How much AI is too much?

AI in classrooms is becoming increasingly popular. While some teachers believe it has an essential upcoming place in reviewing and sourcing, others wholeheartedly disagree. As a student who’s constantly writing, whether it be essays or poems, I believe it has its position in a writer’s toolbox.

I feel lots of people have a very black and white view of AI, but it’s really more than that. Some may believe they’re 100% AI free, while unknowingly using it daily. Your spell check? AI. your cybersecurity? AI. Each google search you make with an overview? AI. it’s really unavoidable. We are on the edge of a new beginning for writing and I believe it’s better to embrace the helping than forbid it. While ChatGPT may be too easy to lean on for students, there are perhaps more effective uses for the tool.

In my opinion, generative AI can and should ethically be used to review and critique your writing. Not to say you should input an essay and simply ask “fix this?” more so, ask for specific revisions. “What can I fix?” not “How do I fix it?”

AI is a wonderful source for criticism, with a database of thousands of professional works, having a 3rd party (the AI) compare your works unbiasedly to such essays can be the difference in a failing to passing grade, and for many students, give them an upperhand in their future essays. 

AI is also an amazing tool for sourcing. From breaking down complicated statistics, to giving references for students’ work, AI can really be the push from good to great. While there are drawbacks and moral dilemmas in the usage of AI, such as theft, pollution and its potential use as a crutch, from my perspective the potential of AI for students outweighs the potential threats.

The fear of AI from a teacher’s perspective is understandable, and as students I believe we should respect the rules of each classroom, but on the other hand a student should be open to every tool they have access to. As I see it, AI enhances learning, but won’t replace teaching.