AI Becomes a Homework Helper: Parents Turn to ChatGPT for Academic Support
In a growing trend, more than two in five parents are now using ChatGPT to assist with their children’s homework, according to recent surveys. This artificial intelligence tool is increasingly seen as a way to make learning more engaging and help students overcome initial hurdles in assignments.
Phil Birchenall, an AI consultant, exemplifies this trend. He created a customized GPT to help his daughter with long division for standardized tests. By personalizing the AI with a dog’s personality, Birchenall made the learning process more engaging, resulting in improved performance on his daughter’s SATs.
The rise of AI in homework assistance comes as nearly 60% of US parents report struggling to help their children with schoolwork. Math remains the most challenging subject, followed by science and language arts. In response, 44% of parents have turned to ChatGPT for homework support.
However, the use of AI in education is not without controversy. Supporters argue that AI makes assignments more approachable and helps overcome writer’s block. Critics, on the other hand, worry about students becoming overly reliant on AI, potentially reducing their intellectual effort.
Stephen Salaka, a parent of a neurodivergent child, uses ChatGPT to assist with creative assignments. He emphasizes the importance of developing critical thinking skills to evaluate AI-generated information and verify its validity.
To address concerns about source reliability, new AI tools are being developed to provide clear citations and summaries of research. Companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity are incorporating features to enhance source transparency.
Despite the benefits, many parents remain apprehensive about AI tools in education. Audrey Wisch of Curious Cardinals is addressing these concerns through workshops and by incorporating AI education into tutoring services. Some parents are even seeking AI mentoring to become more digitally empowered in this evolving educational landscape.
As AI continues to integrate into academic support, the debate over its role in education is likely to intensify, challenging traditional notions of learning and prompting a reevaluation of essential skills for the digital age.
