On Nov. 30, 2022, OpenAI released ChatGPT, a chat based AI program where users can input commands and questions and receive an in-depth answer. Even though it was released back in November, only recently has ChatGPT taken schools such as CVHS like a storm, with teachers sending out announcements warning students about the consequences they could face if they are caught using any AI program. 

According to College Board’s guidelines, the use of artificial intelligence can result in students’ AP scores being canceled due to plagiarism and failure to follow the rules. This will result in the student not being able to receive their college credit for that specific course. In the worst-case scenario, the student may even be banned from taking future AP tests due to the violation, as using any outside tool in the exam is considered academic dishonesty. Aside from AP exams, the use of AI in any academic work in general will result in the student being charged with academic dishonesty.

Teachers have been able to tell when students turn in AI-generated writing due to its flaws and the scanning abilities of programs such as Turnitin, which run authenticity checks. AP Research and Human Geography teacher Colleen Schmidt mentioned that personally, she can tell when something is AI-generated, as “the tone changes and also citations.” 

AI is not only limited to writing help, but also math. AIs used for math, such as Photomath, will give users both the answer and process to their math problems, which makes it easier for students to plagiarize.

“It’s one of those things where people use it as an easy [way] out and not learn the material,” Schmidt said.

AI usage has been a topic of debate for Americans, as people harbor mixed feelings about it. According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, most Americans feel both concerned and excited about AI being used in their everyday lives. This is followed by 37% who are excited about this and 18% who feel otherwise.

When asked for her opinion about AI, Schmidt said, “I think that it’s a tool will probably eventually lead to the downfall of independent thinking.”

This brings up the question whether school districts should start banning AI programs to make it so that students are forced to think and write for themselves. Schools in New York and Seattle have recently banned the use of ChatGPT on school devices in order to limit the amount of cheating. By doing so, it doesn’t guarantee that cheating won’t happen, but it works as a step towards eliminating the possibility. 

When asked whether or not HISD should ban the use of AIs such as ChatGPT, CVHS freshmen Ebraheem Badarna said, “No, absolutely not, because I love it.”