The logo for ChatGPT, the most popular chatbot created by OpenAI that a lot of us use on a daily basis. (Photo from Unsplash)

In 2020, AI use has grown rampant across the world. Here at Highlands, students and teachers now recognize ChatGPT and other AI as being useful for learning and creativity. 

Teachers use AI in preparing lessons for their students and to help them learn new things about the subject of their class.

“For myself as a teacher, it really helps me if I have a question about planning, or if I need to tweak a lesson. It’s a lot quicker than doing a Google search, so I feel like it’s helped me be more efficient, and prepping and planning for classes,” AP Seminar teacher Angie Gintonio said. 

Students use ChatGPT to help them with problems and generate creative ideas.

“I’ve mostly used ChatGPT for help with homework and other stuff. Especially when I’m stuck on math problems or any problems in general. I think it’s super helpful for getting ideas, but I try not to rely on it too much,” Henry Mitchell (10) said.

However, there are some negative consequences to using ChatGPT and other AI as well.

ChatGPT is famously known for being used by students to create work that is not their own to quickly complete assignments. 

For example, creating essays using ChatGPT. 

Another common misuse is getting answers to tests or quizzes without permission, which is against the “Academic Integrity” section in the 2024-2025 Student Handbook. 

Since there were so many reports of students getting caught using AI, that the handbook has been updated to include it as a rule, as well as some checks to discourage students from using AI.

Important tests or assessments use LockDown Browser, which prevents test takers from using outside applications such as Google and of course, ChatGPT and other AI. 

Even with essays, most of them will require students to submit them through Turnitin, which checks to see if the text was made by AI and will notify the teacher if it comes positive as AI. 

At this point, many teachers who give out essays can figure out the difference between a student who wrote something by themselves and an AI-generated piece.

The consequences of being caught using AI will be that any test or essay will have a 0 as the grade and can be made up for at least 50% of the points. But if it is done again there will be no more chances of making it up. Parents are notified of the incident and the student will have to serve detention.

It is best to be careful with AI use as it can be helpful, but if used incorrectly, it can ruin a student’s reputation at school and even impact their future. Bluebirds can practice caution and use AI for help, but not for doing work for them.