Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools – like ChatGPT or other homework helpers – are popping up everywhere.
You might already be using them to answer questions, spark ideas, or explain tricky topics in a way that makes more sense. And that’s great – they can be really helpful study buddies.
But when it comes to schoolwork, how you use AI really matters. It can give you inspiration, help you understand subjects, and even check your writing – but it can’t replace your own thinking. That’s why we’ve put together this simple guide on the do’s and don’ts of using AI for homework, so you can get the best results while building your own skills and confidence.
What do we mean by AI?
AI (Artificial Intelligence) isn’t just one thing – it comes in lots of different forms you probably already use without realising. Here are some examples:
- Chatbots and homework helpers – like ChatGPT, Google Bard, or Microsoft Copilot, which answer questions, explain things, or help you plan ideas.
- Search engines with AI – Google and Bing now use AI to suggest answers at the top of your searches.
- Grammar and writing tools – like Grammarly or the spelling and grammar checker in Microsoft Word, which help you spot mistakes and polish your writing.
- Translation tools – like Google Translate or DeepL, which use AI to turn text from one language into another.
- Voice assistants – like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant, which use AI to answer spoken questions and follow commands.
- Creative tools – AI apps that can make pictures (for example, DALL·E or Canva’s AI image tool), generate music, or even create videos.
- Streaming and shopping suggestions – Netflix recommending your next series, or Amazon suggesting what to buy – that’s AI too!
DO: Use AI to understand tricky topics
Not sure what a word means? Confused by something you read in class? AI can help explain things in a way that’s easier to understand.
Try asking:
- “Explain photosynthesis like I’m 10”
- “What’s the difference between a noun and a verb?”
- “Can you help me understand how long division works?”
It’s like having a tutor on hand – just be sure to double-check the answers make sense, and make sure it uses UK English.
DO: Use it to brainstorm ideas
Stuck on how to start an essay or story? AI can help you think of ideas or give you a little inspiration.
Try asking:
- “Can you give me 5 ideas for a story about time travel?”
- “What could I include in a paragraph about saving the environment?”
- “Help me plan a poster about staying safe online.”
Remember: the ideas are just a starting point – it’s up to you to add your own voice.
DO: Ask it to check your work
Before handing in your homework, you can ask AI to look over what you’ve written. It can spot things like spelling mistakes or awkward sentences.
Try saying:
- “Can you check this paragraph for grammar?”
- “Does this sentence make sense?”
- “Can you help me make this sound better?”
Think of it as a friendly editor – it won’t do your work for you, but it can help you polish it up.
DON’T: Copy and paste answers without thinking
It can be tempting to ask AI to “just write it for me” – but copying straight from a chatbot and handing it in as your own work isn’t a good idea. It’s classed as cheating, and your teachers will almost certainly notice.
Even worse, AI doesn’t always get things right. Sometimes it makes stuff up or gives the wrong answer. That could hurt your marks – and you won’t learn anything.
Instead:
- Use AI as a helper, not a shortcut
- Read the info, understand it, then write it in your own words
- Ask yourself: “Do I actually get what I’m writing?”
DON’T: Use it to avoid thinking for yourself
Learning isn’t just about getting the “right answer” – it’s about understanding how and why things work. If you always rely on AI to tell you everything, you miss out on developing your own skills.
Remember:
- It’s OK to struggle a bit – that’s how you grow
- You’ll feel more confident when you solve something yourself
- Teachers want to hear your thoughts, not a robot’s
DO: Ask your teacher if it’s okay to use
Some teachers are happy for you to use AI to help you learn – others may have rules about it. It’s always best to check first.
Try asking:
- “Is it okay if I use AI to help me plan this homework?”
- “Can I use it to check my spelling?”
- “What’s allowed and what’s not?”
Being honest shows you’re using tech responsibly – and your teacher will respect that.
AI is a tool – and you’re in charge
AI can be amazing for learning, planning, and improving your work – as long as you’re the one doing the thinking. Use it wisely, add your own ideas, make sure it’s UK English, and always double-check what it tells you.
