Artificial Intelligence has rapidly reshaped the educational landscape. Across districts and campuses, conversations are unfolding about how, and whether to integrate AI into teaching and learning. Some educators are diving in, using tools like Brisk, MagicSchool, and Curipod to streamline lesson planning and grading. Others are more cautious, concerned about the impact on creativity, student privacy, and the integrity of learning.
These concerns are valid. AI tools, especially large language models (LLMs), can reflect biases, spread misinformation, and raise serious questions about data privacy, particularly when tools haven’t gone through district-level vetting or DPA (Data Privacy Agreement) processes. There’s also growing awareness of the environmental cost of running these powerful systems.
But while educators weigh the pros and cons, students aren’t hesitating. They’re already using AI to complete assignments with startling ease.Test this out for yourself: copy a practice SAT question into ChatGPT, Gemini, or CoPilot, and you’ll likely get the correct answer almost instantly. This raises the essential question: how can we ensure students are truly learning and expressing their own understanding, not just outsourcing their thinking to AI?
Photo provided by ViewSonic
Teaching Ethical AI Use
Some educators are responding by guiding students to use AI responsibly. Rather than banning it outright, they’re introducing a spectrum of ethical use:
- Rewriting drafts generated by AI
- Consulting AI for minor revisions of their own draft
- Validating answers
- Disclosing when they use AI
- Utilizing AI-powered simulations for immersive learning
These approaches encourage students to think critically about how and when to use AI, while still requiring them to demonstrate mastery of content.
Reimagining Assessment
To preserve academic integrity, many teachers are shifting how they assess learning, opting for quick checks for understanding, in-person assessments, essays written by hand, student discussions to hear authentic student voices, or project-based learning. These methods allow teachers to hear authentic student voices and observe real-time thinking, without the use of AI.
The Role of Districts and Teachers
While districts work through protocols and privacy policies, teachers are currently left to define their own classroom philosophies around AI. As with any pedagogical choice, the approach depends on the students in the classroom and their needs. Whether embracing AI or approaching it with caution, the goal remains the same: empowering students to think, create, and learn deeply.
Supporting Thoughtful Integration
At ViewSonic, we’re committed to supporting educators as they navigate this evolving landscape. Tools like ClassSwift provide on-the-fly comprehension checks that help surface real student thinking, not just AI-generated responses. Instead of relying on homework or take-home assignments that could be completed with AI assistance, ClassSwift helps surface students’ real-time thinking and understanding. Teachers can pose open-ended questions, polls, or quick audio reflections and immediately gauge where students are- making it easier to adjust instruction and ensure that learning is truly happening. Learn more about ClassSwift here: https://vsfinch.es/43uaFcY
