Walk through a school hallway, and you might see colorful posters promoting school events or encouraging good behavior. Some of which may have been created using artificial intelligence. Yet in classrooms it is often preached to students that the use of AI on assignments is cheating. This raises an important question; If teachers can use AI, why can’t students?

AI can be a useful tool for teachers helping them create assignments, brainstorm ideas, and save time. However, when students are told not to use the same resources, the rules can feel hypocritical.

Of course, there is a difference between using AI to design a poster and having it write an essay. Assignments are meant to measure students’ understanding of a topic and their critical thinking skills. If AI does all the work, teachers cannot accurately evaluate what students have learned.

However, using AI to brainstorm ideas, organize information or create visuals does not automatically mean a student is avoiding learning. Teachers use AI to make their jobs easier, and students should be given the opportunity to use it responsibly. 

Instead of banning AI completely, East should establish clear rules about when it is appropriate to use it and how to do so. Teachers should explain why certain uses are acceptable and others are not. The expectations for student and teacher use of AI do not have to be identical, but they should be consistent and fair. 

Artificial intelligence is not going away. Students will encounter it in college, future careers, and everyday life. Schools should prepare their students to use it ethically rather than simply telling them to stay away from it.

Written by junior Abby Messerges. Edited by staff writers for the Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.