Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a more prominent part of our lives, and its impact is increasingly felt in schools. From AI-powered tutoring systems to writing assistants like ChatGPT, students now have access to tools that can help them study smarter and more efficiently. But this raises an important question: should AI be allowed in schools, or are there risks in giving students such powerful technology? As schools across the country become aware of this issue, supporters and critics of AI in education are weighing in on the debate.

AI offers many potential benefits in educational settings. One of the main advantages is AI’s ability to personalize students’ learning experiences. Programs like DreamBox or ALEKS are designed to adapt to individual student needs, offering tailored lessons focusing on areas where a student may struggle. This allows students to learn at their own pace, ensuring no one is left behind. A report by UNESCO emphasizes that AI can help address learning gaps, particularly in schools that may lack resources (UNESCO). AI can be a consistent tutor, providing explanations, extra practice, and feedback whenever students need it. Mrs. Zywiciel (S), a current 9th-grade English teacher at Yorba Linda High School, explains her thoughts on AI’s benefits to students, expressing, “I see AI enhancing students’ skills with studying or organizing their thoughts. It may be something they can get from reviewing materials, but I always tell my classes that you should not use AI at all for writing essays as it is a reflection of your critical thinking.”

Furthermore, AI can help teachers manage their workload more effectively. Grading assignments, especially in large classes, can take up a significant portion of a teacher’s time. AI programs that can automatically grade multiple-choice quizzes or even provide feedback on essays could free up teachers to focus on more interactive teaching methods, such as class discussions and one-on-one mentoring. Additionally, AI can analyze data on student performance, helping teachers identify areas where students may be falling behind and adjust their lessons accordingly.

However, the increasing use of AI in education is not without controversy. One of the major concerns is that students may misuse AI tools to complete assignments without fully engaging in the learning process. For example, AI-powered writing assistants like ChatGPT can generate entire essays with little input from the user, making it easier for students to submit work that is not their own. This raises concerns about academic honesty and whether students are truly learning the material or simply relying on AI to do the work for them. A study from The Hechinger Report highlighted that some teachers have already encountered cases of students using AI-generated responses in assignments, blurring the line between assistance and cheating (Hechinger Report).

Additionally, critics worry that the overuse of AI in education could stunt the development of critical thinking skills. When students rely on AI to solve problems, they miss the opportunity to develop the problem-solving and analytical skills essential for success in both academic and real-world settings. Critics argue that while AI can provide answers quickly, it cannot replace the deep understanding that comes from struggling through complex concepts and learning to think independently. Mr. Cadra (S), another English teacher at Yorba Linda High School, believes that “while there are valid uses for AI, I fear that it will be abused to the point that humans lose the ability to create art in all mediums and write critically and creatively. Who wants to attend a musical written by AI and performed by synthesizers playing a score composed by AI?… Truthfully, it sounds like a dystopian nightmare.”  

Opponents of AI in schools also point to the risk of over-reliance on technology. AI systems are not without errors and may not always provide the correct answers or the best advice. If students begin to rely too heavily on AI tools, they may not develop the perseverance needed to work through difficult problems on their own. This concern is especially relevant in subjects like math and science, where understanding the process is just as important as arriving at the correct answer.

Another issue is the digital divide. While AI tools can enhance learning, not all students have equal access to the technology needed to take advantage of them. Schools in lower-income areas may lack the resources to provide students with the necessary devices or software, potentially widening the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students. According to a report by the National Center for Education Statistics, disparities in access to technology continue to affect students in underfunded schools, which could limit the positive impact of AI for all students (National Center for Education Statistics).

Despite these concerns, many believe that AI can still play a valuable role in education, provided there are clear guidelines in place to ensure it is used responsibly. Schools will need to develop policies that encourage students to use AI as a supplement to their learning, not as a replacement for effort and critical thinking. For example, schools could implement rules that require students to explain how they used AI in their work and what they learned from the process. This way, AI can enhance education without disrupting the development of essential skills.

Overall, while AI has the potential to revolutionize education, it is important to recognize both the benefits and risks that come with such new advancements. With proper oversight, AI can be a powerful tool for helping students learn more effectively and for teachers to manage their workloads. However, without clear guidelines and responsible use, there is a risk that AI could negatively impact the learning process by encouraging shortcuts and diminishing the importance of critical thinking. Finding the right balance will ensure that it benefits the school environment by increasing efficiency rather than minimizing its impact on productivity.