Artwork by : Annmarie Nguyen
Around the world, many people use ChatGPT to ask quick questions and get instant answers. While AI can be useful, students should not rely on it to do everything for them. In recent years, many have turned to AI to complete assignments. Its rise was accelerated, in part, by the shift to online learning during COVID-19.
When COVID-19 hit the United States and spread across the world, schools everywhere were forced to adapt to a new way of learning.
Districts scrambled to find ways to keep students learning, ultimately turning to online classes. Before the pandemic, many schools used little technology in instruction; today, technology plays a central role in education.
ChatGPT’s launch helped bring AI into classrooms. “[By] January 2023, just two months after ChatGPT launched, nearly 90% of college students surveyed were already using it for homework help,” according to Cengage Group. But many began to abuse AI instead of using it as a learning tool.
With greater access to technology, students now face the choice of using AI for good or for bad. Some turn to it for shortcuts. Senior Benjamin Sam said, “I have mixed feelings about students using AI to do their homework. If you copy and paste AI’s response, it’s not ideal. But if students are using AI to generate ideas, then I think it’s pretty good.” As AI use spread, classrooms and districts also began feeling its impact.
As generative AI hits within classrooms, many teachers have accepted the fact that AI is becoming a norm in society. Mr. McClure, applied physics teacher, states, “If a student is using AI to complete homework, I personally would want to structure what I’m doing differently so that students use AI as a tool and not as a crutch”. Teachers now face the challenge of balancing instruction with monitoring AI use. Generative AI has heavily affected classrooms, splitting opinions among students and staff.
Many agree that AI should be used as a tool that guides students rather than students blankly copying answers that AI creates. Scott Facher, English teacher, said, “I don’t think AI can complete the work for students. When a student uses AI to ‘complete’ the work, it’s a shortcut that saves time but doesn’t teach anything.” His concern raises the question: how can students learn if AI is doing the work for them?
Some argue AI can complete homework more efficiently than students themselves. According to the University of Illinois Office of Communications, “AI offers students instantaneous and detailed feedback on their work, helping them to see their strengths and weaknesses. Such feedback enhances understanding and learning outcomes—and helps teachers to know what to focus on in future lessons.” AI’s speed and feedback can benefit students when used appropriately.
While AI is efficient, it should not complete all the work for students. The University of Illinois Office of Communications stated, “If AI is used to complete assignments or exams or write papers, it is unfair to the students who don’t cheat, and it undermines the education and learning process for those who do cheat.” Using AI to do work violates academic policy and disrespects the efforts of peers. Completing assignments honestly, with AI as a guide, is far more honorable.
Students should rely on their own creativity and problem-solving skills. Expanding knowledge and critical thinking prepares them for the real world, instead of letting a robot do the learning for them.
So, how can students properly utilize AI rather than relying on it to complete all their homework assignments? Senior Bernardo Rios shared, “I’ve only used AI to explain topics I truly don’t understand, never to copy off of. I mostly use it for math; I ask it questions on how to approach the problem with steps, so that I can understand the process and learn.” Instead of using AI to complete assignments, AI should be used as a tool to support students in their learning.
Students must rely on their own critical thinking rather than using AI to complete assignments in minutes. When used as a tool, AI can help students approach difficult topics, expand understanding, and simplify complex concepts. It can also be used for proofreading, practice, and guidance.
AI can guide students through questions and concepts that students are struggling with. Students can then effectively use AI to solve problems and teach students along their learning process. Aiding students on their learning journey and curiosity.
What about teachers? The University of Illinois Office of Communications noted, “You can use AI to streamline administrative tasks such as grading, scheduling, communicating with parents, and managing student records.” AI can help teachers stay organized and ease some of the challenges of the job.
AI should not replace students with its empty prompts and robotic essays; instead, students should fill assignments with their creativity and raw emotion. Students using their own words and feelings rather than the empty words of ChatGPT.
AI must remain a tool, not a replacement. It should help students check answers, learn from mistakes, and improve through guided explanations.
AI has limitless potential as a learning aid, but only when used responsibly. It should never replace students’ work. Instead, students should use AI to ask thoughtful questions, learn new topics, and support their learning—without relying on it too heavily.