AI in Education: A Double-Edged Sword for Teachers and Students

Wed Oct 22 2025 02:07:04 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As AI tools become ubiquitous in classrooms, teachers and students grapple with the implications on academic integrity and learning processes. With traditional assignments being replaced and new guidelines forming, educational institutions face challenges adapting to this technological evolution.

The rise of AI in education has sparked significant shifts in teaching methodologies and assessment strategies. With many students utilizing AI tools to assist with assignments, educators find themselves redefining their approaches to maintaining academic integrity. Classroom writing assignments are now largely conducted under supervision to prevent unauthorized AI assistance, while schools are slowly developing guidelines to address the growing complexity of AI usage among students. This ongoing transformation prompts critical questions about the nature of cheating, the role of AI in learning, and the effectiveness of current educational practices.

The traditional book report and take-home essays are rapidly being phased out as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes a more prominent tool in education. Teachers report a significant increase in the use of AI for writing assignments, raising concerns about academic dishonesty. According to Casey Cuny, a veteran English teacher, the instances of cheating have reached unprecedented levels.

Cuny explains, Anything you send home, you have to assume is being AI’ed. As educational institutions work to address this challenge, the definitions of cheating are becoming increasingly blurred.

Teachers like Cuny have adapted by shifting to in-class writing and real-time assessments, employing software that restricts student access to potential AI assistance during assessments. Educational leaders agree on the necessity for a fresh pedagogical approach in light of AI’s growing influence. In Oregon, teacher Kelly Gibson echoes this sentiment, stating that lengthy writing assignments are now often considered invitations for cheating.

Understanding the Nuances of AI Usage

The ambiguity surrounding acceptable AI use has left students questioning where the line lies. College students often discuss their reliance on tools like ChatGPT for legitimate purposes such as research or editing. However, the perceived boundary between assistance and cheating remains vague, and many students avoid asking questions about AI usage for fear of being labeled as dishonest.

Some educational syllabi explicitly prohibit AI assistance, but they often do not clarify the acceptable forms of aid. Students like Lily Brown express confusion regarding the ethical implications of utilizing AI, with many acknowledging that the guidance they receive lacks clarity.

Schools Respond with New Guidelines

In response to the challenges posed by AI, many schools initially banned its use. However, as awareness grows, the focus is shifting towards ‘AI literacy’—teaching students to navigate these tools responsibly. Institutions like the University of California, Berkeley, are drafting new guidelines for faculty to clarify expectations around AI, illustrating the broader trend of adapting academic policies for the digital age.

Despite the challenges, educators like Emily DeJeu emphasize the importance of holding students accountable while providing the necessary support and structure to guide them through the complexities of AI usage in academia. The growing integration of technology in learning demands adaptive teaching strategies, ensuring that academic integrity is upheld while preparing students for a future intertwined with AI.