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How AI Homework Helpers Are Impacting Education

In 2022, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT— a chatbot and virtual assistant designed to assist with various tasks, including composing emails, explaining complex concepts, and solving math problems. Today, many software companies utilize OpenAI’s technology to create AI homework helpers, allowing students to easily access AI tools. One popular choice among students is ChatGPT, with a recent report indicating that 46% of students use AI tools for their school assignments.

Reasons Behind Students’ Use of AI Homework Helpers

According to Rachel Volk, an 11th-grade teacher, students are increasingly turning to AI for homework help due to its availability, ease of use, and a sense of laziness. Many students prefer the convenience of inputting their assignment questions into a tool like ChatGPT rather than conducting the necessary research themselves. Kyla McMullen, an Associate Professor, notes that students’ attention spans are dwindling in an era of distractions, making AI a quick-fix solution for completing assignments.

Detecting the Use of AI in Homework

Teachers can often detect AI in written work by noting deviations from a student’s typical writing style or thought patterns. Some schools require essays to be submitted through plagiarism detection software like Turnitin. While AI-generated text may have a robotic tone, there are apps available to “humanize” the text, making detection more challenging.

The Negative Impacts of Using AI Homework Helpers

Rachel Volk and Kyla McMullen highlight the negative consequences of students relying on AI for homework. Using AI can hinder knowledge retention, communication skills, and critical thinking abilities. Students who rely on AI may struggle in advanced classes due to a lack of foundational knowledge. Additionally, using AI without permission erodes students’ integrity and reduces their ability to think critically.

Identifying if Your Child Is Using AI for Homework

Professor McMullen offers three tips for parents to determine if their child is using AI for homework. Parents should pay attention to work that surpasses their child’s demonstrated ability, look for over-answers to questions, and engage in conversations with their child about how the work was completed to gauge understanding. By being proactive and observant, parents can help ensure their child is learning and growing without relying on AI shortcuts.
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