AI Use in High Schools Sparks Concern Among Students A growing number of high school students are expressing alarm over the widespread use of artificial intelligence in their academic work, citing concerns about declining motivation, diminished critical thinking skills, and a perceived erosion of the learning process. Interviews with students from four New Hampshire schools reveal a crisis unfolding in classrooms, where AI tools like ChatGPT are increasingly being used to complete assignments, often without detection or consequences. Faith Dudley, a junior at Concord Christian Academy, described a moment that epitomized the issue. During a class, her teacher confronted a friend about using AI on an assignment. The friend denied it, but Dudley later questioned him privately. The teacher’s suspicions proved correct, and Dudley was unsettled by the revelation. While she acknowledges AI’s utility as a study aid, she draws a clear line against submitting work directly generated by machines. This dilemma reflects a broader trend. According to a College Board study, 84% of high schoolers reported using AI for schoolwork last year. In New Hampshire, students described unauthorized use as “very prevalent.” Martin Pennington, a Concord High senior, estimated that 80% of his classmates had used AI in ways that violate school policies. “Among students, it’s kind of open how much kids use AI for assignments,” he said. The rapid adoption of AI has fundamentally altered the high school experience, even for students who self-regulate their use. Interviews with eight students from four schools highlighted a crisis marked by reduced motivation, cognitive decline, and a sense of hopelessness about addressing the issue.#college_board #new_hampshire #concord_high #concord_christian_academy #martin_pennington
