of making learning experiences more student-centered. Shifting from a traditional faculty-centered instructional model to a more student-centered approach in higher education can feel overwhelming. This transition is often hindered by the fact that many faculty members may not have received adequate training or access to the resources necessary to implement these strategies effectively.
Furthermore, there is a common misconception that adopting a student-centered teaching model results in diluting academic content. In reality, student-centered education is about engaging learners on their terms and recognizing their diverse backgrounds, experiences, and learning needs. It emphasizes the importance of understanding where each student is in their learning journey and tailoring instruction accordingly.
In my own experience, ChatGPT has proven to be an invaluable resource that has helped me navigate areas where I typically struggle, particularly in writing academic papers. By utilizing this technology, I have been able to leverage my strengths and actively work on improving my weaknesses. ChatGPT acts as a responsive journal, offering suggestions and guidance that enable me to articulate my thoughts more clearly and effectively for various audiences. This interactive process keeps me curious, motivated, and engaged with my learning.
If I can confront and overcome my challenges, many of our students—who also encounter various learning obstacles—can similarly succeed. This is especially true if we equip them with practical tools like ChatGPT, which have already demonstrated substantial potential for making learning more accessible and inclusive. Integrating such technologies not only aligns with my convictions about education but also supports my professional role as a compliance specialist, where I advocate for practices that enhance learning opportunities for all students.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
As an educator, I am committed to implementing practical strategies that can be put into action rather than merely discussing theoretical concepts. Throughout my experience, I have found that utilizing tools like ChatGPT has been incredibly helpful in organizing my thoughts and converting them into structured, actionable plans. This approach allows me to view challenges as obstacles and opportunities for growth and improvement.
While it’s true that artificial intelligence, including ChatGPT, will not revolutionize the world instantly, it can potentially create meaningful impacts for individuals across various domains. If more people took just five minutes daily to engage with AI to ask questions and explore new ideas, we could significantly reduce many common work-related problems. This small daily practice could foster a culture of curiosity and continuous learning.
It is worth noting that, like any tool, ChatGPT is not infallible and can sometimes provide inaccurate information. However, despite these occasional missteps, I genuinely appreciate my interactions with this technology. It has become an essential resource in my educational toolkit, helping me inspire students and encourage them to think critically in an increasingly complex world.
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