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Short Argument Essay

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The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Education

Jessica Dittrichi Neves Gimenes

Interior Design Fundamentals, British Columbia Institute of Technology

ENGL 1177 – Academic Writing

Instructor Lisa Allen

November 3, 2024
SHORT ARGUMENT (PERSUASIVE) ESSAY

The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Education

As technology advances, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a valuable tool in education,

offering students new learning opportunities and support outside the classroom. When used

properly, AI complements the student’s learning experience by providing personalized assistance

and expanding access to resources that might otherwise be limited. However, while AI holds the

potential to enhance education, there are fundamental risks if misused, such as relying on AI-

generated content instead of developing critical skills. While acknowledging these risks, it’s

important to examine both the benefits and the pitfalls of AI as an educational resource. This essay

advocates for a balanced approach that harnesses AI’s strengths while protecting the integrity of

independent learning.

Arguing for a ban on AI in schoolwork is unrealistic, as it represents a natural evolution in our

learning processes, similar to the rise of the internet. Just like the internet, its effectiveness depends

on responsible usage and critical thinking in judging the accuracy of its sources.

The main concern surrounding AI is the risk of academic misconduct. When used incorrectly,

students may rely on AI to generate the entire content of the assignment or schoolwork, which

could lead to a lack of independent problem-solving if they turn to AI without attempting the work

on their own first. This not only jeopardizes the student’s development of critical thinking but also

creates another problem. AI is a tool that gathers information found online, but it does not “fact-

check” this information, which can lead to inaccuracies. For this reason, it’s essential that both

students and educators understand the true purpose of AI in education. To achieve this, educators

must be prepared to help students navigate this reality with integrity and responsibility. Harvard

scholars suggest integrating AI thoughtfully by involving students in the process, which can

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SHORT ARGUMENT (PERSUASIVE) ESSAY

promote responsible usage (Ross, 2023). By introducing AI into the academic curriculum and

teaching the students how to use this technology, we can not only shape their approach to AI, but

also enhance the academic experience for both students and educators.

Another concern is the shortcuts AI enables for students. By simply providing answers, AI

prevents students from putting the effort to research and find the information on their own. It is

true that a significant part of learning involves the process of researching information by reading

different sources and analyzing each one. However, AI does that for us, which could impact our

learning skills. Nevertheless, similar concerns surrounded the internet when it first became part of

our lives. Just as the internet proved to be a tool that expanded our horizons and provided wider

access to information, the same can be said about AI. Yes, it does make the work faster, but it does

not endanger the learning. In fact, it’s the opposite. AI enhances efficiency in gathering

information, allowing students to focus on the most important parts of the assignment, such as

taking a stance and analyzing the subject. AI also enhances one’s ability to research, as it explains

how and why it gathers data. AI software constantly teaches us rather than merely providing

information, ultimately facilitating deeper understanding and exploration of topics.

If used properly and as intended, AI offers a diverse range of possibilities that could transform

education as we know it. Students may find themselves unsupported in a classroom with one

hundred classmates. In this context, AI becomes a sort of virtual tutor, providing personalized

feedback, creating a study plans, and showing students where to find necessary resources for their

learning journey. AI does not simply correct work; it identifies areas of improvement, understands

strengths, and provides explanations, making learning more accessible and flexible.

Many students have reported using AI to help simplify difficult concepts (BBC, 2023). In this

way, AI breaks down complex ideas into more digestible pieces, using clear language and

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SHORT ARGUMENT (PERSUASIVE) ESSAY

examples that accommodate different learning styles. This facilitates the students’ grasp of

challenging subjects.

Therefore, the impact of AI in education depends on its usage. AI is just another resource that

should complement – not replace – traditional education. Thus, the question should not be, “Should

AI be allowed in education?” but rather, “How can we prepare students to view AI as a

complementary tool in their learning experience rather than a substitute for their own minds?”

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SHORT ARGUMENT (PERSUASIVE) ESSAY

References

Gallagher, S. (2024, September 9). Should Students Use AI for Homework? Pros and Cons.

Summit Learning Charter. https://summitlearningcharter.org/about-us/blog/should-students-use-

ai-for-homework/

Ross, E. (2023, July 20). Embracing Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom. Harvard

Graduate School of Education; Harvard Graduate School of Education.

https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/23/07/embracing-artificial-intelligence-

classroom

The Pros and Cons of Using AI in the Classroom. (2024, February 6). Embark.

https://www.embark.ca/learning-centre/the-pros-and-cons-of-using-ai-in-the-classroom

Theo, & Ben. (2023, October 31). “Most of our friends use AI in schoolwork.” BBC News.

https://www.bbc.com/news/education-67236732

Walden University. (2024). 5 Pros and Cons of AI in the Education Sector | Walden

University. Www.waldenu.edu; Walden University.

https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/education/resource/five-pros-and-cons-of-ai-in-the-

education-sector

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