How do Students at Kenmore West feel about the use of Artificial Intelligence?

Hi Kenmore West, and thank you for coming back to read Part Two of “Artificial Intelligence: A Series.” Last month, I surveyed the staff about the use of artificial intelligence at our school. The results were rather fascinating, I presumed that most would be against the use of artificial intelligence in schools but an overwhelming majority just were not sure what to think. This research led me to question how students would feel about the matter. This is the information I collected:

On December 8th, every student at Kenmore West received a survey in their email. This form was almost exactly the same as the one I sent to the staff. 

Out of all the students at Kenmore West, 74 filled out the survey.

The majority of students who completed the survey were sophomores (31/74). 

39 students support the use of AI-powered technology in classrooms

21 students do not support the use of AI-powered technology in classrooms

14 students are undecided.

24/74 students say that they have used AI on an assignment

49/74 students have never used AI on an assignment

1 student would “rather not say”

From this data, I can conclude that AI has not become the go-to form of homework help. However, due to 32.4% of students saying that they have used it on an assignment, I believe that this number will keep rising as time goes on.

I then asked the 24 students who answered yes if when submitting the assignment they felt guilty. There is a big ethical concern that was obvious in the teacher survey. Most teachers believe that AI takes away the formulating process that is necessary to learn new things. When the answer is written in front of you, students lose the foundational skills that will be built upon later in life. I asked this question because I was unsure as to whether students knew they were cheating on their learning experience or were oblivious to this fact.

An overwhelming 63.5% of students said that when submitting an assignment they used AI and they felt guilty.

This number shows that students are aware of the ethical implications that artificial intelligence has on our education.

When asked whether students had ethical concerns about AI the responses supported the inference that students identify the issues. However, we seem to be split down the middle.

35/74 express that they do not have ethical concerns.

39/74 students express that they do have ethical concerns.

“I don't want AI to replace humans in terms of creativity, such as writing, or we may lose our own ability for creativity or discovery.” - Junior Jaidyn Vorpahl

“Some people could use it to cheat on assignments or other things and will do better than people who actually put effort in to complete it. That’s unfair.” - 8th Grader Willow Czerwinski

“My concern is that with AI, students will become less likely to socially interact with others. Human interaction is super important for development. I also worry that with AI, students will be less inclined to apply themselves and rely on AI as an easy route.” - Senior Lilliana Wagner

What do you think should be done in schools to ensure that AI-powered technologies are being used responsibly?

There were a variety of answers but 24/74 students have no idea how to regulate this. Most students came to the consensus that something needs to be done, but are at a lack of ideas on how to do something. This parallels the way that most staff surveyed felt. 

Some creative responses that differ from those of teachers include going back to paper and pen, being educated on how and when to use AI, and learning how to cite AI when it is used.

Is it acceptable for students to use AI on some assignments but not others?

Out of 74 students surveyed, 17 students are completely against using AI in all situations.

The other 57 students made good points explaining that AI is not completely black and white and although it should not be used to complete full assignments, it is acceptable to use as a springboard for ideas. Other students explained that it should depend on whether the teacher allows it or not. 

“I think it is acceptable for students to use in some cases. In IB there are ways you can use, for example, chatGPT to explore the functionality of AI and its impact on certain aspects of education as well as test the accuracy of AI, if you source it correctly and don’t claim it as your own work. I think this could bring an interesting aspect to education.” - Senior Hannah Kaderabeck

“There are plenty of assignments that AI can be useful for but at the same time you need to know the material to pass exams, you need to learn how to do stuff sometimes, the best use case for AI is things like editing essays or drafting study materials.” - Sophomore Jack Lipowski

Do you think students should be punished if they use AI irresponsibly?

27/47 firmly believe that students should be punished, three even answering “Yes.”

“Instant zero.” -Sophomore Zach Collins

“Yeah, the same way they would for any other form of plagiarism on assignments.” - Senior Ireland Crean

Our Future

Artificial Intelligence is our future. It is important that as up-and-coming leaders, we are educated on what is happening in our world. I believe that this is the perfect platform to learn not only about what is going on right now but also to inform others around us about what is to come in the future. 

Where do you think AI-powered technologies will go in the future?

“It’s scary to even think about, there’s already deep fakes and AI to mimic how certain characters and celebrities talk and AI can make drawings and paintings in the style of various stolen artists so it’s hard to tell where it can even go from here.” -Junior Emma Wistner

“They will get more popular over the years and more and more people will use AI constantly for everything whether they are responsible or irresponsible.” -8th Grader Suaad Yahaya

“Well I don't think that AI will ever stop growing so I guess it will only get less detectable.” -Freshman Metta Sagurney

General Thoughts

In conclusion, it is obvious that both the students and staff of Kenmore West are at a loss when it comes to artificial intelligence. There is no obvious solution at school and in life. When using AI it is important to consider the long-term implications that it will have on your knowledge. The choices you make today will affect your tomorrow forever.

“I don't see a problem with using AI to edit things it's just ridiculous when people don't incorporate any of their work, but at the same time AI is advancing very fast and people will end up heavily relying on AI to do things for them for 90% of their tasks.” -Sophomore Jack Lipowski

“In general I don't see a problem with technology but AI in itself makes me think the worst of society.” -Sophomore Natalia Rivera

“It’s unethical, it is hard to use AI morally.” - Junior Emma Wistner

I would like to thank all 74 students who took the time to fill out my lengthy survey. Surveys like this are proof that we as students have a voice. Although we do not know what the future of AI holds, we do know that as students and staff of Kenmore West, we are responsible for holding ourselves and our peers accountable and knowledgeable when it comes to this uncharted territory. 

“What you know today, can affect what you do tomorrow, but not what you did yesterday.” 

-Condoleezza Rice