According to CNN, 30% of college students reported that they’d used ChatGPT for school in the past year. This new era of technology comes with new responsibilities of understanding how to use AI properly. Innovations are constantly being made, appearing in our daily lives through computers, smartphones, smart boards, AI programs, and more. Upper school students are encouraged to use technology as a tool in most classes. This usage of technology has led to an uptick in the use of AI programs, particularly in schools. There are many different types of AI out there, but how can one use AI as a learning tool?

Jon Peterson, a history teacher, said, “[An example of appropriate use of AI] is it can help generate ideas by filling up the dreaded blank white screen. I think it could help with an initial outline of a paper, for example.”

Teachers don’t want to discourage students from using AI completely, but they want them to find ways to use AI to assist them in learning.

Artificial intelligence was invented in 1955 by Alan Turning. He published a study called “Computer Machinery and Intelligence,” proposing a test of machine intelligence called the Imitation Game. Turning’s research was crucial to how AI became recognized and matured as time passed. Turning’s work, alongside countless other AI engineers, evolved into the AI we have today that shows up in schools.

When people hear of AI programs’ usage in classrooms, many think of cheating and academic dishonesty. There’s a negative stereotype about using AI in an educational setting, and it isn’t always true.

Many students have access to and use different AI programs for their classes at school. Still, many feel nervous to admit their usage for fear of being accused of cheating and academic dishonesty. According to the SPA student handbook, academic honesty is only breached when students plagiarize the work generated by AI or have AI programs significantly alter their work and submit it as their own. There are many other ways that AI could assist students in their understanding of various topics.

For example, C3 leader Andy Allen admits to using ChatGPT for school, but he does so in a way that helps him learn rather than cheat. Allen said, “I used it [ChatGPT] to study biology last year. I put in the learning goals and asked it [ChatGPT] to quiz me.”

It’s essential that students don’t use AI to complete their homework or assignments for them because then not only are they breaching the academic honesty code, but they’re also not learning the materials being taught. However, AI can be a helpful tool in assisting students understand, organize, and study. As students, we are responsible for using this tool wisely; we must challenge ourselves and our peers to prioritize honesty and originality.