In high schools around the United States, AI (artificial intelligence) is making a rise. Ask anyone in a high school and they will know about AI. Some teachers are questioning the effects AI can have on learning environments.
Bailey Weaver, Fair Grove High School English teacher, said, “Schools are undoubtedly affected by AI. Disregarding the fact that the way students want to use AI completely undermines teachers’ goals and purpose in the classroom, it has become another tension which turns into behavioral issues and disciplinary referrals. Ultimately, it detracts from the learning environment.”
In classrooms, class time is not always used appropriately by students. When this happens this doesn’t always end in students using their time outside of the classroom either. Causing them to not do it all or finish it but not do it well. Sometimes, they resort to AI.
Suzanne Feldman, Fair Grove High School math teacher, explained, “Many students in high school are learning to navigate the consequences of procrastination. When a student fails to use class time/advisory they often find themselves in a situation where they have quite a bit of work to do in a short amount of time.”
She continued, “Their natural instinct is to find the easiest and fastest way to get something done so they can submit it. The unfortunate result is that they often end up using AI in an inappropriate manner and have to suffer the consequences of their actions.”
For some, AI can be thought of as an excuse to stop thinking and have an easy way out of having to think. This can cause a lack of creativity and free thinking skills. In a world where these skills are becoming less, it is important to remain creative.
Weaver said, “My issue with AI is that overwhelmingly, its use is not as a tool, rather as a way to avoid thinking. We already are in a world where students struggle with creative and critical thinking. AI takes all the legwork for them and allows them to receive instant answers (sometimes even incorrect answers) and in turn, keeps individuals from growing.”
Creativity is one of the most important things we have as a society. It is the reason we have new inventions, and arts, such as, painting, drawing, and music. We would not even have buildings if people could not creatively build them.
Weaver exclaimed, “Creative expression and critical thought are vital to our society. We can’t stop thinking!”
