Students and AI: Navigating the New Academic Landscape

Do Kids Truly Understand the Limits of AI?

Kids may not be as sneaky as they think. In Holly Distefano’s middle school English language arts classes in Texas, she has observed a trend: when posed a question through her school’s learning platform, the live responses often reveal a concerning similarity.

The Pressure to Succeed

“I really think that they have become so accustomed to AI, they lack confidence in their own writing,” Distefano explains. The pressures of academic success weigh heavily on students, creating an environment where shortcuts become tempting.

AI: The New Cheat Sheet

Educators are trying to combat AI-assisted cheating as platforms like ChatGPT gain popularity. However, this proves to be a formidable challenge, especially with tech influencers on platforms like TikTok teaching students how to effectively use AI to craft essays and even bypass detection tools.

Growing Academic Dishonesty

While the rate of reported cheating remains stable, students suggest that generative AI has made academic dishonesty easier than ever. This raises a serious concern for educators.

A Possible Solution: Project-Based Learning

Amid these challenges, a silver lining emerges. Educators are transitioning from traditional question-and-answer assignments to more dynamic project-based learning, fostering problem-solving skills while teaching ethical AI usage.

Becoming ‘AI-Proof’

During the past school year, Distefano has noticed a sharp increase in AI usage among her students. In response, she has crafted innovative solutions to limit their reliance on AI, such as assigning hard copy work during class.

Combatting Cheating During Class

Initially, AI cheating was primarily a concern for take-home assignments. However, this year, Distefano has observed students utilizing AI even during class hours—highlighting their adeptness at circumventing restrictions.

The Temptations of Shortcut Solutions

With the heavy burdens of schoolwork, sports, and extracurricular activities, it’s understandable why students might be drawn to shortcuts. Yet Distefano worries about the long-term impact on their writing skills.

The Value of Writing Experience

“The more we write, the better we get,” she insists. By bypassing the struggle of writing, students miss out on the confidence-building experience of producing their own work.

A Collaborative Effort Against AI Cheating

Distefano is not alone in her efforts. A resurgence of traditional blue books is occurring as educators seek ways to curtail AI interference during exams.

Identifying AI Cheating

Richard Savage, superintendent of California Online Public Schools, notes that AI cheating isn’t rampant in his district but acknowledges the ease of identifying it when students’ performance inconsistencies arise.

Adapting Lesson Plans

This summer, Savage and his team will refine their lesson plans to be “AI-proof,” emphasizing adaptability as AI technologies continue to evolve.

Embracing AI as a Tool

“We’re learning together,” Savage says, reminding educators to view AI not as an adversary but as a tool to enhance learning.

Innovative Teaching Approaches

Leslie Eaves, program director for project-based learning at the Southern Regional Education Board, advocates for integrating AI into the classroom in ways that challenge students’ critical thinking skills.

Ethical AI Usage

Eaves has developed guidelines that empower educators to encourage ethical and effective AI use, focusing on creating cognitively demanding assignments that promote deeper thinking.

Collaborative Learning Techniques

To facilitate ethical AI use, Eaves suggests incorporating collaborative hands-on assignments and peer reviews. This method “tricks” students into engaging with their learning.

Adaptive Learning Models

For instance, in a lesson on “The Odyssey,” students could sketch plot structures on paper while using AI to assist in creating cohesive outlines.

Holistic Instructional Strategies

Not just English teachers are making these adjustments. An automotive teacher found that when students relied on AI, they stopped engaging critically, prompting a rethink of teaching strategies.

Long-Term Implications of AI Cheating

Educators emphasize teaching students that using AI to cheat can jeopardize their college applications and scholarship opportunities, stunting their academic growth.

The Path Forward

Transitioning to a project-based classroom will be challenging. However, with the permanence of generative AI, districts must evolve their teaching methods.

Conclusion

As Distefano, Savage, and Eaves demonstrate, embracing AI within an ethical framework may pave the way for a new, more engaged generation of learners.