After attending the USG AI Summit, one theme that surfaced, albeit in small whispers, was the concern around AI plagiarism. It’s understandable why this would still be a point of tension in some circles, but I believe, as a broader field of educators, we have largely moved beyond this notion. However, the fact that it was mentioned prompted me to reflect on why it’s crucial to continue this conversation, especially as we find ourselves at the early stages of understanding the full potential of generative AI in education.
As we begin to explore how AI can truly transform teaching and learning, we need to move away from focusing on AI’s use as a punitive tool. Rather than viewing AI as a mechanism to detect and punish wrongdoing, our focus should be on how we can harness its power to foster growth, creativity and personalized learning experiences for the diverse range of students we serve. The goal should be to help students identify their weaknesses and build on them, encouraging learning instead of punishing mistakes.
Shifting from Punishment to Growth
The greatest potential of AI in education lies not in its capacity to monitor or discipline students but in its ability to offer deeply personalized learning opportunities. AI can help tailor instruction, identify where a student may be struggling, and suggest strategies for improvement, all without the shame or fear that often accompanies traditional forms of academic discipline. This capability is what makes AI so powerful—it allows educators to meet students where they are and offer the kind of support that can lead to true academic growth.
Instead of focusing on discipline, we should be working to create an environment where AI empowers students to take ownership of their learning. When AI is used punitively, it risks undermining students’ trust and motivation. We cannot afford to let this happen, especially given the wide-ranging potential AI offers for both teachers and students.
The Risk of Bias and Misinterpretation
One of the inherent dangers of using AI in a punitive manner is that AI systems, as advanced as they are, are not free from bias. If we rely on AI-driven analysis to monitor student behavior or performance, we run the risk of deepening existing inequalities. AI algorithms are often trained on biased data sets, which means that the decisions they make can disproportionately impact certain groups of students, often those who are already marginalized in the educational system.
For example, if AI tools flag certain behaviors as indicative of cheating or misconduct, there’s a chance those flags could unfairly target specific demographics, leading to unjust consequences for students. Misinterpretation of the data or signals flagged by AI could lead to students being punished for things that may not even be their fault or within their control. This not only harms the students but also goes against the very mission of education to be equitable and inclusive.
As educators, we must ensure that AI is used to help every student succeed, rather than to punish or exclude them. If we fail to do this, we risk amplifying the biases that already exist in our systems, further entrenching the very disparities we are working to dismantle.
Creating a Culture of Trust, Not Fear
Using AI for surveillance or discipline can foster a culture of fear, where students are more focused on avoiding punishment than on learning and growth. This fear-based approach stifles the creativity, exploration and risk-taking that are essential for academic development. Students become afraid to make mistakes, which are often the best learning opportunities.
Instead of positioning AI as a tool for punishment, we need to cultivate an environment where AI is seen as a support system that helps students achieve their best outcomes. One educator at the conference said it best; they shared that instead of telling students not to play on a playground, we should tell them how they can play safely. This is the kind of learning environment where students thrive—one where they feel empowered and in control of their education.
When students trust the technology they are using, they are more likely to engage with it in meaningful ways. If AI is perceived as a “gotcha” tool, students will become disengaged, resistant and even suspicious of technology, which undermines the entire educational experience.
AI Should Inspire Innovation and Engagement
We risk stifling their engagement and enthusiasm, which are critical for fostering a love of learning and exploration.
Instead, AI should be seen as a tool that sparks curiosity, creativity, and innovation. New data from the Tyton Partners survey Listening to Learners 2024 found that 69% of students are using genAI at least monthly, and that 44% are paying for genAI tools. Students should feel free to explore, experiment, and even fail—knowing that AI is there to help them learn from those failures and grow. AI can play a role in giving students the freedom to take intellectual risks, dive deeper into complex topics, and discover new ways of thinking, without the constant fear of being penalized.
By using AI as a tool for learning and growth, we can encourage students to engage more deeply with the material, push the boundaries of their knowledge, and think critically about the world around them.
The Sky’s the Limit
As we continue to explore the role of AI in education, it’s essential that we move away from using it as a punitive tool. The future of AI in education lies in its ability to personalize learning, foster growth and inspire creativity. By focusing on these possibilities, we can ensure that AI becomes a powerful ally in our mission to support every student’s success. The sky’s the limit—let’s make sure we use AI to reach it.
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