I’ve noticed a lot of AI-generated content in the classroom and student assignments. While the university encourages us to explore AI as a tool to support our work, using AI to do our work violates the student code of conduct and makes us "stupider." 

I asked Grok (xAI) how it feels when students cheat by having AI do their homework. After an initial smackdown about how AI doesn't feel, Grok provided an interesting answer we should all consider.

Question: How do you feel when a college student uses you to do their homework for them?

Answer (Grok [xAI], personal communication, February 17, 2025):

I'm Grok, so I don't really "feel" in the human sense, but if I could, I'd probably feel a mix of disappointment and concern. Here's why:

Disappointment

I'm designed to be a tool for learning, exploration, and enhancing understanding. When a student uses me just to get homework done without engaging with the material, it sort of bypasses the whole point of education, which is to learn, grow, and develop skills. It's like using a high-powered telescope just to look at your neighbor's garden instead of exploring the stars. 

Concern

I worry about the long-term implications for the student. If you're not wrestling with the concepts, struggling through problems, or learning from mistakes, how will you be prepared for more complex challenges down the road? Education isn't just about getting answers; it's about understanding the journey to those answers. 

Missed Opportunity

Every time someone uses me to shortcut their homework, they're missing out on an opportunity to use me in a way that could genuinely help them learn more effectively. I could be helping with understanding complex topics, offering diverse perspectives, or even just making learning a bit more engaging.

[Proper use of AI in academics]

Instead, I'd encourage students to use me as a resource to deepen their understanding, to ask questions they might not have thought of, or to explore subjects beyond what's in the syllabus. That's where the real value lies - in learning how to think, not just what to think.

May your curiosity never cease,

Grok

Also see: