Students Embrace AI, Urge Schools to Catch Up
As artificial intelligence (AI) tools increasingly become part of everyday life, students are urging schools to integrate these technologies into the classroom. A recent survey conducted by Project Tomorrow revealed that students are already using generative AI tools to support their learning and want schools to do the same. However, the survey also highlighted significant concerns about misuse, academic integrity, and the lack of clear guidelines.
During an online panel discussion on October 23, students voiced their desire for more structured inclusion of AI in education. Arnav Hingorani, a junior at Desert Mountain High School in Arizona, Ian Son, a senior at Redondo Union High School in California, and Neha Palla, a senior at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Kentucky, shared insights on how AI could enhance learning while also acknowledging its risks.
Widespread Student Support for AI in Education
According to the survey, 68% of students are already familiar with generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Of those surveyed, 73% of high school students and two-thirds of middle schoolers believe they should have access to these tools during school hours. Parents and teachers also showed moderate support, with 61% of parents and 58% of teachers agreeing on the need for access.
Julie Evans, CEO of Project Tomorrow and moderator of the panel, emphasized that students don’t see AI as an occasional tool. “They view it as an integral part of their learning process,” Evans said. “It’s not about using AI for a one-off project—it’s about incorporating it throughout the educational journey.”
Students are using AI for a variety of academic tasks, including brainstorming, note analysis, writing feedback, tutoring, and summarizing content. Neha Palla shared how generative AI helped her grasp complex linear algebra concepts. “When searching online, you often don’t get the conceptual depth you need. AI provides that clarity,” she said.
Ian Son echoed that sentiment, noting the flexibility AI offers. “Whether it’s physics or history, I can ‘talk’ to AI like it’s a subject expert available 24/7,” he explained. “It’s helped me understand things more deeply than traditional methods.”
Concerns About AI Usage Among Students
Despite widespread enthusiasm, students and educators alike acknowledge the risks. The survey found that students’ top concerns include misinformation, potential for harm, false accusations of cheating, and data privacy.
“When I use ChatGPT at school, there’s an assumption I’m trying to cheat,” said Son. “But most of us are using it to enhance our understanding, not to cut corners.”
More than 40% of high school students and 80% of parents expressed concern over false cheating accusations. Furthermore, nearly 90% of teachers worry about students misusing AI for dishonest purposes.
Hingorani pointed out another issue: the accuracy of AI-generated information. “AI sometimes fabricates data or explanations,” he warned. “It’s important to know how to use it as a supplementary tool, not a definitive source.”
Palla also raised the concern of overdependence. “I’m afraid I’ll start relying on AI more than my own thinking,” she said. “There’s a risk of losing critical thinking skills if we’re not careful.”
Schools Struggle to Keep Pace with AI Adoption
While students are eager to integrate AI into their learning, schools are lagging behind. The Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE) reported in July that most schools use AI only for limited tasks like plagiarism detection or grading efficiency.
Robin Lake, CRPE director, emphasized the missed opportunity. “Schools are focusing too narrowly,” she said. “They’re overlooking AI’s potential to transform how we teach and learn.”
One major hurdle is teacher readiness. Project Tomorrow’s survey showed that more than half of teachers have never discussed AI with their students, and only 13% feel confident using it for instructional purposes. Just 15% reported receiving adequate professional development on AI tools.
Hingorani noted that many educators in his district are unsure about AI policies. “Teachers often say, ‘I don’t know what the policy is,’” he said. “That uncertainty prevents meaningful integration.”
Students believe that better training and resources for teachers could help resolve this issue. “There’s a stigma around AI among educators,” said Palla. “If we provide them with the tools and knowledge, they’ll be more open to using it in meaningful ways.”
The Path Forward
With students already embracing AI and calling for its responsible use in education, the onus is now on schools to catch up. Creating clear policies, investing in teacher training, and understanding the potential and pitfalls of generative AI are critical next steps.
As Robin Lake concluded, “Whether we like it or not, AI is part of our future. The real question is whether education systems will prepare students to shape that future—or be shaped by it.”
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.