When I asked ChatGPT about the educational use of AI, it responded, “Using ChatGPT in education can either enhance or hinder a student’s thinking skills, depending on how it’s used. When students utilize it to clarify difficult concepts, generate ideas, or receive feedback on their work, it becomes a powerful tool that supports learning and encourages deeper thinking. It can help them understand the material more thoroughly and develop their skills more efficiently. However, if students rely on ChatGPT to complete their assignments or write essays without engaging with the material themselves, they risk weakening their critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving abilities over time. Ultimately, ChatGPT should be viewed as a learning aid, not a replacement for effort or independent thought.”
This highlights that AI can have a negative impact on students if they depend on it more than they should. I also spoke with a classmate about AI, and he said, “I am a student who has abused AI. I use it for answers; it’s my go-to right away. I don’t even attempt the work because I struggle in English, so why make it harder on myself when I can just get it done quickly?”
“AI makes me wary. I understand the benefits, but I’m concerned about how much we, everyone, not just students, will come to rely on it. Original thought, problem-solving, and critical thinking could be diminished. Students, including my own children, often look for the easiest path forward, and AI is a tempting tool to achieve that. While using AI to check your work has value, relying on it to complete assignments does not. It doesn’t demonstrate learning or growth, nor does it help prepare students for secondary education. As students increasingly use AI, it’s becoming harder to detect, which is why I’m moving back to more paper-and-pencil assignments and assessments to ensure they are not using computerized tools to finish their work,” said Ms. Mathews.
I asked Sam Macduff how often he sees students using AI. He replied, “I see students using AI almost every day; they consider it a tool. Most teachers think it’s used for ‘cheating,’ but it helps them learn.”
Some people use AI for help, while others view it as an easy way out. AI can aid learning, but it ultimately depends on whether individuals truly want to do the work themselves or simply want to cheat.
