Could AI Finally Kill Homework?

It may feel as though the world is changing faster than ever, and that is because it is. 

“An analysis of the history of technology shows that technological change is exponential. So, we will not experience 100 years of progress in the 21st century — it will be more like 20,000 years of progress (at today’s rate).” – Ray Kurzweil, “The Law of Accelerating Returns”

Many companies and organizations are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) for various purposes, including customer service chatbots and personalized shopping recommendations. These systems provide a quick and effortless way for individuals to get information by using natural language processing to comprehend and respond to human input in a conversational manner.

The creative arts are also being significantly impacted by AI, with some AI-generated works even taking home prizes in digital art competitions. For instance, “Théâtre D’opéra Spatial,” an AI-generated piece of art, took first place in the digital category at the Colorado State Fair in 2022. The work’s “amazing amount of detail and intricacy” and capacity to “question our ideas about the nature of creativity and the creative process” were both complimented by the judges. 

AI in Education

As AI continues to evolve, likely, it will also be incorporated into education. ChatGPT, a chat-based AI with access to the entire internet (up to 2021), gained over a million users within a week of its launch. Since then, there have been reports of pupils’ homework surpassing teachers’ expectations. Now some teachers worry students are using AI to complete homework and are recording information without truly understanding it. As AI becomes more prevalent in daily life, students will increasingly turn to it for help with their homework, just as they have adapted to using online tools like Google Classroom to aid in their learning during the pandemic. 

The days of homework being an extended learning tool could be over, with students able to ask; “Alexa, what’s 1/8 multiplied by 2/9?“, “Chat GPT, can you draft a 500-word essay explaining, “Why the Six Day War of 1967 was a turning point in the situation in the Middle East?”

AI and Homework

Does this mean that chat-based AI has rendered homework pointless? To an extent, yes, students can achieve a correct answer without possessing any understanding or even reading into the topic. If schools were to use AI to generate homework tasks, we run the risks of AI setting homework and AI completing homework with no learning taking place in between.

This issue highlights a flaw in the education system (even before pupils became aware of how they could use AI). When homework tasks are designed or communicated effectively, learners do not see the relevance or value of homework tasks. They may start to view them as pointless and look for shortcuts to avoid wasting time. When used effectively, homework enables the application and reinforcement of what has been learned in class to achieve success in exams. 

However, there is also a widespread belief among parents, educators, and learners that the current examination system primarily assesses students’ memory rather than their true potential. Students face a task that feels pointless to better prepare them for a system that does not correctly measure their skills. For too long, homework has been rote and meaningless. If AI finally puts an end to that, both educators and students stand to benefit.

AI can be used to “cheat” and complete tasks with little effort and even less absorption of knowledge, but that does not mean it should be completely separated from education. In fact, chat-based AI can be a valuable educational tool. It can retrieve information more quickly than a search engine and provide personalized feedback and guidance to learners as they work on assignments. Chat-based AI can also help students set goals, stay on track, and manage their time effectively, which can improve their self-regulation skills and increase productivity. This leaves students with more time to focus on developing their skills rather than just completing tasks.

Think about Duolingo, for example. The app uses AI to personalize language lessons (with the ability to adjust difficulty based on users’ strengths and weaknesses), provide immediate feedback, and create interactive conversation simulations.

Right now, we are at a pivotal moment in technological advancement and education. Can we take this opportunity to rethink the education system and create a system in which pupils and teachers want to participate?

There are several ways the education system could be redesigned to create a more engaging and meaningful experience for pupils and teachers. One approach is to focus on fostering a culture of inquiry, where questions are valued more highly than answers. To do this, educators can make an effort to connect the material being taught to students’ interests and goals, which can make learning more relevant and engaging. Additionally, giving students a say in what they learn and how they learn can increase their motivation and engagement. Experiential learning, where students are provided with hands-on, real-world experiences, can make learning more engaging and meaningful. Encouraging students to think creatively and critically about the material they are learning can also help them develop important skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors.

There is a risk, however, that schools will fear AI interfering with learning (pupils cheating) and will turn to supervised pen-and-paper assignments. This could further decrease learner engagement and steer learners further away from the skills they will need in the future.

If schools act and focus on learner engagement and attainment, the argument for scrapping homework altogether becomes stronger. Research suggests that the relationship between homework and academic achievement is weak. Eliminating homework can reduce stress and improve mental health for students. It also levels the playing field for disadvantaged students who may not have the same resources. Students will have more time to pursue other interests and hobbies. 

If homework is here to stay, reform is necessary. One way to achieve this is to incorporate open-ended questions that require students to formulate and defend their own opinions or tasks that require students to think critically and apply their knowledge to new situations. Assigning tasks that require students to develop higher-order thinking skills, such as analyzing a case study, synthesizing information from multiple sources, or developing a solution to a complex problem, can help students better reflect on the skills valued in the modern world. Additionally, incorporating AI into homework tasks can help to personalize instruction and provide immediate feedback, allowing students to learn and improve more efficiently. AI can be used to teach higher-order thinking skills through tasks like analyzing case studies, synthesizing information, and working on group projects. Tools like AI-powered research and project management tools can facilitate these tasks. 

Educators can use strategies like teaching time management and organization techniques, and incorporating open-book exams, to help improve learners’ meta-skills. These strategies help students develop higher-order thinking skills and become more independent, self-directed learners.

In conclusion, the education system should strive to create a balance between traditional and experiential learning, personalized instruction, and the appropriate integration of technology. If AI is used to make learning and class work more efficient, there may no longer be a need for homework. Homework teaches time management, prioritizing, independence, and responsibility, but AI tools can fulfill these roles with personalized learning plans, real-time progress tracking, and instant feedback. These factors make it possible for students to learn and retain knowledge effectively without the need for homework. Students will have the tools and curiosity to further their own educational pursuits outside the classroom. As we move forward into the age of AI, let us embrace the opportunity to reimagine education and create a system that develops the skills of the future.

@KieraMoran_is an artist, writer, and PGCE student from South Wales with a passion for incorporating technology into the classroom. Diagnosed at university with dyslexia, Kiera used tools such as text-to-speech to keep up with the demands of the course. Now, she uses her firsthand experience with the challenges of learning to help students succeed and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Editor’s Note: If you enjoyed this article, please become a Patreon supporter by clicking here.