When people talk about Artificial Intelligence (AI)  in schools, the conversation usually starts and ends with cheating. The pushback is understandable, as generative AI tools, such as Microsoft’s Copilot or OpenAI’s ChatGPT, can write essays and solve calculus faster than you can say “academic integrity.” Because of student misuse, we’ve been quick to label the use of AI as unethical and, as a result, have overlooked some of AI’s best qualities. Utilized correctly, AI is a powerful tool that can benefit both students and teachers.

To understand the hype and fear, it helps to know how generative AI actually works. Generative AI predicts what words, images, or code would come up next in a sequence based on patterns learned from data. This autocomplete-like quality allows AI to do sophisticated tasks like solving math problems step by step or providing an in-depth literary analysis. These functions can provide academic assistance when teachers cannot. 

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Unfortunately, some students use AI as a shortcut to avoid work entirely and take credit for work generated by AI. In a study done by Turnitin’s AI detection tool, 1 in 10 assignments detected some AI use, whereas only 3 in 100 assignments were nearly completely AI generated. 

That being said, using AI to cheat may not be as severe a problem as you might think. According to a 2023 Stanford University study, the vast majority of students who admitted to using AI used it for appropriate, academic purposes such as explaining difficult concepts. Most students use AI to enhance their learning, not just to copy answers. Interestingly enough, AI isn’t actually causing any more cheating. Students have been cheating at the same rates for years. The same study found that a staggering 60-70% of students admitted to some degree of cheating in the last month. This percent has actually slightly decreased since AI came onto the scene. There is no evidence that AI has increased the frequency of cheating.

Some are concerned that AI is too convenient. Input a simple prompt and out comes a completed assignment. While AI can bypass entire assignments unlike other cheating methods, few students use AI to such an extent. 

Many educators remain wary of using AI in the classroom due to equity and privacy reasons. Students who don’t have access to even inexpensive AI platforms will be disadvantaged. Additionally, AI platforms like ChatGPT often require access to sensitive information and require users to be 18 years old as a result. This would pose a problem to high schoolers attempting to use AI for schoolwork. 

Despite these concerns, it would be wrong to completely dismiss AI in education. When used thoughtfully, AI is a game-changer. According to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, AI’s ability to individualize learning has proven to have the most potential. It can adapt to a student’s preferred pace and style—something harder to do in a traditional-classroom setting. Rather than scrambling to keep up with the class, having a personalized learning tool like AI allows students to progress at their own pace and focus on areas for improvement. 

AI provides constructive feedback in seconds as well. Students can understand their mistakes and learn from them. Imagine what a difference it would make to have a 24/7 tutor at your fingertips. 

Teachers stand to benefit as well. AI is very good at automating repetitive tasks, like grading multiple-choice assignments, taking attendance, and more. Convenience aside, using AI frees up time that could be spent with students or improving lesson plans.

So, how can we benefit from and combat the risks of AI? The concept of “AI literacy” has gained traction, and it’s important we implement it to ensure the proper use of AI. We need to establish clear school policies that specify when AI is acceptable to use. Can AI help me brainstorm? Can AI teach me this concept? Can AI help me with my homework? Ensuring we are using AI safely and protecting students is a necessary step. We would also need to train students and educators to recognize limitations, like when AI is unreliable. Lastly, we need to take a step back and consider if AI is really necessary in all situations. While AI can be a powerful tool, AI shouldn’t—and can’t—replace vital skills like critical thinking. We should celebrate originality and creativity, something AI isn’t capable of.

 We will become more reliant on AI as a whole, but that isn’t necessarily bad. AI has revolutionized so much, and it has the potential to assist our learning. The real challenge isn’t AI itself, but how we choose to use it. By considering its ethical implications, setting clear boundaries, and ensuring thoughtful integration, we can use AI to help students and teachers alike.