By 2030, the AI global market will have reached 1.8 trillion, which is a 36.6% rise from now, says Allora Lab, an AI research and development lab.

AI use in America continues to increase, but what does that mean for our schools? 

Schools all over America are doubting the use of AI because it threatens students’ creativity and limits their engagement in the classrooms, says Jennifer Vilcarino and Laurain Langero, two respected authors who wrote an article on the topic for Education Week. They also added that after students graduate and move on to higher education or work opportunities, they  struggle with engagement and connecting with peers. 

Teachers interviewed at Mentor High School view AI in a positive light. Kathleen Valentic, an AP seminar teacher, who is also on the school’s AI board, said, “It’s a wonderful learning tool if the students are taught how to use it properly.” 

Echoing this positivity is Carissa Richards, an AP English Literature teacher and an instructional coach who is also on the AI board. Richards said, “I do give students opportunities to use AI. It’s always a choice, but 75-80% of students choose not to use it.” 

Both teachers also see the potential problems. During second semester, Valentic caught around 20% of her students using AI for assignments without permission. Although Valentic sometimes lets her students use AI to aid them, some still take it too far. “We need to figure out a way for the students to use it responsibly, not just as a tool to cheat,” Valentic said. Students using it as a tool to cheat rather than to grow creates frustration for teachers. Unpermitted use of AI in the classroom can interfere with the students’ abilities to learn the proper materials in the proper time frame, leaving big gaps in their education.

Richards has so far not found anyone using AI in a harmful way. She encourages her students to use AI “purposefully, cautiously, mindfully, and thoughtfully.” 

Like Valentic, she finds the misuse of AI disheartening. “It’s really disappointing to watch education fall to the dishonesty of AI,” Richards said. However, both the teachers interviewed reiterated that if it can be used responsibly, it will be a very effective tool. 

According to the students who were interviewed at Mentor High, they use AI in many positive ways throughout their day. According to Michelle Daniels, a sophomore, she does not use AI if permission was not granted but uses it constantly as a study tool for her harder AP classes. In regards to the scale that teachers and students consult to gauge students’ use and level of dependence, Daniels reports that she uses it more as a collaborator rather than a co-collaborator or a work generator. 

Daniels said her AP seminar teacher, Mrs Valentic, has talked to the class about the scale numerous times. She thinks that for those who misuse AI that the punishment is fair. “It’s plagiarism. That’s illegal and horrible for mind growth development,” Daniels said. 

The reason most students decide to shy away from using it is because of the punishment–a meeting with the teacher, a call home about the student’s irresponsible use, and a possible consequence after the first warning.

Another student said that AI is not as much of a temptation once you know the consequences. “Sometimes I’m busy with sports, but I know what will happen if I misuse it,” Klasch said. He also said that he only uses it as a study tool, which a lot of people view as appropriate. In school Klasch said his use is limited, and in regards to the AI scale and plagiarism policy, he would be  low on the scale, not using it much at all. He feels the punishment that the schools give if caught plagiarizing fits the crime. “I think it is fair for people who don’t use it how they are supposed to and take advantage of it,” Klasch said. 

Students seem to be tempted with the idea of a quick fix for their stressful work load, but most realize it will affect their futures when used irresponsibly or unethically. 

AI is growing and fast. It has been only a matter of years, and it is in our everyday lives. There are many positives to take from using AI. Students and faculty can use AI as a helpful tool when used properly. Technology is evolving, so students must keep pace, but using AI improperly could cause serious damage to their college education and careers in the future.