Artificial Intelligence isn’t some futuristic idea anymore. It’s already here, shaping how students do schoolwork and how teachers approach assignments.
Many people know what AI is and interact with it through apps like Google Docs, Grammarly, and voice assistants like Siri. In schools, one of the most talked-about uses is ChatGPT, a language model that can answer questions, generate essays, or explain complex topics in seconds.
The use of AI isn’t just limited to writing. From slide design to language translation, students are using it to complete a wide range of assignments more efficiently, but sometimes the line between help and a shortcut isn’t always clear.
Some students admit to going too far.
“I had three assignments due and a sporting event that night. I didn’t copy it word for word, but yeah, I used it.” Said one student who asked to remain anonymous after being flagged for AI on his paper
With no concrete way to deal with it, rules around AI vary from class to class. Some teachers don’t mind it, while others completely ban it. To manage this, teachers use Classwise, an AI-powered tool that helps them monitor student activity, prevent distractions, and keep the class focused during digital lessons.
Classwise is a program that lets them see what students are doing on their Chromebooks and even close tabs in real time. “You’ll be typing on your screen and then boom, the tab will just close,” said junior Juliana Bartolucci, clearly frustrated.
Even the best monitoring software can’t catch everything. Students can easily switch devices or use AI at home, then paste answers into assignments. This makes enforcement difficult and leaves teachers frustrated
But even with tools like Classwise AI is hard to police. A student can ask ChatGPT a question on their phone and just type the answer into a Google Doc.. Or they can use AI at home, then show up to school with a polished essay.
This has left many students unsure of where the boundaries are and what counts as cheating. “It’s an awesome tool, but I don’t abuse it,” says junior Noah Bahgat.
In contrast, Vice President of the Class of 2026 Sam Pontes states, “It ruins the academic integrity and tarnishes critical thinking ability within students.”
This split reflects a larger debate: is AI a helpful tutor or an easy cheat? Some see it as a way to understand tough material faster. Others worry it stops students from developing real skills.
The divide between students who use AI as a resource and those who see it as academic dishonesty mirrors a larger debate happening across education. While AI can assist students in grasping difficult concepts or getting started with assignments, critics worry about long-term consequences.
Some teachers have started redesigning how they assign work. Instead of open-ended, take-home essays, some teachers are opting for more in-class writing. Many teachers feel unprepared to handle AI.
Without clear guidelines or professional development, they struggle to balance fair assessment with encouraging learning. “There’s no single answer,” said junior Dom Martins. “Some students use it responsibly, and some use it to cut corners.”
At the same tim,e AI has benefits that can’t be ignored. For students who struggle with organization or language, it can act as a scaffold. It can break down complex instructions or suggest a structure to a student who has ideas but doesn’t know where to start.
“Not everyone has access to private tutors or parents who can help at home,” Martins added. “AI can level the playing field if used right.” That’s the catch: If it’s used right. The conversation is longer about banning AI.
It’s about teaching digital literacy. Just like students learn to cite sources or avoid plagiarism, they may need to learn how to use AI ethically. As tech evolve,s schools will have to evolve too. Some districts across the country have already started building AI lessons into their curriculum. Others are waiting and unsure how to respond.
At Ludlow, students and teachers are figuring it out in real time. With no concrete policy, the school has become a bit of a testing ground: each class has a different experiment in what works and what doesn’t.
One big issue with AI in schools is that not every student has the same access. Some kids have the newest laptops and fast internet, while others are stuck with slow devices or spotty connections. This gap could make education even less equal. If schools don’t figure out how to make AI tools available to everyone, not just teach how to use them responsibly, then only a handful of students will really benefit, and the rest will fall further behind.
The digital divide risks leaving behind students who already face disadvantages. Without equal access to devices and the internet, AI’s benefits will reinforce existing gaps rather than close them.
Teachers face challenges adapting to AI too. Many are still learning how to spot AI use and how to adjust assignments to keep learning meaningful. Without clear guidelines or training, some educators feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to handle AI in their classrooms.
“You can’t really ignore it,” said senior Sophia Scyocurka. “It’s not going anywhere so we either learn how to use it smartly or we all fall behind.
Ignoring AI won’t help anyone. Schools must shift from bans to teaching students how to think critically with AI, blending technology with human skills.
That’s the key takeaway. AI will only get smarter. Schools must teach students how to think, write, and question critically. Additionall,y it teaches how to use new tech with purpose. The future of learning isn’t AI or human. It’s both, working together. Whether that future is bright or blurry depends on how we meet the challenge.
Parents, teachers, and students themselves must engage honestly with AI’s role. It’s not going away, and pretending otherwise wastes time. Schools need clear policies and open discussions, not sweeping bans or punishment without guidance.
Ultimately, AI in education represents a crossroads—it can be a powerful tool or a dangerous crutch. That outcome depends on how seriously schools take the challenge of integrating technology without sacrificing core skills.