Gen Z is on the fence about AI in the classroom. That's a good thing | Fortune

"According to newly released research, two-thirds of high schoolers agree or strongly agree that using AI too much could make them overly dependent on the technology or less intelligent. This data reinforces how many students feel about AI: they are curious - and cautious. For all the handwringing about an "AI-fueled decline in learning," teenagers may actually understand the stakes better than adults think. What they want are more guardrails to help them use AI responsibly and fairly, and that's where schools need to catch up, quick."

"AI use is growing faster than school policies Between January and May of this year, the percentage of high school students who reported using generative AI tools for schoolwork increased from 79% to 84%, according to College Board's research. Most students say they use AI for tasks that can complement learning when used thoughtfully, like brainstorming, finding research sources, or polishing their writing."

"But too often, students are setting their own rules for AI usage. Nearly one in five district leaders report having no formal AI policies, while more than a quarter let individual teachers decide how to handle it in their classrooms. That patchwork approach has left many educators struggling to keep pace with their students. Leaving AI usage up to teachers' discretion can make sense, but alarmingly more than 90% of high school principals surveyed said they worry about teacher preparedness regarding AI in education."

Two-thirds of high schoolers agree or strongly agree that using AI too much could make them overly dependent on the technology or less intelligent. AI use for schoolwork rose from 79% to 84% between January and May, with students commonly using AI for brainstorming, finding research sources, and polishing writing. Nearly one in five district leaders report no formal AI policies, and over a quarter leave decisions to individual teachers, creating a patchwork approach. More than 90% of high school principals worry about teacher preparedness, while 93% of administrators value teaching students how to use AI tools.

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