Competing perspectives on AI

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Elise Wong With the rising development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the education system is struggling to find a way to handle balancing the use of new, advancing technology and the regulations they should set. “Now I see people who just turn in things to get the grade, but I miss the joy in seeing students learning and coming to understand,” said Castro Valley High School  English teacher Erin Cook. “It’s like a lightbulb that turns on when they finally learn the concept. That’s what I enjoy about teaching.” Like many teachers and parents, Cook expressed dismay that AI is being used instead of a student learning. There has also been an increase in academic dishonesty, which is leading some schools and educators to ask to change technology used for tests and assignments or  completely ban AI. However, many students generally believe that there can be a middle ground for the use of AI, between using it to enhance learning rather than to cheat. Alyssa Aguilar, a junior at Castro Valley High School, uses AI to help her learn because it explains the topics in depth. This, according to Aguilar, reduces the time the teacher takes to explain the topic and makes her more efficient in learning class material. However, she does believe that AI has its disadvantages when used incorrectly, or when using it to do assignments instead of being used as a tool. “If you use AI for everything, you don’t actually learn anything,” said Aguilar. “You’re essentially taking information from AI and putting it in as yours, which is cheating.” As the development of AI rises rapidly, the education system is struggling to catch up. This has caused a divide in classrooms – students see AI as a useful tool that enhances their learning, while teachers perceive AI as a nuisance that prevents students from learning. This article was written as part of the The Junior Journalist Program allows high-school students an opportunity to report on topics important to them and communicate with their peers while receiving training in journalism and learning to think critically about information. To support the program and this publication’s participation in it, make a donation . Most Popular Storer, Carlson declare wins in Danville Town Council race November 6, 2026 9:00 am Rubio, Joh in tight race for San Ramon City Council District 4 November 6, 2026 6:16 pm Armstrong holds commanding lead in San Ramon mayoral race November 6, 2026 9:09 am