Ask Athena - AI Generated Edition
For this special edition of Ask Athena, you, the reader, are tasked with finding two imposter responses among these following pieces of advice! Three responses were generated by The Pillar’s own Athena, and two by ChatGPT. Can you tell which is which? (answers at the bottom of the page)
Q: What’s the best gum flavor?
A: While flavor is, of course, subjective, wintergreen is the best gum flavor. It has the mintiness of a regular mint, fulfilling gum’s role as a breath purifier, while not having so sharp of a flavor that it’s hard to chew; it tastes sweeter than actual mints, and this is because the plant wintergreen flavor comes from, gaultheria-genus, is actually not a true mint!
Q: What are your honest opinions on ChatGPT?
A. ChatGPT is an invaluable resource for high school students, offering quick access to information and assistance. However, it’s crucial to use it in conjunction with face-to-face interactions and traditional learning. While ChatGPT can provide answers and ideas, nurturing your critical thinking and interpersonal skills is just as important for personal growth and development. So, embrace this technology, but remember to balance it with real-life experiences and human connections to truly flourish in high school and beyond.
Q: Can you please explain the new grading system?
A. The new grading system is certainly still evolving, but this is how it currently works. On a test, students are assessed on their ability in a variety of skills. Each skill builds on the one before it, creating a learning progression. For instance, one couldn’t complete advanced trigonometry problems without first understanding the Pythagorean theorem. To get a certain grade, a student needs to reach a certain level on the learning progressions. Recently the system was updated, and students no longer lose their position on the learning progression if they fail a skill they’d already completed correctly.
Q: If you were a hippopotamus, what would you think the meaning of life is?
A. Unlike humans, most animals aren’t developed enough to think abstractly about life and its meaning. As such, if I were a hippopotamus, I most likely wouldn’t think life had a meaning beyond finding food, taking naps in the sun, and bathing in ponds.
Q: Is the lower enrollment in Athenian related to unpopular grading and attendance policies?
A. While grading and attendance policies can impact school enrollment, it’s important to clarify that Athenian’s enrollment hasn’t actually declined. Students consider various factors when choosing a school, including these policies, but also the school’s location, extracurricular activities, overall reputation, and tuition costs. Athenian’s stable enrollment indicates that they’ve likely struck a balance that appeals to a diverse range of students, effectively addressing any concerns about grading and attendance policies with other attractive features.
See bottom of page for AI generated answers
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AI generated responses: 1. What are your honest opinions on ChatGPT? 2. Is the lower enrollment in Athenian related to unpopular grading and attendance policies?
