As AI is slowly integrating itself into personal lives, it is also integrating itself into students academics, and the question of whether or not it should be part of students academics here at RHS is becoming more apparent than ever. Initially, in response to emerging AI tools RCS has integrated a new policy for students to stay ethical to their schoolwork. According to the Rochester Community Schools district page overall, “It should be assumed that all assignments are a level 0 of Generative AI use unless stated otherwise by the teacher.” This policy allows teachers the freedom to utilize AI in ways they see fit.
Although this policy is very stern on certain aspects of academics, AI can be used to assist students in gathering together ideas. Colin Beal, a math teacher at RHS notes, “It is supposed to make those cumbersome tasks easier so that you can put more thinking into how you will put your own spin on the results.” AI is also a tool that can be used to enhance students thought processes to quicken the generation of ideas. Sara Rosell, a science teacher at RHS compares AI to almost a human-like figure claiming, “It is like having a conversations with people and you start to brainstorm because you guys are better together.”
On the contrary however, Rosell provides the daunting perspective that, “If you are not analyzing what comes out, then you are not putting any creative thought into it, so at that point what are you actually doing other than practicing typing.” Based on Rosell’s comment many students tend to utilize AI resources for the wrong reason, allowing AI do all the thinking that the students should be doing.
In light of this conflict, AI has been shown to take away the purpose of comprehending and learning new things at school every day. Kelley Cusmano, a language arts teacher and the student council advisor at RHS does not even give her students the option to use AI since, “In high school, we are trying to see whether or not your brain can do the task…the purpose is the process.”
Ironically, the over utilization of AI can lead to more conflicts for the student’s future. Rosell notes how the over usage of AI becomes prominent once someone enters the workforce. She recognizes, “In the real world it can help you, but it’s not going to give you the 100% right answer.” Because of this Rosell confirms, “newer employees are struggling with AI because they rely on it for the answers.”
AI also poses as a fear to teachers, according to Cusmano AI concerns three main issues…“Liability” which involves the protection of teachers if they choose to incorporate AI into their lesson plans. “Reliability” that students and teachers will have on this tool for the future of academics and lastly “Strategy” which is the ways that businesses will integrate themselves into the curriculum, forcing schools to pay for their platforms.
AI has many faults in students learning, which can hinder growth within an academic atmosphere. There is too much uncertainty and opinions of AI since students and teachers do not know how to use it, and many use it in ways they should not.
