Is AI chatbot doing your child’s homework?
Introduction
A teacher contacted a parent, expressing concern that her primary school child had submitted three late compositions overnight, producing an impressive total of 500 words in 3 essays.
The teacher noted that the work was flawless, with impeccable grammar and vocabulary. However, what raised suspicions was that the writing style, wording, and even the use of American English was uncharacteristic of the child's usual work.
The parent was perplexed, unable to explain how her child had managed to produce such polished pieces overnight, and was left wondering what might have contributed to this sudden improvement.
Statistics
Recent surveys by BBC Radio 5 and Internet Matters reveal that many respondents confessed to utilising AI technology for their homework (29% BBC, 42% IM) and to find information or learn about a particular topic (40% IM).
Students' motivation & rationalisation
Students may use AI-generated content to meet deadlines, rationalising that a mediocre grade (40%) is better than failing (0%).
This behaviour is likely among bright but lazy students who can't invest time in research but are intelligent enough to ask AI and refine AI-generated responses, crafting a passable essay without doing the actual work.
What do teachers say?
The use of AI tools like ChatGPT for homework has raised concerns among educators and parents. A parent's experience serves as a warning: their son used ChatGPT for his A-Level History coursework and was subsequently disqualified.
Most AI tools have a minimum age requirement of 13, emphasising the need for awareness and guidance.
Other technologies like calculators, search engine and translator apps are banned during examination. However, there's a grey area around using AI tools for homework, as schools haven't explicitly addressed the issue.
Teachers waste hours marking work that may have been generated by an AI bot and they may say to the child, “Well that's lovely dear, but can YOU do that in the exam."
Some teachers claim to detect AI-generated work through telltale signs in vocabulary and grammar, but there's no reliable app to flag AI-produced work.
The concern is that relying on AI undermines crucial skills like research and critical thinking, and that students should do their own work instead of using AI to complete essays.
The Benefits of AI in Learning
English Language subject
What is beneficial and more favourable to a child’s learning is using a chatbot to provide a fundamental framework, including themes and ideas, and then adding one's own thoughts and insights.
This is particularly helpful when tackling complex topics like “Write about Sir Stamford Raffles’ founding of Singapore”, as AI can give you a solid starting point - a sort of skeletal structure - to build upon, rather than leaving you staring at a blank page.
AI can be a valuable tool for students and learners, offering several benefits:
1. Information Gathering: AI can help students gather information for projects, making research more efficient and effective.
2. Concept Understanding: AI can aid in understanding new concepts (like Maths and Science,) by providing clear explanations and summaries.
3. Exam Revision: AI can assist with exam revision, helping students reinforce their knowledge and build confidence.
4. Knowledge Summariser: AI can summarise complex information, such as scientific principles, into easily digestible content.
Mathematics subject
When it comes to tackling maths word problems, students are encouraged to try working them out on their own first. It's only when they're unsure of the solution that they should consult an AI app to compare their answer.
While an AI bot can be a valuable tutor, relying too heavily on it without independent practice can hinder a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
ChatGPT can provide solutions to maths questions like:
1. Basic Calculator Arithmetic: e.g., "What is 56 divided by 7?"
2. Algebra: e.g., "How do I solve 3x - 7 = 2?"
3. Geometry: e.g., "What is the area of a circle with a radius of 3?"
4. Word Problem: Upload a screenshot of their maths problem and receive a step-by-step worked solution to their maths problem.
Limitations
AI providers say that chatbots can make mistakes, such as providing incorrect dates or answers. Their responses require critical evaluation. AI has limitations in nuanced reasoning, complex calculations, and interpreting context. It also struggles with visual aids like diagrams, graphs, and Singapore Maths methods, which require specific skills like creating bar model diagrams and visualising abstract concepts, highlighting the need for human oversight.
Conclusion
Someone said, “If you only execute ideas and you do not think about them, then you are losing a huge chunk of what is really important in the world.”
Dated: August 2025
By: SgTestPaper Chief Editor