Should Artificial Intelligence Be Used in Schools?
“I Didn’t Cheat, I Just Asked a Robot”
60-minute lesson. Skills: Speaking, Vocabulary, Reading, Grammar.
Grammar focus: Present Simple vs. Present Continuous, Expressing Opinions
Let's agree on the next steps by Friday.
1Warm-up Questions (Discussion)
- What kinds of technology do you use most often for learning?
- Do you think technology makes students smarter or lazier? Why?
- Have you ever used AI tools (like ChatGPT or translators) for schoolwork?
- Should there be limits on how much technology students use in class?
2Vocabulary Exercise – Match the Words
Match the words (1–8) with their correct definitions (A–H).
- A.The ability to think carefully and form your own opinions
- B.To use technology to do tasks automatically
- C.Using unfair methods to get better results
- D.The protection of personal information
- E.A system or machine that can think or learn like humans
- F.Relying too much on something
- G.Related to moral rules and what is right or wrong
- H.Doing something quickly and effectively
3Fun Vocabulary Exercise – Choose the Correct Word
Choose the best word from the box to complete each sentence.
Word box:
- cheating – privacy – automate – dependence – ethical – efficiency
- Schools must protect students’ __________ when using online tools.
- Using AI to write an exam answer is considered __________.
- AI can __________ boring tasks like grading quizzes.
- Too much __________ on technology can weaken learning skills.
- Teachers discuss whether AI use is __________ or unfair.
- Technology can increase __________ by saving time.
- Bonus: Write one sentence using any two of the words.
4Reading Article
Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom: Help or Harm?
Artificial intelligence, often called AI, is becoming a common part of everyday life. From smartphones that recognize our faces to apps that recommend music, AI is everywhere. In recent years, AI has also entered classrooms, creating a heated debate among teachers, parents, and students. Some people believe AI can improve education, while others worry it may harm learning and fairness.
Supporters of AI in schools argue that it can make education more efficient and personalized. AI tools can help students learn at their own pace by adapting lessons to their individual needs. For example, a student who struggles with grammar can receive extra practice, while another student who learns faster can move ahead. This flexibility is difficult for one teacher to provide in a large classroom.
Another advantage of AI is accessibility. Students with learning disabilities or language barriers can benefit from tools such as speech-to-text software, instant translations, and interactive explanations. These technologies can help students feel more confident and included. In this way, AI has the potential to reduce educational inequality rather than increase it.
However, critics warn that AI can also create serious problems. One major concern is cheating. AI tools can write essays, solve math problems, and even answer exam questions. If students rely on these tools instead of doing the work themselves, they may not develop important skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving. Education is not only about getting the right answer, but also about understanding the process.
Another controversial issue is dependence. If students become too dependent on AI, they may lose the ability to think independently. Teachers worry that students will stop asking questions, researching topics, or challenging ideas. Instead of learning how to learn, students might simply copy what AI produces. This could lead to a generation of learners who lack creativity and originality.
Privacy is also a major concern. Many AI tools collect large amounts of data, including personal information about students. Parents and educators are worried about how this data is stored, used, or shared. If sensitive information is not protected properly, it could be misused by companies or even hackers. This raises ethical questions about whether schools should allow such technologies at all.
Despite these concerns, some experts believe the solution is not to ban AI, but to regulate it. They argue that students should be taught how to use AI responsibly, just like they are taught how to use the internet. Schools could create clear rules about when and how AI is allowed. For example, AI might be used for research or practice, but not for exams or final assignments.
In conclusion, artificial intelligence in schools is neither completely good nor completely bad. It offers exciting opportunities to improve learning, but it also presents serious challenges. The key question is not whether AI should be used in education, but how it should be used. With clear guidelines, responsible teaching, and ethical awareness, AI could become a helpful tool rather than a harmful shortcut.
5Grammar Exercise 1 – Present Simple vs. Present Continuous
Choose the correct form of the verb.
- Many students __________ (use / are using) AI tools every day.
- Teachers usually __________ (give / are giving) homework after class.
- Right now, schools __________ (discuss / are discussing) new technology rules.
- AI often __________ (help / is helping) students with language learning.
- Some parents __________ (worry / are worrying) about data privacy today.
6Grammar Exercise 2 – Expressing Opinions
Complete the sentences using the words below.
Word box:
think – believe – opinion – agree – disagree
- In my __________, AI should be limited in exams.
- I __________ that technology can improve education.
- Many teachers __________ with strict rules on AI.
- Some students __________ that AI makes learning easier.
- I __________ that students should learn without any technology.
7Case Study & Role Play – School Meeting on AI Use
Situation
- A secondary school is deciding whether to officially allow AI tools for students. A meeting is held with different stakeholders to discuss rules, benefits, and risks.
Group Roles (4 Groups)
Group 1 – Teachers
- Worried about cheating and loss of critical thinking
- Want clear rules and limits
Decide when AI should NOT be used
Group 2 – Students
- Want freedom and modern learning tools
- Believe AI helps with homework and stress
- Argue for responsible but flexible use
Group 3 – Parents
- Concerned about privacy and data protection
- Want fairness between students
- Ask how AI affects long-term learning
Group 4 – School Administration
- Must make the final decision
- Balance innovation, safety, and rules
- Propose a school-wide AI policy
Task
Each group prepares three key arguments
- Hold a 10–15 minute role-play meeting
- The administration group announces the final decision
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