Student Perspectives on AI: How Technology is Shaping Learning and the Future

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming education as we know it, influencing everything from classroom interactions to broader societal structures. As part of its commitment to preparing students for an evolving technological landscape, Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) is actively engaging in conversations about AI’s role in learning and embracing appropriate integration in the classroom.

Fairview High School senior, Alex Zhang, had the opportunity to present at the Colorado AI Literacy Summit in March, an event co-sponsored by the Colorado Education Initiative and the Colorado Department of Education in celebration of National AI Literacy Day. The summit brought together students, educators, post-secondary leaders, and business professionals to explore how AI is shaping education across the state. 

AI influences not only how students access information, but also how they interact and make decisions. Zhang emphasized that the effects of technology extend beyond the presence of devices in the classroom.

"It's not just that kids are on their phones more," said Zhang. "It's about how technology is fundamentally changing how we interact, learn, and even make life decisions."

Building a positive relationship between AI and learning

In schools, the impact of technology is felt in both direct and subtle ways. "There are the obvious things, like teachers using smart boards instead of whiteboards, or students submitting assignments digitally,” mentioned Zhang. “But there are also deeper questions, like how we navigate the overwhelming amount of information online and determine which sources are trustworthy."

This is where Zhang identifies an opportunity for a positive relationship to be built with AI. One of the most pressing concerns in education today is the line between using AI as a learning aid and as a means of academic dishonesty.

"Some students just copy and paste AI-generated essays, but there are also tools that can make AI-generated text undetectable," Alex explained. "Many teachers don’t seem to be aware of how sophisticated these tools are becoming."

However, there is potential for AI to be used as a learning companion, for better explanation of learning, not just for answers. "For physics, my classmates and I put problems into ChatGPT. The explanations are really good, sometimes easier for us to understand than the class lecture,” Zhang exclaimed. “That’s a good use of AI—it’s helping us understand the concepts in a different way."

Zhang believes that rather than avoiding AI, schools should focus on teaching students how to use it ethically and effectively.

"If you show students how AI can help them learn efficiently, they're less likely to turn to it for cheating,” he said. “The fear that exposure to AI’s educational benefits will lead students down a slippery slope to academic dishonesty is, in my opinion, misguided."

As AI continues to shape education, Zhang stresses the importance of having clear guidelines and fostering an informed approach. 

"Right now, there’s a lot of uncertainty. How much AI is too much on an assignment? What counts as ethical use?” asked Zhang. “These conversations aren’t happening enough."

He believes AI should be embraced thoughtfully. "If we focus on how AI can enhance learning, we can guide students to use it responsibly,” he said. “The goal should be to make AI a companion for learning, not a shortcut to bypass it."

AI in BVSD classrooms

Wondering how AI is currently used in BVSD classrooms? BVSD has implemented an AI program available to teachers called MagicSchool. In the last year, nearly 2,500 BVSD teachers have used the programs in their work and classrooms, generating over 80,000 items using AI.

These items can range from presentations, AI-generated outlines or lesson plans, translations, communications, student support tools and other AI-related examples to be used and referenced in the classroom. 

Students can use the program via teacher-created Magic student rooms. With teachers in charge of what AI tools are used and for what purpose, they are teaching students ethical ways to use AI in school.

BVSD Director of Academic Services Lynn Gershman shares “while we’re very excited about AI in the ways it can support learning or enhance learning for our students, student data privacy is still our utmost concern and we only use enterprise-version programs in the classroom (those designed for use in large organizations which offer security, customization options and support).”

BVSD’s weekly educator email, The Download, has implemented weekly “A.Ideas”, which are suggestions submitted by fellow teachers in the district with examples to spark ideas for AI program use in their classroom. 

“We’re watching how the use of AI by our students and teachers develops, and are assisting our teachers as best we can to embrace the rapidly-changing technology, while still maintaining high standards of learning,” says Gershman. “We know this is only the beginning of the implications AI will have on student learning, but are open to the positive possibilities ahead.”

Future-forward

Zhang plans on attending Stanford University in the fall and hopes to study either computer science or engineering – he predicts AI will redefine those career paths.

"A joke among my friends is that computer science might become the next communications major,” he said. “It’s not going to be about learning how to code, but about applying and designing systems that use AI effectively."

He anticipates a shift from software-focused studies to hardware development.

"Right now, everyone is obsessed with AI, but we’re going to need the infrastructure to support it—things like transistors and chips,” he explained. “That’s going to become way more important."

Moreover, he predicts a significant societal shift due to AI-driven productivity increases. 

"I wouldn’t be surprised if we move toward something like Universal Basic Income (UBI) in the future because AI will automate so many jobs,” he said. “We’ll have to rethink what work looks like on a national scale." 

As BVSD continues to integrate technology and AI programs into classrooms, student perspectives like Zhang’s are a helpful part of guiding the future of AI in education.