The AI Epidemic

Artificial intelligence uses machines or computers to achieve tasks that generally only those with human intelligence could complete. While AI has been around since 1956, it never truly grasped society until much more recently. Now, AI is found everywhere and can be used for a multitude of different purposes, including image and photo generation, providing quick and easy access to information across the web, data analysis, summaries, and so much more. 

Although AI has various advantages, including extending human knowledge and ideas, its morality has been a disputatious topic for many years. Some argue that artificial intelligence is always good to use, particularly in the workplace, because of its ability to perform tedious tasks and free up time for employers. Additionally, it can quickly conjure emails or assignments that many employers use instead of typing them out. It can be helpful in some instances to save time and make the workplace more efficient. 

However, it is important to question how its advantages translate into schools. Schools teach children hard work, consistency, and courage. How does AI fit into that picture if students do not utilize AI with integrity? Using AI to search for specific answers or having it write essays is clearly different than having it teach a subject or boost creativity and ideas. But the question many schools struggle with is this: where should we draw the line? 

Surely, the line is blurry. It would be naïve of school districts to completely prohibit AI use; most kids would break that rule daily, as many utilize AI to teach them subjects and provide clarity. On the other hand, setting no policy or guideline regarding which AI use is allowed would be a mistake in the future: kids would just use it write their papers and do their homework. The key is to find a balance: a policy that expects academic integrity, but appreciates the changing technological landscape and the availability of AI as a learning tool. 

Schools should allow students to use AI when it enhances their learning, such as giving them examples of a project to use as inspiration or allowing them to quickly summarize long articles so they can achieve a proper understanding of the information before they decide to use it in an essay. However, districts should restrict the use of AI when it replaces student thinking, such as the creation of essays or portions of essays, and searching for questions and then copying down the exact answers. 

It’s critical to ensure that students execute their own thinking when completing assignments and essays because it develops independent thinking, a deeper understanding of topics, and builds confidence in students’ ability to analyze and think critically. If students use AI solely to replace their thinking, their grades may seem to get better, but most likely, they are not truly understanding the critical information they are taught, which only harms them in the long run.