Students using AI: It’s not that scary and shouldn’t be banned

Key points:

• Educators can guide students to navigate an AI-driven future responsibly
• Equitable access to AI is a problem–the solution is professional learning
• How AI can unleash student curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking
• For more news on AI, visit eSN’s Digital Learning hub

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of modern technology, influencing industries from healthcare to entertainment. Yet, in the educational space, AI often stirs fear and skepticism among educators. Concerns about academic dishonesty, loss of critical thinking skills, and inappropriate content creation have sparked discussions about banning AI tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, and others. However, with thoughtful integration and a shift in perspective, AI can be a powerful ally in the classroom rather than an adversary. 

Misconceptions about AI in education

1. AI encourages cheating

A common fear is that students will use AI to bypass learning. While AI tools can indeed generate answers or essays, this highlights the need to rethink assessment strategies. Instead of banning AI, educators can design assignments that leverage these tools. For example, students can use AI for initial brainstorming or as a tool to refine their writing, requiring them to demonstrate understanding by reflecting on or critiquing AI-generated content. 

2. AI replaces critical thinking

Some worry that AI will lead to intellectual laziness. However, effective use of AI demands critical thinking. For instance, students must evaluate the accuracy and relevance of AI-generated information, distinguishing between helpful insights and misleading content. This skill–information literacy–is essential in today’s information-saturated world. 

3. AI is unreliable and bias-laden

While it’s true that AI models can perpetuate biases or produce incorrect information, these limitations present teaching opportunities. Educators can guide students to interrogate the reliability of AI outputs and discuss the ethical implications of biased algorithms. These discussions align with media literacy and digital citizenship goals. 

Rethinking AI as a tool for empowerment

1. Enhancing accessibility

AI tools can make learning more inclusive. For example, text-to-speech and speech-to-text tools support students with disabilities, while language models assist non-native English speakers. Educators can explore how AI can create a more equitable learning environment. 

2. Fostering creativity

Rather than stifling originality, AI can amplify creativity. Students might use AI to generate story starters, design prototypes for projects, or analyze data for science experiments. These applications show how AI can serve as a collaborator in the creative process. 

3. Preparing students for the future

AI isn’t going away. By teaching students to engage with it responsibly, educators equip them for workplaces where AI will be integral. Understanding how to use and critique AI gives students a competitive edge and positions them as informed contributors in a tech-driven world. 

Practical tips for educators

1. Set clear guidelines: Collaborate with students to establish norms for AI use in your classroom. Define when and how it’s appropriate, fostering a culture of integrity. 
2. Integrate AI in curriculum: Incorporate AI-related tasks to teach content and digital literacy simultaneously. For instance, students could compare human-written essays with AI-generated ones to discuss tone, bias, and effectiveness. 
3. Learn together: Many educators feel intimidated by AI, but students are often eager to explore its possibilities. Position yourself as a co-learner, demonstrating curiosity and adaptability. 
4. Engage in professional development: Seek training opportunities or collaborate with colleagues to share strategies and build confidence in using AI. 

The AI Assessment Scale (AIAS) is a valuable framework for educators looking to integrate artificial intelligence meaningfully into their classrooms while addressing ethical concerns and enhancing student engagement. Developed by Leon Furze and collaborators, the AIAS consists of five levels, ranging from “No AI” (tasks completed entirely without AI) to “Full AI” (where AI is heavily involved in generating and refining work). Each level offers clear guidelines to balance human input and AI assistance, emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and ethical use of technology. 

Benefits of the AI Assessment Scale

1. Flexibility: The framework allows educators to decide how much AI involvement is appropriate for specific tasks. For example, brainstorming may involve minimal AI support, while later stages like proofreading could incorporate more advanced AI tools. 
2. Support for creativity: By using AI as a partner rather than a crutch, students can enhance their creative outputs and problem-solving skills, such as designing visual representations or improving the clarity of their arguments. 
3. Ethical integration: The scale promotes conversations around academic integrity, ensuring AI tools are used to complement rather than replace students’ critical thinking abilities. 
4. Scaffolded learning: Tasks can be broken into components with varying AI levels, helping students progressively develop their skills and independence in using generative AI. 

Practical applications

Educators can use the scale to adapt assessments across disciplines, such as: 

• Encouraging students to refine their ideas using AI (e.g., generating connections between concepts). 
• Using AI tools for editing and feedback while ensuring students critically evaluate suggestions. 
• Integrating multimodal projects, such as combining AI-driven image generation with student-authored narratives. 

A pilot study at the British University Vietnam highlighted the AIAS’s success in reducing academic misconduct while improving student outcomes, including higher module passing rates and innovative outputs. This suggests that the AIAS not only fosters ethical AI use but also enhances learning experiences in diverse contexts. 

For more details on implementing the AI Assessment Scale in your classroom, visit the resource page by Leon Furze: The AI Assessment Scale.

Final thoughts

AI doesn’t have to be banned or feared in education. By embracing its potential and addressing its challenges head-on, educators can help students use AI as a tool for learning, innovation, and ethical problem-solving. Instead of resisting the inevitable, let’s guide students to navigate and shape an AI-driven future responsibly.