From classrooms to personal use: A closer look at how students are navigating AI and what recent research can tell us
A recent survey conducted by the Center on Democracy and Technology has shed light on the use of generative AI programs, like ChatGPT, by high school students. The findings compare educators’ assumptions on student AI use against research on how students are actually engaging with AI.
By understanding how students navigate their ever-evolving tech, educators can better support their students to use their devices and platforms positively and responsibly– addressing concerns while fostering a collaborative learning environment.
What do students have to say about how they navigate AI?
The survey, conducted nationally among high school students, discovered that only 23% of students have used generative AI programs for school assignments.
The survey revealed that students are using generative AI, such as ChatGPT, more often for personal use than school use, reporting that 45% of the 58% of students that have used AI use it for personal use– almost doubled the 23% that use it for school!
Although researchers are now aware of how students are using AI, the general perception among educators is that students are using AI to cheat. These beliefs are negatively influencing teachers’ attitudes toward grading assignments and evaluating student work, with 50% of teachers expressing less excitement about viewing their students’ work due to doubts about its authenticity.
What the report discovered
- 58% of students have used Generative AI with only 23% using AI for school use
- 45% of students use AI for personal use
- 90% of teachers say they think their students have used generative AI for school or that their students probably have
- 62% of teachers say that generative AI has made them more distrustful of whether their students’ work is actually theirs
- 50% of teachers say that generative AI has made them less excited about their students’ work, as they are not confident it is actually theirs
- 63% of teachers are aware of a school policy on generative AI
- Over half of teachers say they have not received any substantive training when it comes to generative AI
The main takeaway from this research is that the teachers’ perception of how students use AI versus how they actually do is quite different. To avoid misunderstandings with students and bring a love of teaching and learning back into the classroom, educators can huddle with their students on AI use, and make sure clear classroom policies for the technology are in place.
Why is it important for educators to understand how students use AI?
Understanding the true dynamics of how students engage with AI is crucial for educators. The misperception that AI technology is primarily used for academic shortcuts can strain the teacher-student relationship. When students don’t understand or empathize with teachers, and teachers don’t do the same for their students, it makes learning harder for everyone, and can lead to a lack of mutual respect.
By understanding that students employ AI for various purposes, including non-academic ones like pursuing hobbies and managing mental health, educators can approach the topic with a more balanced perspective and foster an environment that encourages open dialogue.
TSI’s Take
Technology is constantly evolving, and ChatGPT is just the beginning. Educators, often under pressure to maintain academic standards, must navigate the changing landscape of technology in education.
By understanding all the ways students navigate AI, huddling as a class, and providing guidance on responsible tech use, educators can address the challenges associated with generative AI. Here are 3 strategies educators can use in the classroom to instill responsible tech use and foster strong class relationships:
- Huddle, Huddle, Huddle! Having open conversations with your students on how they use generative AI, and what you expect for tech use in the classroom eliminates misunderstandings and helps build mutual respect.
- Use ChatGPT to develop problem-solving scenarios: Educators can use generative AI to create scenarios students have to solve based on certain topics. Not only does this foster creative thinking, but it highlights for students how they can use tech for good.
- Come up with class policies together: Whether or not your school has AI policies in place, discuss with students what they think a reasonable tech policy for the class should be. Collaborate to develop an effective policy for your class that both you and your students appreciate.
The survey findings show that preconceived notions about students’ use of generative AI versus their actual use are much different– revealing a lack of communication and understanding between students and educators. As AI continues to influence education, we can embrace evolving technology and huddle together with students so that everyone is empowered to use technology positively and responsibly.
To learn more about how generative AI tools like ChatGPT are impacting students, and the functions of the technology, check out our Platform Playbook on ChatGPT. To get expert guidance on unleashing AI at your school and setting reasonable policies for its use, connect with our team to learn how to revolutionize classrooms with AI.
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The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in empowering students by understanding students. Through #WinAtSocial, our gamified, peer-to-peer learning platform, we equip students, educators, and families to navigate their social world – in the classroom and beyond, online and offline – in healthy, high-character ways. Our unique, student-respected approach empowers and equips, rather than scares and restricts. We incorporate timely topics about social media, tech use, and current events that are impacting student well-being and learning. #WinAtSocial Lessons teach life skills for the modern day, capture student voice, and provide school leaders with actionable insights. Through these insights, students play an essential role in school efforts to support their own health, happiness, and future success as we enable high-impact teaching, meaningful family conversations, and a healthy school culture.