As we Wyverns came back to school in August, a common theme was present in many classes. A change in policies regarding AI and cheating: teachers implemented new rules regarding phones, homework, and sharing test information, all of which are clearly outlined in the syllabi of their classes. Additionally, all teachers revealed KO’s latest policies regarding the use of AI.
Essentially, teachers will assign an “AI level” to each assignment. Level 0 means no use of AI whatsoever. Level I means AI can be used for basic purposes, such as definitions. Level II means AI can assist you in research and brainstorming. Finally, Level III, rarely seen in classes, means you can use AI to help you generate ideas and information.
As a staff, we agree with parts of KO’s new policies. KO has done a good job at labeling the extent to which you can use it for each assignment, which has definitely helped erase some confusion about its use. However, teachers have rarely assigned a level II or III task so far this year.
KO is not properly utilizing AI, and we should learn how to use it as a tool, not a weapon. AI can be essential in furthering our learning, and it can significantly ease the lives of students and even teachers.
Students should learn how to utilize AI in various helpful ways. First, when studying for a test, students should know how to utilize AI to help summarize notes and develop practical study guides. This saves students valuable time when researching. Teachers typically are fine with students using AI to study; however, the emphasis here is that it needs to be taught and suggested, rather than silenced or discouraged.
Second, AI can be vital in clarifying information and helping students understand complex topics. It can provide students with interesting perspectives on issues and simplify them for those who are confused. Resorting to AI when doing homework to clarify something you don’t understand should not be frowned upon. If students are simply learning more with it, AI does not harm their learning.
When utilizing AI, students must understand that it can also be used to enhance their knowledge on specific topics. By asking it to refer you to other sources about the same subject, it is more than capable of doing so. It could help you uncover sources you previously would not have discovered.
While students may be tempted to turn to AI when facing deadlines that they were unable to meet within the assigned time, putting in the effort to submit AI-generated work can be detrimental to both themselves and their futures.
If a student at KO is caught submitting work that was created by AI, it is considered academic dishonesty. This road can lead to receiving a zero on the assignment, with the opportunity to complete it for up to half credit. Additionally, the student is often presented to the citizenship committee, where further repercussions may occur.
All students have signed and stand by KO’s core values. Misusing AI is a direct violation of them. While it may feel like you are taking the easy way out when you take a chance and submit work that is not yours, this is far from the case. It is always better to be honest with your teachers and turn in work that is yours, even if it is late.
We completely understand the importance of using your own words when writing. As a newspaper, we emphasize that AI has no place in our publication because we want our voices to be heard, not those of a computer.
Although it can be dangerous, AI can be beneficial and used as a tool. It can save time, galvanize ideas, and provide students with more explanation on unknown topics. AI is only going to get more advanced as we continue to grow from high school to college, and knowing how to use it as a tool will prove to be an advantage in the future. Establishing ways to utilize AI will benefit students and faculty in the long run. As a staff, we want to see AI categorized more as a tool than a weapon, while students continue to produce their own work.
