Questionable Ethics of AI in Schools

AI’s presence has been rapidly expanding everywhere, especially in schools. Students, and even teachers, are now using apps like ChatGPT and Gemini, which are available for people to access in just a few clicks. 

AI is drastically impacting how teachers work, create lessons, and teach. However, there may be ethical concerns regarding artificial intelligence, and this begs the question: “Should teachers use AI?”

AI appears to be limitless. It can help teachers work and solve problems, increase their productivity, and give them access to info they need in an instant. AI is assisting teachers in saving time, helping them work through problems, and creating lessons. 

I asked one teacher their opinion of AI in schools, and they said “AI can efficiently work for teachers” “We are qualified and educated to teach, and AI is helping us save time”, and “We do not currently use AI to grade papers and large assignments, but there may be a time in the future when AI is qualified.”  

Artificial intelligence seems to be a part of the future of education and has huge potential to increase productivity for teachers. 

However, there appear to be some ethical concerns with the use of AI. One specific issue is energy consumption. According to Penn State’s Institute of Energy and the Environment, in 2023, data centers consumed 4.4% of U.S. electricity. This number is projected to triple by 2028. AI’s growth is increasing emissions and water use. As AI usage increases, so does its environmental impact, potentially causing harm.

Although AI is raising some ethical concerns, it’s also assisting teachers, making it a valuable tool for schools. As AI continues to develop, ways to sustainably provide energy for data centers may also improve with time.