Don't Risk It: The Consequences of AI Use in Academics

Can students use AI to complete academic work? The answer changes depending on an individual school’s policies. Should students use AI to complete academic work? According to academic researchers and the American Psychological Association (APA), the answer is almost always no. 

In this blog post, we’ll break down 4 reasons why relying on AI for homework help or using AI for other assignments is detrimental for students both in the short-term and as life-long learners.

1. AI use can impede the development of intellectual capacity

In a recent article titled “What AI is doing to young brains,” the APA interviewed researchers and professors in education and the psychological sciences to better understand how youth are negatively impacted by increased AI usage in educational environments.

Dr. Brooke Macnamara of Purdue University shared how “relying on AI may weaken skills over time through a process called cognitive offloading, where we use outside tools to reduce the mental effort required for a task,” explaining that “if your goal is learning, then efficiency and ease should take a back seat.”

2. Academic dishonesty policies are becoming more strict

Northwest ISD recently published specific guidelines for students and staff detailing allowed use of AI. A student who uses AI in their work but does not cite it is in violation of this policy. Students must also be discerning when it comes to assessing the quality of AI-generated text or search responses. This means that when AI-generated responses plagiarize the work of others or provide incorrect answers, students are at further risk of violating educational use policies.

The guide also includes specific warnings against AI use in coding work and AI use in place of interpersonal connections (like seeking mental health support from a chatbot rather than a friend or therapist), highlighting how reliance upon AI harms both academic and social development.

3. Students can face major disciplinary consequences

Improper AI use in school settings can also bring legal consequences. Many law firms, such as the LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team, have addressed the issue of students facing disciplinary consequences such as suspension and expulsion when being accused of academically dishonest AI use. 

Not all schools or districts have set guidelines on AI use, and not all educators and administrators are equipped to accurately evaluate suspected AI use, so students are at risk of facing consequences from both actual improper AI usage and false accusations of improper AI usage.

Beyond legal consequences, teachers may mention suspicions of AI use in college recommendation letters and school counselors may make note of improper AI use on transcripts or reports for colleges.

4. Time management and study skills do more to support long-term success

One of the most common reasons students may want to use AI is to cut down on the amount of time they spend on homework, readings, essay writing, and more. However, students making that choice are missing out on developing skills like reading comprehension, note-taking, long-term memory formation, and overall content mastery.

Instead, we see the most successful students take intentional steps toward improving their academic performance through time management, designated study time, tutoring, and support from counselors, teachers, and peers.

The B2A Difference

With Steps, our premier college planning program, we take everything into account:

• Are students studying in locations conducive to productive work?

  • A student who finds themselves disrupted by younger siblings at home might find more success at the library. 

• Do students feel motivated and supported in their academic efforts?

  • Students who attend tutorials, review sessions, and create informal study groups are able to work with teachers, tutors, and classmates to deepen their understanding of important material.

• Is the student keeping a reasonable expectation of their capacity with AP/IB classes, intensive extracurriculars, and other commitments?

  • We can make recommendations to prioritize the most important activities and most relevant classes colleges want to see.

• Does the student have trouble prioritizing and planning ahead?

  • Using a calendar system to track upcoming assessments and assignment due dates can help students make the most effective decisions on how to spend their time throughout the week.

With Steps, students in grades 7-11 meet twice monthly with their best-fit counselor from September–May and get help identifying where they’re struggling and making concrete plans to improve their academic routine.  

Reach out today for more information!