Why work hard in school when you know you can get by through cheating?
For high school students around the world, school has become less about learning and finding ways to grow, and instead more about finding the easiest way to get by.
The root of this issue stems from several factors, including the accessibility of Artificial Intelligence (AI), increasing pressure to get good grades, and school systems unintentionally supporting AI.
While AI can be a helpful resource, many students are not using AI to aid in their learning and instead use it to bypass the work and effort of doing assignments themselves.
The pressure of receiving good grades to get into a top university has left students feeling like their best option is to cut corners. Students prioritize the result of an A+ on their report card instead of the learning process.
As college becomes more and more competitive, especially in California, AI offers an easy escape from the stress of schoolwork. AI isn’t necessarily the problem, how AI is used to cheat in school is.
The use of AI has shifted students’ views of school from genuine and honest learning to the constant search for shortcuts. Several educators encourage students to use AI without proper guidance, so students tend to think of AI as a source that can do their assignments for them.
With just a few clicks, students can generate full essays and solve math problems. What most students don’t understand is how the general lack of engagement in school can hurt them more in the long run.
In higher levels of education and careers, there won’t always be AI to help. In most jobs there isn’t a multiple-choice answer like most high school tests and homework; they require their employees to have critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
I have seen the potentials for AI to improve in assisting our learning: research, advice on essays, step-by-step guides on how to do math problems, and much more.
I have used AI for all of these things. However, most students aren’t using AI for help, but instead to cheat, without actively engaging in learning or with material. Education is one of the most important things in this world, as it fosters curiosity, creativity, engagement, and so much more.
While it may be tempting to find shortcuts, developing strong learning skills will better prepare students for future challenges in life.
Rather than placing all emphasis on grades, students should think about how much more a deeper understanding of education can benefit them in the long run.
