Forum: Is it still considered learning if I use ChatGPT?
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Follow topic:
I asked ChatGPT last term to solve a maths problem, not because I didn’t know how to, but because I ran out of time. When the answer popped up, I felt relieved. But soon after, I felt something else: guilt. Was I learning, or just outsourcing?
Our school introduced a “Smart Learning” model where students can use artificial intelligence (AI) tools – but guidance is inconsistent. One teacher encouraged creativity with AI, while another warned us that it’s cheating.
Young people need to be intentional about how we use AI. Sure, it’s tempting to let the tool do the thinking. But, if we use it mindlessly, we risk losing our ability to think.
We need to know how to ask ourselves, “What am I learning – even when AI is helping?”, and talk openly about it.
Parents can show interest without judgment, and ask us how we are using AI. They can encourage reflection and ask us to explain the answers a chatbot has given. They can help turn AI into a learning tool, aiding us to find our own answers.
Schools must set clearer boundaries. We don’t need blanket bans, but we do need structured policies: teach us prompt ethics, require AI usage logs, and grade original thinking differently.
Avishi Gurnani, 15
Secondary 3
