AI in the Classroom: Teaching Students to Use AI Ethically

Are you aware of one of the ways that generative AI is opening up new methods of learning? Students all over the world are turning to AI for new methods of research, personalized learning plans, and a little help with homework. Today students use it to summarize, explain, and expand their school work.

Let’s discover how it’s been embraced by students to advance and simplify learning.

AI in the Classroom

In 2022, AI became readily available for everyone, including students. Along with its growing popularity came a growing sense of skepticism towards its abundant use in education, schools, and classrooms.

According to a survey conducted by the Digital Education Council, 86% of students said they used artificial intelligence for their school and homework. 24% said they used it daily, while 54% used it weekly.

In a world where AI has already taken over, how do students ensure it’s used ethically? The short answer is that you learn how to use it effectively to enhance your learning experience.

Let’s take a closer look at how AI influences students in the classroom.

Common Use Cases of AI

You may think ChatGPT is the most commonly used form of artificial intelligence in education, but you would be wrong! Students use it in several ways for their everyday classes or homework-related tasks.

• General research and brainstorming. This is one of the primary cases for AI use. Students use various types of apps to research for different subjects and get new information.
• Finding and quoting academic resources and research papers.
• Help with mathematical problems.
• Help with computer and coding-related work.
• Learning new languages.
• Sending scheduled emails.

So, how do you use AI for learning? And which applications are best for the classroom? Let’s find out.

Using AI in English Class

You don’t have to be an English student to be familiar with ChatGPT. Although it's arguably one of the most famous applications, it's not the only one.

You may have wondered if it’s easier to use AI for every task rather than burning the midnight oil. But how much can you rely on it? How much is too much? What parameters can be set while using AI for schoolwork?

Most students use AI writing tools to plan out their essays, collect information, or answer analytical questions. You can also use them to better structure your essay or for a more harmonious flow of words. Moreover, it can also be used to compare and evaluate different texts to find one that suits you best.

Oftentimes, you can also refute ChatGPT’s theory on a particular essay or novel, and build a case against it, supported by your own research and theories.

You could also ask AI to provide instant feedback on an answer or essay you have written yourself. It can provide you with alternative angles, or a more in-depth answer.

In this way, you can use AI writers for a better essay, to understand the subject, or to summarize a given text.

Using AI in Math Class

With several online math tools, students may be confused about the best. Some of the popular ones are Photomath or Mathgptpro.

Math is essential for increasing problem-solving skills and strengthening critical thinking. Therefore, using the various online math tools available today is only appropriate. Here’s how you can make life easy by using AI for math.

Try solving the given math problem yourself, and then use the math tool. You can then compare both answers, find out if their answer is correct, and discover different ways to solve the same question.

You could also make groups with your friends, discuss both answers and compare which method solves the problem using the easiest method.

The math tools also let you learn at your own pace, by making a personalized learning plan for you.

Using AI for Research

Students most commonly use AI for brainstorming, gathering information, and generating new ideas. According to a report, 53% of students use AI to get information, while 51% use it for brainstorming.

But, most of them understand that AI is a starting point, not the final answer. They realize that they can use it to enhance their critical thinking and exploring skills. In fact, a study showed that 41% of students edited the information they used from AI sources. This goes to show that students understand that plagiarism is a concern to educators and teachers.

Benefits of AI in the Classroom

Teachers today and tomorrow cannot prevent students from using artificial intelligence in the classroom. And to be honest, it’s not all bad! When students use various software, it helps:

• Increase their engagement in the subject
• Enhance critical thinking skills
• Create an interactive learning methodology
• Create a personalized learning experience for each student, according to their requirements. It can provide instant feedback, special assistance, and guidance for improvement.
• For special needs students with dyslexia, hearing impairment, etc., AI can provide support so they can participate in classrooms. It can create a better learning environment for them.
• Save time by performing various administrative tasks

Since most students are already using various AI platforms, it’s important for them to learn how to use them ethically.

How Students Can Use AI Ethically

Although the benefits of AI in education can never be overlooked, we must also understand that using it ethically is a top priority. The doubtfulness that teachers and parents have related to children using AI is not uncalled for.

What are some of the risks involved when students start using artificial intelligence?

1. Data Security

Schools have access to a considerable amount of sensitive student data. Artificial intelligence requires data to process. When students start using AI, they must be instructed not to disclose sensitive information.

Schools must also make it a priority to only use secure AI tools that follow strict data protection standards.

2. Plagiarism

The leading problem with students using AI tools for school work is plagiarism. Most schools, colleges, and universities take strict measures to ensure students do not use AI tools that can promote plagiarism.

This easy option for students also makes it more important for them to understand the importance of critical thinking, analysing and problem-solving.

Unfortunately, there will always be students who choose to deceive, so it's important to have access to reliable AI detector tools like isgen's AI detector.

3. AI Bias

One problem with using AI tools is that they work on the algorithm against which they have been trained. For example, writing tools and AI detectors will work according to the language models they have been trained against. These language models are, in turn, trained with millions of language samples. This can result in the tool pushing a specific stereotype or bias.

This makes it crucial that when using AI, you understand acceptance and inclusivity for various schools of thought.

Establishing AI Ethics

What steps can you take to ensure you use AI ethically? The conclusive decision of how to use it lies solely with you. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about it.

Here are some steps you can take to understand AI ethics:

• Discussing and Debating 

Positive discussions can always lead to progressive outcomes! Debates and dialogues are important in all walks of life. In education, students must share different opinions, thoughts and perspectives.

Discussing how AI can affect their academic records should be at the top of the list for educators, parents, and students alike. Debates regarding data privacy, plagiarism and its effects on output, and the evolution of AI tools can give you different viewpoints, promote critical thinking, and help you understand how to use these tools ethically.

• Teachers Role in the Use of AI

To ensure that students use AI tools ethically, teachers must incorporate them into their lessons, too. They can include various tools in their lessons, and teach students how to use them for their benefit. This can lead to students gaining a better understanding of AI and better judgment when it comes to being ethical while using it.

Teachers can show their students that AI can work both ways: it can be favorable, but it can also be risky. Ultimately, it's up to each individual to understand how and when they can use it ethically.

• Take A Firm Stance on AI and its Use

To excel at anything in life, you need to create and follow a set of principles. These principles also extend to your education. The only one who can tell you what path to follow is yourself!

You must draw a clear line for yourself, regarding the use of AI, and never cross it. Artificial intelligence can be used safely and within limits, in every field.

Here are some rules you can follow while using AI:

• Understand the importance of critical thinking in solving a problem
• Understand the subject matter rather than reciprocating the text that ChatGPT provides.
• Understand that AI tools are just that: tools used to improve learning.

AI platforms can never replace human thinking or understanding. Clear guidelines will help you understand when to think for yourself and when to rely on tools.

AI Learning Tools in the Future

While not all educators are happy or optimistic about AI, most students already use it for school. The best way forward is to learn to use it ethically, set boundaries, and, most importantly, establish how to use these tools for a better learning experience.

As artificial intelligence evolves, there will be more safety barriers to prevent misuse. This will lead to a more transparent and honest AI learning pathway for students.