Poll shows most Mass. K-12 students have used AI for schoolwork
Poll shows most Mass. K-12 students have used AI for schoolwork
Publish Date: 2026-01-21 17:53:00
Source Domain: www.wgbh.org
- AI use among K-12 students: A majority of K-12 students are using artificial intelligence for schoolwork, with older students exhibiting a higher usage rate.
- Parental perspectives: Parents are divided about the use of AI in classrooms, showing uncertainty about its impact and calling for more education around safety and digital literacy.
- AI policies lack clarity: Many parents are unsure or aware that their child’s school lacks clear AI policies regarding its use for schoolwork.
- Opinion on AI’s impact: About half of the parents believe AI will positively influence student learning, while 42% anticipate negative consequences.
- Consensus and concerns: There remains a lack of consensus on when AI use constitutes cheating versus being an educational tool, contributing to concerns from teachers about student dependency on AI.
- Digital literacy and equity: Most parents believe digital literacy should be a graduation requirement, and there’s a strong emphasis on equity in accessing AI tools to avoid unfairness among students.
- Professional development: Educators emphasize the need for professional development on AI to integrate it effectively and safely into the classroom.
- Parental consent: There is an insistence for schools to seek parental consent before introducing students to new AI technologies to ensure they meet the duty of care towards children.
