Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education, creating new opportunities for personalized learning and better outcomes. However, as the Copyleaks 2024 AI in Academia study shows, its rapid adoption has also introduced ethical challenges, particularly in how students and educators view and use AI.
The survey that polled 1,000 students and 250 educators across the United States shows that educators prioritize integrity and ethical considerations, but for many students, AI is the means to an end that comes at the cost of overlooking institutional policies. 55% of the students admitted to using AI in ways that violate their school’s ethics guidelines –that’s double the rate of educators.
The disparity indicates a critical need for stronger ethics training and clearer institutional policies around generative AI use. As AI becomes more ingrained in education, the question isn’t just how to use it, but how to use it responsibly.
Two Perspectives
Educators overwhelmingly view AI as a tool to uphold academic standards and combat dishonesty. Nearly 45% of educators support AI’s role in preventing cheating, compared to 40% of students who are more concerned about the potential invasion of privacy. These differing priorities highlight the need for balanced conversations addressing academic integrity and student concerns.
Similarly, educators are more inclined to embrace ethical AI training, with 68% stressing its importance, compared to only 41% of students. The gap underscores a key challenge: many students may not fully grasp the ethical implications of their AI use. Bridging this divide requires proactive measures – educators and administrators must work together to create policies that are not only clear but also resonate with students.
The Unspoken Use of AI
Interestingly, while 73% of educators and 67% of students report comfort with using AI-powered tools, far fewer admit to openly discussing their use of AI with peers. Only 32% of educators and 21% of students frequently engage in these conversations. The lack of dialogue complicates the ethical landscape, with secrecy perpetuating misuse.
Open conversations about AI’s role in education could demystify the technology and foster greater transparency. By discussing when and how AI can be used ethically, schools can build a culture of trust and collaboration.
Striking a Balance
Students and educators do share common ground on certain issues, the survey finds. Over half of both groups agree that AI will not replace teachers, emphasizing its role as a supportive tool rather than a replacement. However, differing opinions on AI-assisted grading reveal lingering discomfort: nearly 65% students prefer human-based evaluations, compared to 46% educators who are open to AI’s role in grading.
This reveals a broader fact about AI in education–it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. The key is finding a balance that complements human judgment while leveraging AI’s strengths.
As AI continues to evolve, so too must the approach to its use in education. Students need clear guidelines on what constitutes ethical use, and educators must be equipped to lead by example. Being proactive can ensure that AI changes education without compromising integrity by promoting open dialogue and providing tools that prioritize transparency and fairness.
The future of AI in academia is promising, but it depends on all stakeholders working together to navigate its challenges responsibly.
