Eagle Era

How AI has been underestimated as a learning tool

By Kshitij Rajmohan

AI has been a major problem in school ever since OpenAI released its first model of ChatGPT on November 30, 2022. AI can be used for cheating, but it can also be implemented for educational purposes. Most teachers don’t allow the use of AI in their classes, but some students disagree with such a blanket ban. AI can be used mindfully, such as for giving students examples for topics in certain subjects, creating study guides for tests, and as an agent for personalized learning. Students could learn to properly use AI, rather than simply using these tools for homework and letting their brains rot. Even so, it is important for students to learn that AI doesn’t always have the right answer, so it would be wise to verify the information. While teachers are busy managing 6 entire classes, AI could help fill in the gaps and allow students to learn individually.

An ethical use of AI for a subject like math could be asking it to clear up misunderstandings on a confusing topic so that the student could truly understand it in a way that works for them. Another ethical prompt for English could be asking for examples of specific literary devices or vocabulary words in a sentence, allowing students to see the device in context—or how to actually use the word and be able to better apply it. 

Though AI is not widely accepted by teachers yet, it could slowly make its way overtly into the system. This could be through introducing a course about learning how to use AI, or a unit in English class to teach students how to properly and ethically use this new technology. With clear boundaries, such as not directly asking AI to complete the assignment, students can find new ways to learn that work for them. Even teachers could find AI helpful in grading students’ assignments. For teachers specifically, this would take a massive amount of workload off their backs, which would allow them time for other duties. 

But this does come with a lot of trust. Year after year, students have been caught asking AI to write essays and finish assignments for them. Even if students were taught how to properly use AI, they could still take the path of least resistance and cheat on their homework.

Ethics is a crucial principle in high school, especially as work gets harder (Photo Credit: Kshitij Rajmohan (9)).

Mrs. Roberts teaches English 9. She said, “I’m okay if you use AI to study or review information that has already been taught in class, but if it’s not used as a study supplement—and you’re just trying to search up answers, cut corners, or make work easier—that’s wrong.” She believes that if utilized properly, AI could help students learn at a more accelerated pace, which could allow teachers to go more in-depth with certain lessons and assignments. 

But with that much power in someone’s hands, one has to shoulder a lot of responsibility—and be aware of it. Students must recognize that even one student getting caught using AI unethically could send the whole system down the drain. Students should be taught how to use AI—including the ethical and unethical uses, as well as the boundaries. Then it is up to the students to actually follow them—for the good of the system and everyone involved.