Contrast

Current-Day Examples of Student AI Use

A chart illustrating diverse scenarios where students leverage AI tools as accelerators, assistants, or crutches, emphasizing the varied roles AI plays in supporting independent learning, language acquisition, subject comprehension, and study habits.

Students Can't Do Learning Task

Students Can Do Learning Task
With Supports

Students Can Do Learning Task
On Their Own

AI Accelerator

A student uses AI tools to advance their work with a coding or programming project, working closely with an educator to strengthen their independent learning skills.

Implications for Educators

Educators may need to monitor learning while providing students with highly structured support when they use AI tools to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

AI Accelerator

A student utilizes a lesson crafted by an educator that integrates AI research tools for collecting data, analyzing discoveries, and publishing their findings.

Implications for Educators

Educators may need to create learning activities and assessments that include curated AI tools for students.

AI Accelerator

A student acquires and independently uses AI-guided directions to design a science experiment.

Implications for Educators

Similar to independent study classes, educators will need to guide students to utilize higher-level thinking skills as they extend their learning in responsible ways with AI.

AI Assistant

An ELL student relies on an educator for guidance and support using AI tools that provide pronunciation feedback, vocabulary practice, and conversation simulations.

Implications for Educators

Educators may need to become familiar with AI tools that best assist students with remedial needs and provide oversight on appropriate use.

AI Assistant

A student is taught how to use grammar and spell-check tools to improve their writing skills.

Implications for Educators

Educators may need ongoing professional development to stay informed about various AI tools and their educational applications.

AI Assistant

A student uses language translation tools to collaborate with international peers who speak different languages.

Implications for Educators

Educators may need to choose AI resources that align with learning activities, enabling students to advance more efficiently while fostering independent learning skills.

AI Crutch

A student not well-versed in a subject turns to AI to complete a writing assignment.

Implications for Educators

Besides teaching AI ethics, educators may need to expand efforts to cultivate an atmosphere where students feel empowered to seek instructor assistance

AI Crutch

A student relies heavily on AI-generated study notes to prepare for an assessment without guidance or direction from educators.

Implications for Educators

Besides teaching AI ethics, educators may need to coach students on the drawbacks of bypassing human assistance and excessively relying on AI for support.

AI Crutch

A student prone to procrastination chooses to quickly finish a project using AI rather than putting in the required effort.

Implications for Educators

Besides teaching AI ethics, educators may consider incorporating project-based learning into assignments, encouraging students to showcase their understanding through real-world applications.

NOTE: This simple framework assesses students’ proficiency in accomplishing learning tasks. It provides illustrations for three current-day potential utilization categories, outlining how students might employ AI as a “crutch,” an “assistant,” or an “accelerator.” Educators should recognize the potential for fluid movement between categories rather than remaining static for each student over time. The framework is designed to aid in identifying the need for potential intervention strategies to foster responsible AI usage among students.

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