AI is here to stay, and if anything, it’s only going to grow more powerful. When OpenAI first introduced ChatGPT, there was widespread concern about its potential impact on jobs. Soon after, there was an outcry among parents and teachers about students' increasing reliance on AI for assignments and homework. A growing number of educators have voiced concerns that AI could pose a significant threat to education and child development.
In this article, we’ll dive into the potential consequences of AI in education and explore how it can be ethically used to support student enrichment and foster self-directed learning.
When AI Becomes a Crutch: The Impact on Student Development
There are obvious negative use cases one can imagine. With tools like AI homework helpers on the market, students can upload a photo, and the tool will easily provide them with the answer. These practices impact their knowledge retention and in-depth understanding of the subject. But the problem runs deeper than that.
An increasing number of students are using AI for their homework due to a combination of its availability, ease of use, and, in some cases, laziness. When students rely on AI to write papers and assignments instead of spending time reading through textbooks and reference materials to write the answers on their own, they limit their capabilities to grow as learners. Reading and research are quintessential for improving language skills and vocabulary. It also trains the mind to stay focused, thereby improving attention span. Writing builds critical thinking and communication skills. With the advent of AI, students resort to copying and pasting, often stunting their growth in critical skills and their ability to articulate themselves.
Another issue with students who over-rely on AI is that they lack foundational knowledge. Assignments and homework are designed to supplement learning beyond the classroom and textbooks. When these tasks are not treated as valuable learning opportunities, students miss out on building the foundation needed to advance in the subject. In the long term, using AI as a quick-fix solution fosters individuals who lack the ability to analyze, articulate, or stay focused. Consequently, we may end up with individuals entering the workforce who are ill-equipped for their jobs.
So what’s the solution? In the next section, we’ll discuss a few steps that parents and teachers could implement to ensure students are actually learning.
Guiding AI Use to Promote Effective Learning
When ChatGPT was rolled out, some schools, including all those in New York City, banned its use due to concerns over cheating. Soon after, the decision was reversed after gaining a better understanding of the capabilities of the technology. The difference is that when a student uses AI to generate an entire essay or answer questions, it is still considered cheating, but it’s not when it’s used to find further readings, brainstorm ideas, or proofread.
Schools and educational institutions now recognize the opportunities offered by AI tools when used responsibly. Here’s how you can help your student get up to speed.
- Identifying Present Use: Before showing how to use AI responsibly, you need to know how significantly your child is using AI to complete their homework and assignments. Although there are AI detector tools available, they may not always be accurate. The best way to check the extent of AI usage is to read through the papers they’ve written. Every individual has a unique writing style that can be very similar to the way they speak and express their ideas. Homework and essays written by AI will often lack a personal voice, serving as the first indicator that your child may be using AI for their schoolwork.
Once you analyze this, establish ground rules and set guidelines to navigate the extent of AI reliance. Refer to the steps below while forming guidelines for your child.
- Use it as a Personal Tutor: AI can be your child’s tutor. It can help them grasp complex subjects by providing comprehensive explanations and breaking down difficult concepts into easily understandable terms. During exam preparation, they may use AI to quiz themselves on topics or even create flashcards to help them memorize. Khan Academy has its own AI tutor called “Khanmigo,” which assists students with questions and learning paths in a wide range of subjects. This tool is designed to encourage students to think critically and solve problems without giving direct answers.
- A Research Assistant: For projects that require extensive research, AI can simplify the process. For example, perplexity.ai offers answers with sources cited alongside each response, making it ideal for reliable information gathering, citations, and deeper insights into topics. There are many AI tools beyond ChatGPT, such as Gemini or Bard, if you’re looking to help your child develop depth in knowledge and understanding of a subject.
- Brainstorm Ideas: Whether it’s for a writing assignment, a science project, or a creative task, AI can act as a sounding board, offering prompts, suggestions, and different perspectives. Try a fun brainstorming exercise with your child using AI tools. Show them how to write prompts to find new ideas and expand on these ideas with their own thoughts and creativity, ensuring the final output is truly their own.
- 2x Productivity: AI can streamline tasks like fact-checking or grammar correction, freeing up time for actual learning. For example, if a student is working on a research paper, AI can quickly verify facts or check the accuracy of their citations, allowing them to focus more on the core content of their assignment. Similarly, AI-powered grammar tools like Grammarly can help them refine their writing, catching mistakes and suggesting improvements.
Next Steps: Having an Open Conversation
Instead of framing it as something forbidden or to be avoided, it’s better to approach AI as a tool that can be used ethically and responsibly. Parents should discuss the importance of learning and growing through personal effort and how AI can supplement their learning rather than replace it.
If you are looking for ways to support the holistic development of your pre-teen, Crimson Rise offers customized programs that help your child discover their passions and develop crucial skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and time management. Our mentors are experts who can build educational pathways tailored to your child's unique profile. Book a free consultation with our academic advisor to start this journey of self-discovery and personal development.
-3.png)
-2.png)
