When to use AI, and when not to
Follow your school's rules, know when AI helps and when it's not allowed, understand plagiarism, and ask yourself four honest questions.
AI can help with schoolwork, but not always, and not for everything. Let's work out when. Some schools allow A I for some kinds of work. Others don't allow it at all. And the rules can be different for every class, and every task. So the first rule is simple. Always follow your teacher's and your school's rules.
Often allowed, and not allowed
When A I is allowed, it's often fine to use it to explain a topic you're stuck on, to make practice quizzes, or to brainstorm ideas. But check first. What's not allowed? Using A I in tests and exams, unless your teacher clearly says so, handing in A I's work as your own, and ignoring your teacher's rules.
New word: Plagiarism
Handing in someone else's work as if it were yours is called plagiarism. That includes work written by A I. Schools treat plagiarism as cheating, and it can lead to serious trouble, like failing the work.
Ask yourself
Before you use A I, ask yourself four questions. First, is it allowed for this task? Second, am I still learning, or is A I doing the thinking for me? Third, would I be happy to tell my teacher how I used it? If not, don't do it. And fourth, is the work I hand in my own, my ideas, and my words? Some skills only grow when you practise them yourself, like riding a bicycle. Nobody can ride it for you. Writing, mental maths and solving problems are skills like that. And in an exam, you'll only have your own brain, so train it.
Quick check
Quick check. Your teacher says no A I for this essay. What should you do? Write it yourself, without A I. The rule is the rule, and the practice is good for you. Options: Write it yourself, without AI; Use AI, and don't tell anyone; Ask AI to make it sound like you; Copy a friend's essay.
Recap
Follow your school's rules. No A I in tests, unless your teacher allows it. Plagiarism is cheating, even with A I. And if you're not sure, ask your teacher.
Key points
- Every school and teacher can have different rules about AI. Always follow them.
- Using AI in tests and exams is not allowed unless your teacher clearly says so.
- Plagiarism means handing in someone else's work, or AI's work, as your own. Schools treat it as cheating.
- Ask yourself: is it allowed, am I still learning, would I tell my teacher, and is it my own work?
- If you're not sure, ask your teacher before you start.
Try it: What would you do?
Choose the honest, smart choice in each situation.