A publication of the Association of California School Administrators

AI overload?

Strategies for educators, leaders and students to ensure authentic work

By Nancy Watkins | November | December 2024

I was sitting at my desk, reading through written responses to a discussion prompt that seemed too perfect. As a seasoned educator, I pride myself on nurturing critical thinking and creativity in my students. Lately, however, I have noticed that something has changed. Once filled with unique perspectives and individual voices, written responses now read like the same person wrote them. Suspiciously flawless sentences, common word usage and meticulously structured arguments made me uneasy. It was not just the occasional student; it was becoming a trend, and I believed I could spot the AI “red flags.”

At a recent faculty meeting, colleagues voiced similar frustrations. We discussed how AI tools like ChatGPT were infiltrating student work. I felt a mix of disappointment and concern. I value technology in education, but this is different. AI shortcuts overshadow the intellectual value of watching students struggle through a challenging concept and emerge with new knowledge.

AI tools have become incredibly sophisticated, making it easier for students to use them for various academic tasks. AI can handle everything from writing essays to solving complex math problems. AI overload may be compromising student learning and academic integrity.

I want to find a balance. I recognize that guiding students back to authentic learning is important while embracing the advancements AI could offer. The question was how.

So, I dove into all things AI and began researching, reflecting and revising. I discovered that AI isn’t the enemy; it is a tool. It can personalize learning, automate grading and even create interactive simulations. However, if left unchecked, it can also tempt students to bypass genuine effort.

My first revision was to start by setting clear guidelines. In my syllabus, I outlined acceptable AI use: brainstorming ideas and organizing thoughts were fine, but final submissions had to be the student’s own work. I also began incorporating AI literacy into my curriculum, teaching students about AI's capabilities and limitations.

I redesigned assignments to promote critical thinking and creativity. Reflective essays, project-based learning and presentations became staples in my classroom. These tasks required personal engagement, making it harder for AI to do the heavy lifting.

I collaborated with my colleagues, sharing strategies and resources and creating a community of practice that could navigate the AI wave together.

Balancing AI and authentic learning will not be easy, but it is necessary. By setting clear guidelines, promoting critical thinking and developing a supportive environment, I believe we can help students harness AI’s potential without losing the essence of learning. This journey reminded me that while AI can do a lot, it can’t replace the value of human creativity, effort and the joy of genuine intellectual growth.

Practical application Here are some of the things you can do to address AI overload.

Understand the extent of AI use. Before jumping to conclusions, it’s essential to understand how and why your students are using AI. Conduct anonymous surveys or have open discussions to gauge the extent of AI usage in your classroom. Are students using AI for quick homework help or relying on it for major assignments and exams?

Set clear guidelines and expectations. Establishing clear guidelines and expectations is one of the first steps in managing AI use. Communicate these guidelines explicitly in your syllabus and during class discussions. Specify what constitutes acceptable use of AI tools and what does not. For example, using AI for research and brainstorming might be fine, but submitting AI-generated essays without personal input is not.

Educate students about academic integrity. Many students may not fully understand the implications of using AI tools for their work. Educate them about academic integrity and the importance of producing original work. Explain how relying too much on AI can hinder their learning and development. Highlight the skills they miss out on by not engaging fully in their assignments.

Incorporate AI literacy into the curriculum. Instead of banning AI outright, consider incorporating AI literacy into your curriculum. Teach students about AI, its capabilities, and its limitations. Help them understand how to use AI responsibly. This way, they can leverage AI to enhance their learning rather than replace it.

Design AI-resistant assignments. Create assignments that require critical thinking, creativity and personal reflection — tasks that AI tools are less capable of performing effectively. Here are some examples:

Reflective essays: Ask students to reflect on personal experiences or connect course material to their lives.
Project-based learning: Design projects that involve multiple steps, collaboration and in-class presentations.
Presentations: Assign students to create video presentations or conduct live in-class presentations to assess their understanding in real-time.

Use AI to your advantage. Leverage AI tools to detect plagiarism and ensure academic integrity. Tools like Turnitin can help identify AI-generated content. Additionally, AI can assist in grading and providing personalized feedback, allowing you to spend more time on meaningful interactions with your students.

Encourage active learning and participation. Promote active learning strategies in your classroom to reduce dependency on AI. Engage students in discussions, group work and hands-on activities. Active learning encourages students to think critically and apply their knowledge, which AI cannot replicate.

Work toward a growth mindset. Encourage a growth mindset in your students. Help them understand that learning is a process that involves making mistakes and overcoming challenges. Emphasize the value of effort and persistence over simply getting the right answers.

Provide support and resources. Sometimes, students turn to AI because they struggle with the material or time management. Offer additional support and resources to help them succeed without relying on AI. This could include tutoring sessions, study guides and time management workshops.

Monitor and adapt your approach. Continuously monitor the effectiveness of your strategies and be prepared to adapt. Stay informed about new AI tools and trends in education. Seek feedback from your students to understand their challenges and adjust your approach accordingly.

Create a community of practice. Join or create a community of practice with other educators facing similar challenges. Share experiences, strategies and resources. Collaborative efforts can lead to more effective solutions and support as you navigate this new educational landscape.

Involve parents and guardians. Engage parents and guardians in the conversation about AI use. Educate them about the impact of AI on learning and encourage them to reinforce academic integrity at home. Parental support can play a significant role in guiding students’ use of AI.

Emphasize the long-term benefits of learning. Help students see the bigger picture. Explain how the skills they develop now — critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity — will benefit them in their future careers and personal lives. Emphasize that while AI is a powerful tool, their personal growth and development are irreplaceable.

Final thoughts The rise of AI in education presents both challenges and opportunities. As an educator, you guide students in using AI responsibly while ensuring they develop essential skills and knowledge. By setting clear guidelines, working toward a growth mindset, and creating AI-resistant and AI-inclusive assignments, you can help students balance leveraging AI and engaging deeply with their learning. The goal is not to eliminate AI from the classroom but to integrate it to enhance education rather than detract from it.

Nancy Watkins, Ed.D., is an associate professor of educational leadership at Cal State Fullerton.