Student Calls Out ChatGPT-Generated Course Materials, Demands Refund

Ella Stapleton : Photo Credit: Ella Stapleton LinkedIn

The rise of artificial intelligence in education has sparked debate, but one student’s recent discovery has brought the conversation to a new level.

Ella Stapleton, a graduate of Northeastern University, noticed that her professor had used ChatGPT to generate course materials—despite explicitly prohibiting students from using AI in their assignments.

Her suspicions arose when she found an unusual phrase in her lecture notes: “Expand on all areas. Be more detailed and specific.” This, she realized, was likely a prompt directed at ChatGPT. Further investigation revealed AI-generated images with distorted features and misspelled text in slide presentations.

Feeling misled, Stapleton filed a formal complaint with Northeastern’s business school, requesting an $8,000 refund for the course. However, the university denied her request, stating that AI-assisted materials did not violate academic policies.

Her professor, Rick Arrowood, admitted to using ChatGPT to refine his teaching materials but acknowledged that he should have been more transparent with students. The incident highlights a growing trend: AI is becoming a common tool for educators, with nearly 40 percent of higher-ed instructors now using generative AI for tasks like creating quizzes, grading assignments, and writing syllabi.

The Broader Implications of AI in Education

The controversy surrounding AI-generated course materials raises important questions about the future of education. While AI offers efficiency and accessibility, it also introduces ethical concerns and challenges traditional teaching methods.

1. Transparency and Trust in Education

One of the biggest concerns surrounding AI in education is transparency. Should professors disclose when they use AI-generated materials? If students are expected to follow strict academic integrity policies regarding AI, should educators be held to the same standard? The lack of clear guidelines on AI usage in higher education creates uncertainty for both students and faculty.

2. The Role of AI in Personalized Learning

AI has the potential to revolutionize education by offering personalized learning experiences. Adaptive learning systems can tailor coursework to individual students, helping them grasp complex concepts at their own pace. However, reliance on AI-generated materials could also lead to a decline in critical thinking and engagement, as students may receive standardized content rather than dynamic, instructor-led discussions.

3. Ethical Considerations and Academic Integrity

The use of AI in education raises ethical concerns about originality and intellectual property. If professors rely on AI to generate course materials, does this diminish the value of their expertise? Additionally, AI-generated content may contain biases or inaccuracies, potentially misleading students. Universities must establish clear policies to ensure AI is used responsibly and ethically in academic settings.

4. The Future of Teaching Jobs

As AI continues to automate tasks traditionally performed by educators—such as grading, content creation, and even tutoring—there is growing concern about the future of teaching jobs. While AI can enhance efficiency, it should complement rather than replace human instructors. The challenge lies in finding a balance between leveraging AI’s capabilities and preserving the human element of education.

What’s Next for AI in Education?

The integration of AI in education is inevitable, but institutions must address its challenges proactively. Policymakers and educators must work together to establish ethical guidelines, ensure transparency, and maintain the integrity of academic instruction.

As AI continues to evolve, universities will need to adapt their teaching methods while preserving the core values of education—critical thinking, creativity, and meaningful human interaction.