The rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing many parts of society, and education is one of them. Today, AI tools are becoming more common in schools and universities. Many students use them to help with homework and research. Because of this, AI is influencing how students learn and develop academically. While these tools can be helpful, they also create some challenges for teachers and students.
Javier Rodriguez Benitez, a teacher at Watkins Mill High School, is one of many educators in the 2026 school year who is thinking about how AI is affecting students’ learning. He is concerned that if students depend too much on AI, they may not develop important skills like critical thinking, analyzing information, solving problems, and doing research. These are skills that students need not only for school but also for their future careers and daily life. For this reason, Mr. Rodriguez tries to guide students on how to use AI in a more responsible way. Instead of using it to do their work, he encourages them to use it to brainstorm ideas or get feedback on something they already wrote.
Mr. Rodriguez also believes that AI is already a big part of everyday life, not only in school. People use AI in many areas such as technology, communication, and even work environments. Because of this, it is normal that students are also using these tools more often. However, before saying that students are using AI “too much,” he thinks it is important to understand how they are actually using it. Research from different countries shows that the use of AI tools for schoolwork has increased a lot in recent years. This reflects how technology is becoming more advanced and more available to everyone. In many cases, AI can help create a culture of responsibility and trust if students learn to use it correctly. Still, what worries Mr. Rodriguez the most is not the existence of AI itself, but the way some students depend on it instead of doing the work themselves.
Some students use AI systems to complete entire assignments, including essays or answers to questions. When that happens, the technology is replacing the learning process instead of helping it. According to Mr. Rodriguez, “AI has tremendous educational potential, but only if students understand its purpose and limitations.” In school, AI should be used as a support tool, not as something that replaces human thinking or effort. For example, AI can help students come up with ideas if they feel stuck, explain difficult topics in simpler ways, or give suggestions to improve their writing. However, the final work should still come from the student’s own thoughts and understanding. Because of this, teachers believe that AI must be used carefully and responsibly in academic environments.
Mr. Rodriguez also explains that “AI should be integrated thoughtfully, transparently, and ethically. The focus should always remain on student learning—not just student completion.” In other words, the goal of education is not simply finishing assignments but actually understanding the material and developing skills. If AI is used in the right way, it can help students access more information and learn in different ways. However, students still need to stay involved in their own learning process and not depend entirely on technology.
Teachers can sometimes notice when AI might have been used in a student’s assignment. From Mr. Rodriguez’s perspective, one common sign is a sudden change in the student’s writing style. For example, a student who usually writes simple sentences may suddenly submit work with very advanced vocabulary or ideas that seem much more complex than their usual work. Another sign appears when teachers ask students questions about their assignments. If the student cannot clearly explain their ideas, defend their argument, or talk about the sources they used, it may suggest that the work was not completely their own. In addition, missing citations can also raise questions. When teachers ask students to include sources but none are listed, it may indicate that the information came from an AI system instead of actual research.
As a resolution, AI can be helpful for students if it is used in a balanced and responsible way. Technology should support learning, not replace it. Students need to continue developing their own thinking, creativity, and effort in school. Teachers want students to succeed academically, but they also want them to become independent learners. When students face challenges, it is better to ask questions, make mistakes, and keep trying until they understand the material. Learning takes time and effort, and that is a normal part of education. AI can be a useful tool, but students should remember that it cannot replace their own ideas, experiences, and ability to think for themselves. If all our understanding comes from artificial intelligence, all our understanding will also be artificial.
