Should Students Use AI or Is It Just Cheating Smarter?

Should Students Use AI for Schoolwork?

The world is changing. That’s the big takeaway from a new report on teen and young adult perspectives on generative artificial intelligence (AI) co-authored by the Center for Digital Thriving, one of the Ed School’s emerging research and innovation labs housed at Project Zero. According to the report, students have quickly developed habits, concerns, and opinions about AI and its impact on learning and the world at large. 

For the report, "Teen and Young Adult Perspectives on Generative AI," written in partnership with Common Sense Media and Hopelab, two separate studies were conducted and utilized: the first, an extensive national survey on digital technology and youth mental health. Some major areas were highlighted in their responses, listed below, including their concerns about the technology and its impact. 

AI Is Not Only Used to Cheat

Of the teens surveyed, many admitted to using AI to cheat on: 

• Assignments
• Homework
• Tests

But while academic integrity remains a concern for both adults and teens alike, many study participants highlighted positive academic experiences they’ve had with generative AI. AI was called “the modern approach to learning,” while other teens surveyed pointed out that “not all kids use it to cheat in school.” 

Reflecting insights heard from teens and young adults about their excitement for the future of generative AI, teens also wanted adults to know that they can be trusted to use it in a good way, as one participant wrote, “use it in a good way,” such as asking for help with starting papers or creating an individualized learning plan. 

AI Helps with Getting Answers for Unasked Questions

In the report’s quantitative study, half (51%) of young people ages 14–22 reported using generative AI at some point, but only 4% claimed to be daily users. The most commonly reported uses for AI were getting information (53%) and brainstorming (51%). The study also noted that Black and Latinx young people were “significantly more likely” to use AI than others surveyed. 

Many noted generative AI can help teens get answers to questions they may be too afraid to ask adults, or for guidance on what to say in conversations. “Parents should know that AI gives teens advice on any subject that is asked, appropriate or not,” warned one teen surveyed. 

AI Is a Space to Explore and Create

One of the most positive things about generative AI is its potential for creativity and exploration. Many participants reported using AI for entertainment or to express their creativity. Of generative AI users ages 14–22 surveyed, 31% said they use it to “make pictures or images,” while 16% “make sounds or music,” and 15% said they use it to write code. 

Teens think adults should know that generative AI offers “a way to show my creative style,” while other creative outlets include writing lyrics to songs and making digital art. 

AI Can Lead to Bullying, Lying, and Disinformation

While some surveyed noted that generative AI can provide a safe space for companionship and comfort, many others emphasized the potential harms related to AI, including bullying. “You can use it to take someone’s voice and make it sound like they’re saying something they didn’t say,” wrote one survey participant. 

Several teens surveyed described examples of using generative tools to create voices and images that can be used to enhance bullying in and out of school. Teens said adults should be aware that these “deep fakes” can even be used against them, with some students using AI to mimic their parents’ voices and trick teachers, school administrators, or their other parent. 

AI Can be Both Positive and Negative

Teens surveyed were acutely aware of both the potential and fears associated with generative AI, with 41% stating that its development will likely have both positive and negative impacts on their lives over the next 10 years. 

Specific demographics were susceptible to its dangers, as LGBTQ+ teens are much more likely to say generative AI will have a “mostly negative” impact on their life (28%) than cisgender/straight young people (17%) surveyed. 

Student Concerns About AI: Job Security, Privacy, and Misinformation

Across demographics, those surveyed also expressed concerns about AI’s impact on their future job markets, particularly in the creative pursuits they mentioned earlier. They also highlighted potential privacy concerns and the use of generative AI to create and spread misinformation and disinformation. 

Six Reasons Students Should Be Allowed To Use AI at School

1. Students Will Need To Use AI once They Are No Longer In School

The education system should adapt to meet the needs of our society and economy. While teaching concepts and critical thinking are essential, it's also necessary to prepare students to work with new tools. The education system should ensure that students learn how to use AI tools responsibly before they enter the workforce. 

2. AI is A Tool, Just Like A Grammar Checker Or Google

Students don't need permission to use a grammar checker, so why restrict them from using ChatGPT? Just like a grammar checker alone can't help students write a fantastic essay, students need to learn how to use AI tools to create compelling stories and arguments. 

Instead of limiting access to tools, schools should focus on teaching students how to use them effectively and efficiently.

3. Personalized Learning And Access To Resources

With widespread and low-cost access to AI, nearly everyone with an internet connection can have 24/7 access to personalized information and an AI "teacher" to explain new concepts. This presents an incredible learning opportunity, and it would be a significant loss to cut off access to such a vital resource. 

4. Teachers Should Manage How To Teach With AI

Although there are drawbacks to using AI tools in education, it's the responsibility of teachers and school districts to manage the potential downsides, not students. Just as math teachers teach math in a world of calculators, teachers should be able to integrate AI into their lessons. 

5. Students Are Going To Use It Anyway

Regardless of whether a school officially supports the use of AI tools in classrooms, students will likely find a way to utilize them. Rather than banning access to AI altogether, a better approach would be to provide guidance on responsible usage and teach students how to utilize AI effectively. This will help address concerns while still allowing students to benefit from the use of AI technology. 

6. AI Fosters Creativity And Exploration

Allowing students to explore and experiment with new technologies that enable them to generate new content is an excellent way to teach them how to be creative and think of innovative ideas. Utilizing AI in schools is a great way to help students learn and explore in a supportive environment. 

Six Reasons Students Should Not Be Allowed To Use AI at School

1. Students Need To Practice Specific Skills That AI replaces

ChatGPT and other AI tools can write essays and solve math problems at a level beyond that of an average college student. Relying on these tools will lead students to neglect the essential skills they need to practice in school. 

Just as students still need to learn to write in a world of computers, they must continue to practice reading, writing, and math in the age of AI. 

2. Reliance On AI Will Critical Thinking Skills

Relying on AI to generate ideas and solve problems will ultimately lead to students who are unable to think critically and independently. The primary goal of the education system should be to teach students how to think critically and approach problems effectively. 

Using AI can be helpful in certain situations, but schools should teach students how to think, not how to use AI essay generators.

3. Generating an AI essay Is Akin To Plagiarism

Since the dawn of scholarship, schools have implemented strict rules and imposed harsh punishments for plagiarism. Large language models utilize the collective written content of the internet to generate: 

• Sentences
• Paragraphs
• Essays

When students use these tools to create assignments, they engage in an abstract form of plagiarism, failing to develop their ideas and arguments effectively. 

4. Privacy Concerns For Minors

Children might unknowingly share sensitive and personal information with AI systems. If they don't fully understand how these systems operate and use data, they could unknowingly risk having their data sold to third parties, used in other systems, or exposed to discriminatory consequences. 

5. Reducing Human Interaction And Teaching Interactions

One of the primary reasons kids attend school is to engage in learning and discussion with their teachers and classmates. As AI technology continues to advance and replace human educators, there is a risk that children may have fewer opportunities to interact with their peers and teachers. This would hurt their overall educational experience. 

6. Increasing Inequality In The Education System

Access to AI tools may not be equal across all types of schools. If only schools with large technology budgets can effectively manage the use of AI in the classroom, it could create a system where sure students benefit disproportionately from its use.

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How Students Should, And Shouldn’t, Use Artificial Intelligence

The invention of calculators in the 1970s didn’t eliminate the need for mathematical skills; it shifted the focus to using tools effectively. Similarly, generative artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a standard tool that students need to learn to use while still engaging with the material.

As co-directors of Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Generative AI Task Force, Jeff Loats, Ph.D., and Samuel Jay, Ph.D., provide AI-oriented resources for students and faculty while exploring how AI tools such as ChatGPT can be used responsibly.

The Need for Clear AI Guidelines in Higher Education

“In general, students should use AI as a tool to help them learn, but they need to ensure they can eventually do the work on their own,” Loats said.

A 2023 survey found that half of higher-education students use AI regularly, with 75% of faculty members agreeing that AI proficiency is crucial for future success. Yet as the use and acceptance of AI proliferate in academia and business, many students would like clarification regarding how to use it appropriately.

Student Perspectives on Balancing AI and Authentic Learning

MSU Denver Journalism student Shania Rea has observed firsthand how AI is transforming education and work. Rea, who is set to graduate in May, noted that MSU Denver faculty members generally have a “progressive” attitude about AI.

“It’s about finding that balance,” Rea said, “and using AI as a tool to complement education, not replace it.”

Why Students Need Consistent AI Policies, and How to Use AI Responsibly in Class

Rea said while her MSU Denver instructors have helped her better optimize AI for education and work, the rules vary from class to class. “Different professors have different rules about using AI. … I just wish there were clearer guidelines across the board,” she said.

While MSU Denver students will have to follow the AI guidelines set by instructors for their classes, Loats, Jay, and Rea offered some tips on how students should and shouldn’t use AI to improve their educational experiences and avoid the pitfalls of the fledgling technology.

Editing And Proofing: Yes

Loats and Jay concur that using generative AI for editing, clarity, coherence, and accuracy is one of the most effective and popular applications of the technology. While neither endorses using AI to write a first draft, AI might flag typos, enhance the flow of content, or neutralize personal bias in subsequent revisions of an assignment.

“AI could be really helpful in terms of editing, revising, and cleaning up writing, but a human element is still needed to ensure quality and accuracy,” Jay said.

Scheduling: Yes

Rea said that AI scheduling tools, such as Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, and Calendly, can help manage multiple appointments and deadlines. She noted that such tools help her organize her time efficiently and avoid conflicts, making it easier to balance her academic and personal responsibilities.

Jay concurred that using such tools to assist with scheduling is “absolutely appropriate.”

Summarizing And Paraphrasing Information: Seek Guidance

According to a 2023 survey from education and financial consultancy Tyton Partners, 34% of students who use AI daily rely on it to summarize or paraphrase text.

Jay said that while using AI to summarize content can be efficient for condensing research abstracts, incorporating AI-generated summaries into formal work is unethical. He emphasized the importance of obtaining clear guidelines from instructors and advised students to seek clarification on what is allowed and what is not.

Understanding Difficult Concepts: Use Caution

Loats and Jay agree that it’s appropriate to prompt AI to help students gain clarity with complex concepts, but with caution. While AI can be helpful, students may not recognize when AI has made mistakes, oversimplified information, or introduced biases.

Experts often catch such issues, but learners are the primary users of complex topics. This makes AI a double-edged tool, powerful yet potentially misleading if not used carefully. The survey said 29% of daily AI users rely on the technology for this purpose.

Brainstorming Or Creating Content Ideas: Use Caution

Although many people find AI helpful in generating ideas, Loats worries that originality and quality may suffer when relying on it during the early stages of a creative process. Jay suggests using AI as a resource rather than relying on it to generate all ideas.

“There are a lot of similarities in how students use it and how they talk to their graduate advisors,” Jay said. “It’s good for bouncing ideas and getting some clarity on some things.” While both advise against using AI to create a first draft, they agreed it’s perfectly acceptable to prompt AI to suggest an outline. 

Answering Homework Questions: Probably Not

While the survey shows 31% of daily AI users rely on platforms such as ChatGPT for homework help, Loats generally advises against it.

He emphasizes the importance of engaging with the learning process and encourages students to use critical thinking to solve problems independently. AI should be used to understand solutions, not as a shortcut for completing assignments.

Creating Résumés, Cover Letters, And Scholarship Forms: Probably Not

According to the survey, 31% of students use generative AI to create résumés and cover letters, as well as to help fill out scholarship forms.

Loats and Jay have mixed views on this practice: While AI can improve readability, it can’t capture the genuine motivation and unique perspective of an applicant required for engaging cover letters and scholarship applications.

Using AI to Support, Not Replace, Student Thinking and Creativity

“ChatGPT is not going to produce anything better than what you could do,” Loats said.

Loats and Jay encourage students and faculty members to navigate this new frontier with caution, ensuring that AI enhances rather than eclipses the educational experience.

Embracing AI as a Tool for Growth, Not a Shortcut to Success

From Rea’s perspective, AI is a powerful tool that will expand her educational and career horizons while allowing her to develop new skills.

‍“Embracing AI in our studies is exciting because it’s a step toward the future, but it also challenges us to stay committed to truly mastering our subjects,” she said.

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