Rows of students sit in class, all stare at blank computer screens, wondering what to type. AI could easily fix this problem and do the work, but the consequences of getting caught can lead to far more issues.
The use of Artificial Intelligence in education has increased throughout the years, especially in 2020 after the COVID pandemic with more and more assignments converting online. Many complain that AI is simply used so students can have it complete their assignments with little to no effort, while others state it’s used for legitimate causes such as studying. This leaves many wondering about what AI can really be used for and what effects it will have in schools.
Regardless of the varying opinions about AI,students and teachers across the nation are using AI. Whether it’s to help make lesson planning easier, study, or to create a poster, AI surrounds us in almost every aspect of our modern lives.
“AI can be a helpful tool for both students and teachers,” said Brandy Brown, English teacher. “I can take a test or information from my files, and I can upload it to Magic School or Curipod or some other AI tool, and it will create presentation slides, games and activities, writing rubrics, and even tests.”
After COVID hit, many students were unable to finish their current year of school, and the next year, 77% of public schools moved to online according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
“Many of the students I have now, were impacted by Covid during 5th-7th grade, and these are vital years for developing critical reading and analytical writing skills,” Brown said.
AI is prominent in helping with writing and reading assignments, especially used for essay ideas or assigned reading. With this type of technology, it is now easier than ever for students to complete their assignments, whether it’s solving math problems or summarizing assigned reads. Many use AI to simply write the essays or summarize the books for them instead of actually reading them.
“I don’t think anyone reads their own book, they just use AI,” said Corinne Wittmer, 11.
Although artificial intelligence is frequently used for work, it may also have use outside of school.
“The only reason I use AI is to turn pictures of my dogs into humans,” said Jayden Macdonald, 12.
People also frequently use AI to edit photos of friends, family, and pets to fix the pictures in a way they like.
AI can be a tool for studying just the same as it can be used as a source to evade work. No matter what, the reality is that AI is here to stay. Whether it be for creating study guides, lesson plans, or assignments, AI is everywhere throughout education and the world at large, and both teachers and students will have to learn to adapt.
If students don’t have critical thinking skills and try to use AI, it won’t be used appropriately and people will be able to tell it was AI easier, said Veronica Garcia, English teacher.
“If you already have critical thinking skills, AI enhances the ability to get things done quicker,” Garcia said.
