The use of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT has become a hot topic in education. This has raised a number of questions, including whether using AI is considered cheating. Is AI truly a helper or a spoiler? Is solving assignments with AI academic misconduct? And so on. As time passes, more AI tools are developed, each serving a different purpose. This post will discuss the role of ChatGPT in education — Is AI -hatGPT in school cheating or the future of learning? It will also highlight the benefits and challenges of using ChatGPT in education.
What Is ChatGPT and Why Are Students Using It?
ChatGPT is an AI chatbot created by OpenAI that uses natural language processing to have conversations that feel human-like. It can also generate different types of text, such as articles, mathematical solutions, code, and more. Students are using ChatGPT for various academic purposes. These include essay writing, mathematical solutions, clarification of topics, and solving other problems related to writing, such as coding and more. This usage lies in its accessibility and the prompt assistance offered by ChatGPT, making it a go-to place for solutions. Although AI should only be a supporting tool and not as yourself.
Educational Institutions’ Stance on AI Tools
Many institutions have taken positions on the use of AI in resolving educational issues, which has caused significant friction between institutions and students. Below are a few stances by some institutions across the globe.
Exeter University’s Stance on AI Usage:
GenAI tools can be used in different ways across modules. AI-integrated modules require students to use GenAI tools as part of their learning outcomes, with a record of tools and prompts used. AI-supported modules allow the use of GenAI tools to enhance tasks like summarising or improving language, with proper acknowledgement and documentation. AI-prohibited modules do not permit GenAI tools, except for basic spelling and grammar checkers, as they interfere with the learning outcomes.
University of York’s Stance on AI Usage:
At the University of York, we recognise digital literacy as a key skill for both higher education and the workplace. We acknowledge that tools like translation and generative AI can be helpful when used correctly. However, users should be aware of their limitations, risks, and ethical concerns. While we’ll support you in using these tools, it’s important that they don’t lead to ‘false authorship’ in your work. False authorship is serious academic misconduct under university policy.
Open Universities Australia’s Stance on ChatGPT Usage:
ChatGPT can be helpful for research guidance, brainstorming ideas, clarifying study material, proofreading, and providing assistance in writing. However, it should not be used to write essays, blindly trust AI-generated information, or violate university policies on academic integrity.
Is Using ChatGPT an Academic Offense?
The decision on whether using ChatGPT is considered an academic offense depends on the specific rules and policies of the educational institution. Generally, it is believed that institutions have the same rule guiding AI usage. If a student uses ChatGPT to generate content and submits it as their own work without referencing the authors, it is generally classified as plagiarism, which is a serious academic offense.
Plagiarism involves presenting someone else’s ideas or work as your own, and using AI or copy and paste to generate text without acknowledging the author falls under this category.
In fact, a survey reported by Forbes found that more than half of college students (51%) believe that using AI tools like ChatGPT to complete assignments or take exams is a form of cheating. This shows the importance for students to be aware of and follow their institution’s guidelines on the appropriate use of AI tools. If students don’t understand the rules, they may unintentionally commit violations that could harm their academic reputation.
ChatGPT as a Learning Tool
When ChatGPT is used responsibly, it can add value to educational resources, making it ideal for use in academic activities. Below are ways to use ChatGPT as a learning tool for ethical applications.
- Idea Generation: Helping with idea generation for projects or essays.
- Clarification of Concepts: Providing explanations for difficult topics to supplement regular learning materials.
- Practice Exercises: Giving students extra problems or examples to work on, helping them understand better.
It is very important that students use ChatGPT to help with their learning, not to replace studying the course material or using it as a primary contributor to essay writing. Students should use ChatGPT as a supporting tool, not as a writing tool.
What the Future Holds: Banning or Integrating AI in Classrooms?
AI in education is still developing. Some schools are considering limiting AI tools to ensure fairness, while others are exploring ways to incorporate them into their curriculum. For example, Exeter University, the University of York, Open University Australia, and many more universities in developing countries are not banning AI but want students to use it in a way that follows their academic rules. This demonstrates that there is a push to integrate AI into education in a smart and responsible manner.
Techsolutioncrib’s Verdict: We value AI and what they do. However, student should use AI as a supporting tool and not a writing tool. During my time in Nottingham Trent University, AI was made a big issue as it sometime makes a generic provision of solutions. AI can be used for many things as a student; it can be used for summarizing, to find solution and to study. However, the answer provided by AI shouldn’t serve as an answer but just a clue to our problems. Our final conclusion is that using AI as a writing tool is an academic offense and punishable by institutions.
Can you let us know what you think about ChatGPT in education?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): ChatGPT and Education
1. What is ChatGPT and why are students using it?
ChatGPT is an AI chatbot developed by OpenAI that uses natural language processing to generate text and engage in human-like conversations. Students use it for writing essays, solving mathematical problems, clarifying complex topics, and even coding. Its accessibility and instant responses make it a popular study aid, though it should be used only as a supporting tool, not a replacement for original learning.
2. Is using ChatGPT considered cheating or academic misconduct?
It depends on your institution’s policy. If you use ChatGPT to generate work and submit it as your own without proper referencing, it is considered plagiarism—a serious academic offense. Always check your school’s AI policy and acknowledge AI use where required.
3. What are universities saying about AI use in education?
- Exeter University: Allows or restricts AI tools depending on the module. Some modules encourage AI use with documentation, while others prohibit it entirely.
- University of York: Supports the ethical use of AI but warns against “false authorship,” which counts as misconduct.
- Open Universities Australia: Permits AI for research guidance, brainstorming, and proofreading, but not for writing essays or breaching academic integrity.
4. Can ChatGPT be used as a learning tool?
Yes. ChatGPT can support learning in many ways, such as:
- Generating ideas for essays or projects.
- Clarifying complex concepts and explanations.
- Providing practice questions or examples for extra study.
Students should use ChatGPT to enhance their understanding—not replace traditional learning or critical thinking.
5. Is AI being banned or integrated into classrooms?
The future of AI in education is about integration, not elimination. While some schools limit AI use to ensure fairness, others are embedding it into learni processes. Institutions like Exeter, York, and Open University Australia are finding ways to make AI tools part of responsible academic practice.
6. What is Techsolutioncrib’s verdict on AI in education?
AI is valuable when used correctly. Students should use ChatGPT as a supporting tool, not a writing tool. It can help summarize, study, and generate ideas—but relying entirely on AI for assignments is an academic offense. The best approach is to use AI as a guide, not a substitute for real understanding.
Mathew Otu, a tech blogger with over 15 years of experience, has been sharing insights on emerging technologies, mobile apps, and digital solutions since 2008. He has also contributed to Android app development projects focused on monitoring worker and driver stress levels. Known for his positive perspective, He lives in Nottingham, England, exploring the ever-evolving tech world.
