​In a world where AI can be used as an automated thesaurus, grammar checker, editor, and worksheet filler all in one, it is understandable that schools may be hesitant about its ethics; but the benefits of integrating it into education are still hard to ignore. So why are we holding back on a tool that could transform how we learn? Instead of worrying that AI might “spoil” students, maybe it’s time to recognize it as a potential solution for the United States’ deteriorating education system — a tool that empowers students to learn more efficiently.

At PHS, students constantly juggle rigorous coursework, intense extracurriculars, and ever-looming college prep. So what if AI could step in? Imagine a world where AI tools can keep track of deadlines, create personalized study guides for your hardest classes, or even streamline teacher feedback, leaving you and your teachers more time for critical one-on-one moments.

Instead of sifting through hour-long videos or scouring lengthy research papers for that one idea you need, AI-powered tools such as Otter or NoteGPT are able to categorize information and provide concise summaries. This allows students to allocate more time to absorbing or understanding key ideas instead of spending time searching for them. AI can be an on-demand and cost-effective tutor, with programs like Khan Academy’s Khanmigo that are always available to assist students with difficult concepts by walking them through step-by-step.

But the benefits of AI go beyond supporting students at PHS; it can also provide valuable assistance to teachers. As the country faces a teacher shortage driven by feelings of being underpaid and overworked, AI can be a valuable tool to ease educators’ stress and retain more teachers in the profession. By using AI to handle some time-consuming and repetitive tasks, such as grading work based on completion, teachers can instead invest that time into providing personalized support or planning engaging lessons that are memorable and valuable. Tasks that previously took hours can now be knocked off of to-do lists in minutes, allowing teachers to destress and prioritize impactful teaching over busy work, creating a stronger and more supportive environment for students.

In a 2023 article titled “New York City Public Schools Ban Access to AI Tool That Could Help Students Cheat,” Jennifer Korn and Samantha Kelly of CNN express concerns about AI’s ability to generate “convincing responses and even essays in response to user prompts, could make it easier for students to cheat.” They also note the worry that tools like ChatGPT could spread inaccurate information. However, misinformation is not unique to AI; it’s a challenge we face daily, whether through the internet, social media, or even word of mouth. Just as students are taught to verify information from these traditional sources, they can also apply this valuable skill to using AI responsibly. Rather than blocking access, teachers at PHS could incorporate lessons on how to use AI effectively into their classes, helping students understand its potential and warn of its ethical concerns. Additionally, PHS teachers have access to School AI, a program that can identify generated AI content, holding students who misuse this privilege accountable while teaching integrity. Restricting access to AI is an ineffective solution; it is more beneficial to equip students with values and critical thinking skills that help them realize AI is a resource for growth and learning — not just for easy answers.