Only AI delivers English essays in 30 seconds or less.

Students all over the world are using AI programs like ChatGPT that can produce human-like text nearly instantaneously to illegitimately complete schoolwork, and teachers have concerns about the long-term effects that can have on a student.
“I tell my coach I’m taking 500 free throws a day every day over the summer, he’s going to expect that come game time I’m probably going to be able to shoot at least 80% for free throws,” English Department Chairman Henry Samson said. “As a teacher, I’m investing in students practicing their ability to effectively communicate. That is a process-oriented skill that takes practice, much like free throws.”
Due to the prevalence of cheating with AI tools, not just in De Smet but in schools in general, alterations may come to how schools educate.
“In a perfect world, every student would sit down and use what he’s practiced and come across in class and create stuff themselves. I don’t think we live in a perfect world. This is just the newest version of trying to get the shortcut,” Samson said. “Gone are the days where teachers can just say ‘you got an 800-word essay and you’ve got a week to do it.’ That’s probably a good thing. We can do students better than that.”
In a recent department meeting, De Smet staff discussed the use of AI and what may change in De Smet to adapt to the new technology.
“I suspect in the short term you guys will probably be asked to do more writing in class, ” Assistant Principal Chris Williams said. “There’ll be fewer take-home things and more in-class writing so the teacher can actually observe you and make sure that you’re the one doing the writing.”
Regardless of what changes may come to the structure of De Smet classes, tools are being developed to detect when a work has been written by an AI, and teachers already have systems in place for some detection of illegitimately written essays.
“We can still use the eye test. Any time that students create writing we get a litmus of what a guy is capable of,” Samson said. “We understand guys’ voices, and then when someone turns something [AI generated] in, it’s almost like your teacher’s spidey sense goes off. ‘I’m not sure this guy wrote this.’”
Though the primary conversation in schools surrounding the modern advancement of AI is of academic dishonesty, AI is capable of far more, and far better, than just writing an essay.
“If our teachers can figure out how to help our students still develop the writing skills and critical thinking that we want,” Williams said, “but also how to use this new tool that’s available, that will be invaluable to them.”
Junior Charlie Igou believes that AI generating homework assignments is an improper practice.
“[ChatGPT is] a little unfair,” Igou said. “It doesn’t require any effort, requires no actual work, and it’s not your work.”
An anonymous student that had used ChatGPT in the past defends this use of AI.
“I felt like I didn’t have enough time to write the essay,” an anonymous student said. “There are definitely better ways out there to write essays, but it’s okay [at writing essays].”
ChatGPT itself, despite completing the homework assignments students give it, still takes a position against the use of computer programs to replace one’s own work in school.
“Cheating using AI systems like ChatGPT can have serious consequences for students,” ChatGPT said. “Not only does it compromise their academic integrity, but it can also hinder their learning and problem-solving abilities in the long run.”

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making waves across a wide range of industries and is now being recognized for the positive impact it can have on society. AI has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of our lives, from healthcare to transportation, education, and beyond.
One area where AI is making significant contributions is in healthcare. AI-powered tools are being used to assist doctors in diagnosing and treating patients more efficiently and effectively. This has led to improved patient outcomes, reduced medical errors, and even lower healthcare costs.
In the transportation sector, AI is helping to create smarter and more efficient systems. Self-driving cars are just one example of how AI is transforming transportation, potentially reducing accidents and improving traffic flow. Additionally, AI is being used to optimize routes for public transportation, leading to reduced travel times and increased efficiency.
In education, AI-powered systems are being used to personalize learning experiences for students. By analyzing individual learning patterns, AI can create customized curricula and provide personalized feedback to help students achieve their academic goals.
As AI technology continues to develop, it has the potential to bring significant benefits to society. From improving healthcare and transportation to enhancing education and beyond, AI is poised to play a transformative role in our lives.