Talking Tech: A High School Teacher’s Take on AI, Education, and What Students Need Now
The rise of AI has sparked plenty of debates — but what’s really happening inside high school classrooms right now? We sat down with Ms. Reynolds, an experienced 11th grade English teacher, to talk candidly about how artificial intelligence is changing the way students learn, think, and complete assignments. Her insights are both practical and hopeful — and may just change the way you view ChatGPT and your student’s academic journey.
Q: Thanks for joining us, Ms. Reynolds! AI seems to be everywhere now — how is it showing up in your classroom?
A: Oh, it’s everywhere. Students are using tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm essays, summarize reading, even help with math homework. At first, it felt like a tsunami — suddenly half my students were turning in perfect outlines overnight. But I’ve learned it’s not going away, so we need to teach them how to use it responsibly and critically.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge AI presents in high school?
A: Honestly? It creates a false sense of competence. A student might think, “I finished the assignment, I’m good.” But they didn’t actually wrestle with the material. The real danger is that kids stop building the cognitive muscles they need — critical thinking, resilience, problem solving.
We’re trying to teach students how to think, not just what to write.
Q: So… is it all bad news?
A: Not at all! Some of my students use AI really well — they’ll generate ideas, then rewrite and expand in their own voice. I’ve had great class discussions about how to fact-check AI, or where it gets things wrong.
The students who thrive are the ones who ask questions, reflect, and engage with the process. That’s where outside support can be a game-changer — when someone works with them one-on-one and says, “Hey, let’s really unpack this.”
Q: Can you give an example of how students should be using AI tools responsibly?
A: Absolutely. I tell my students to treat AI like a research assistant, not a ghostwriter. Here's what that looks like in practice:
Ask specific questions, like “What were the causes of the French Revolution?” or “What are the arguments for and against the death penalty in the U.S.?”
Take notes on what the AI gives you — don’t copy and paste. Write down the points you find interesting or confusing.
Fact-check every major claim by finding at least one outside source (Google Scholar, .edu sites, or your school’s library database).
Put it into your own words. Your voice matters — your thinking matters. AI might give you the facts, but only you can make them meaningful.
We even do group activities where students compare AI’s answers to real articles and highlight the differences. It's eye-opening!
Q: What advice would you give to parents?
A: Don’t panic about AI. But don’t assume your student is absorbing everything just because homework gets turned in. The quality of the thinking still matters.
If you notice your student is rushing, copying, or feeling overwhelmed, that’s your sign to check in. Sometimes all they need is a safe place to ask questions and think through things — not just a grade, but growth.
Q: How can students stay motivated in an AI-heavy academic world?
A: They need to feel competent and connected. I tell my students: use the tools — but don’t let them replace you. You’re still the thinker. The writer. The human.
And when they get one-on-one time to talk through a confusing concept or prep for a big exam, I see their confidence shift. They light up. That’s when you know it’s clicking.
Final Thoughts?
A: AI is here to stay — but so are curiosity, creativity, and community. That’s what really moves students forward. I think any support system that nurtures those qualities is worth its weight in gold.
Want to help your student engage, think deeper, and feel confident in the age of AI?
Tutors & Friends offers one-on-one tutoring with real people who help students master tough concepts, build study strategies, and develop their voice — with or without AI.
