The AI Revolution
- LaShunda Brown
- Mar 2
- 4 min read
The Rise of AI in Education
As technology becomes more accessible, AI is making a substantial impact on education. For instance, chatbots are now available to answer students' questions in real time, and advanced writing applications can provide instant feedback. Schiel states that “nearly three-fourths (74%) of students believed that their overall performance in school would improve at least a small amount because of using AI tools for school assignments.”
This reliance on AI brings up a dilemma. Some people think these tools help with learning and boost creativity, while others believe they make us lazy. Reading and improving writing skills should not feel too difficult. AI can help clarify complex ideas and make learning more straightforward. However, we need to be careful to use these tools to enhance understanding and not cross the line with plagiarism.
Understanding the Definition of Cheating
What cheating is? Typically, cheating involves using unauthorized resources or misrepresenting one’s work. For instance, if a student copies and pastes an AI-generated essay without truly understanding the material, that is considered cheating.
Conversely, using AI to brainstorm topics or improve grammar can be acceptable. The key factors are intent and how the AI is applied. If you use AI as a tool to enhance your skills rather than as a shortcut, you are likely using the technology responsibly.
The Benefits of AI Assistance
Enhanced Understanding: AI tools can break down dense literary texts into simpler concepts, allowing students to grasp themes and ideas more effectively. For example, using AI to summarize a Shakespearean play can clarify plot points and characters, making it easier to engage with the material.
Skill Improvement: Applications like Grammarly and Hemingway Editor help refine writing and foster personal style.
Time Management: With escalating workloads, AI can assist students in managing their time more efficiently. For instance, rather than drowning in research for an essay, students can use AI to create an outline, which can save several hours of work.
These benefits contribute to a richer educational experience, creating the impression that we’re not cheating but rather using resources effectively.
The Dark Side: Risks of Over-Reliance
While AI can be a helpful ally, over-dependence comes with serious risks:
Intellectual Laziness: If students lean too heavily on AI, they might miss out on fully engaging with their assignments. For example, a student using AI to write a short story could bypass the creative process, leading to a lack of depth in their work.
Plagiarism: Relying on AI-generated essays without comprehension risks presenting dishonest work. Data shows that students caught plagiarizing can face penalties, including failing grades for assignments.
Skill Erosion: If students consistently use AI, essential skills like critical thinking and creative writing could suffer.
These concerns highlight the need for students to be cautious about how and when they incorporate AI into their studies.
Balancing AI Use in English Class
Use AI for Brainstorming, Not for Completing: Leverage AI to generate ideas and outlines, but ensure the final content reflects your voice.
Stay Engaged with the Material: Always read the texts thoroughly instead of solely relying on summaries. Understanding the context will enrich your analysis.
Don’t Skip the Drafts: Write multiple drafts before reaching your final piece. Use AI for quality feedback rather than finishing your work immediately.
Understand the Tools: Familiarize yourself with the capabilities and limitations of the AI tools you’re using. This knowledge will make you a more active participant in your learning.
When used wisely, AI can significantly enhance the learning experience without compromising academic integrity.
The Teacher's Perspective
Teachers encounter the challenge of integrating AI into their classrooms while maintaining academic values. It's essential to cultivate an environment where students understand both the benefits and risks associated with using AI. Educators can leverage this situation as a teaching opportunity by discussing the ethical implications of AI usage in school.
Wrapping it Up
Is using AI in English class considered cheating? The answer is complex and depends on how students choose to utilize this technology. When used appropriately, AI can be a powerful tool for enhancing learning and understanding. By embracing AI, teachers can enhance their effectiveness as literacy educators and foster a more personalized and engaging learning environment for young students. It is crucial for educators to balance using AI with their expertise and understanding of pedagogical principles (Bradford & McGee, pg 53, 2024).
It is important to recognize the risks of becoming overly dependent on AI. We should ensure that AI supports our efforts rather than replaces them. As technology continues to evolve, we must adapt while maintaining the core values of education, which emphasize curiosity, creativity, and hard work.
Happy studying! Remember to think critically about how you integrate AI into your learning experience. Feel free to share your thoughts on how AI can be used effectively and ethically in English class!
References
Bradford, K., & McGee, N. (2024). AI on the Edge: Embracing tech in early literacy education. Literacy Today (2411-7862), 42(2), 52–53.
Schiel, Jeff, Becky L. Bobek, & Joyce Z. Schnieders. (2023). High School Students’ Use and Impressions of AI Tools. ACT Research.
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