A lengthy, multiple-choice assignment has just been handed out. Students immediately dash to their iPads in search for the answers on the Internet to finish with time to spare for their other assignments.

In recent years, fast-paced technological advancements have changed many aspects of life, especially those of students.

Schools transitioning to a more digitized way of learning have seen various improvements which are also accompanied by their own problems. The rise of artificial intelligence led to an alarming increase in usage with students seeking a way to escape the turmoil of pending assignments.

Cracks have started to  form within the academic integrity of Coppell ISD.

In CISD, ChatGPT, a popular AI program, is restricted across district devices since the end of the 2022-23 school year. Its growing popularity among students led to concerns about academic integrity, resulting in the website’s restriction. Usage of such AI programs are considered plagiarism and treated accordingly.

“I think it has just been used the wrong way,” Coppell High School assistant principal Jeremy Jordan said. “We don’t know how to use it properly.”

Oftentimes, students can lean toward using AI because they are curious about its capabilities and how to apply it to make their lives as easy as possible. After school ends, students are faced with a finite amou​​nt of time to complete their coursework, making AI an appealing option to finish assignments in a timely manner.

“Students have such a vast opportunity to utilize technology and to experiment with it and figure out, ‘How can I best leverage this for my benefit?’ and that is tempting,” CHS English teacher Hannah Corley said.

The reality is AI responses are not a fix-it-all solution for students to save time and make  good grades. It is often obvious that assignments written by programs do not show a deeper level of understanding on topics as they often echo points that others have already written about.

“That fluidity of thought, the originality of thought is lost,” Corley said. “We don’t have those insights.”

There are several layers to teachers’  plans to reduce AI usage, starting with deterrence.

According to CISD’s policy for academic dishonesty, first-time offenders face a grade of 0% with no chance for reassessment and are disqualified from honor societies or leadership positions. Repeat offenders receive the previous penalties along with three in-school suspension days for the second offense and five days of ISS for the third offense.

Teachers can combat AI in classrooms by observing the predictable formatting of an AI-generated answer, as well as running documents through different softwares to catch AI.

Contrary to its reputation, AI can also be used as a valuable learning tool.

“When people think of students and AI, they come to terms that students will use it to cheat,” CHS sophomore Mohammed Shadab said. “But AI can be used in a way without cheating.”

According to Corley, AI can also be useful in generating ideas and aiding students with chances to practice and improve.

“It can be bad if we misuse it, but it can also be a very great opportunity to learn and grow,” Corley said.

AI can be used to hone skills including editing, structuring or simply brainstorming. Several staff members have plans to incorporate the regulated use of AI into their curriculum due to these abilities.

Jordan thinks students must be taught how to use AI responsibly rather than using it as an easy way out.

“It’s definitely a tool,” Jordan said. “The same way you use a calculator in math, it’s going to be a tool in every other subject.”

AI has grown to be a prominent part of students’ lives. While it has taken on a reputation for fraudulence, some think that breaking the stigma can lead to more responsible usage.

“It can be used positively in a good manner in the workforce and in schools,” Jordan said. “We just have to figure out the guidelines to direct us.”

In recent years, AI has become a popular resource. However, negative usage has caused staff at CHS to consider combating the issue by arming students with the knowledge of how to use this new tool in a responsible manner.

This story was originally published on Coppell Student Media on October 3, 2023.