Episode 05: AI Is Not Cheating
Picture this: A parent discovers their teenager used ChatGPT for a history essay. The student insists they "collaborated" with it, while the parent sees it as cheating. Sound familiar?
This week, host Greg Johnston tackles the elephant in the room: the difference between using AI as a shortcut versus using it as a learning tool. Because here's the truth - AI isn't the problem. How we're talking about it is.
What You'll Learn
The Collaboration vs. Replacement Framework - A simple method to evaluate when AI use enhances learning versus when it undermines it
Real-world examples of productive AI use in academic settings (hint: Harvard Business School is requiring AI use, not banning it!)
Practical strategies for educators including how to redesign assignments for the AI era
Actionable advice for parents on having productive conversations about AI use at home
Clear guidelines for distinguishing between appropriate and inappropriate AI use
This Week in AI & Education
Harvard Business School's groundbreaking approach: requiring MBA students to integrate AI into coursework while maintaining critical thinking and human analysis. Professor Karim Lakhani's insight: "We're teaching students to dance with AI, not to be replaced by it."
Key Takeaways
For Educators:
Reframe assignments to emphasize human strengths like creativity and critical thinking
Teach AI literacy explicitly rather than assuming students will figure it out
Model appropriate AI use and be transparent about your own professional AI usage
For Parents:
Get curious, not accusatory when discovering AI use
Establish clear family guidelines about when AI is appropriate for homework
Focus on learning outcomes rather than tool avoidance
Episode Highlights
Why the current "AI is cheating" conversation is counterproductive
The three real issues we're avoiding in AI education discussions
A framework students can use to self-evaluate their AI use
Success scenarios showing how this approach works in practice
AI Applied: The Future of Learning: AI in Schools & Beyond: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdBNzG6dT4Y&t=9s