to the editor: Columnist Jonah Goldberg mentions that AI is becoming a quick resource for students to lean on, overlooking how AI can strengthen, not weaken, education (“Keep artificial intelligence out of American classrooms” April 21). As a high school student, I understand how AI shortcuts can become a dangerous crutch. But it shouldn't be completely eliminated from schools. When used correctly, it has proven to be beneficial in ways that traditional tools cannot be.
Quick responses provide immediate feedback to students, helping education move at a faster pace. AI also enables personalized learning, ensuring that students understand the topic being presented and explaining it in a way that suits them. I'm not saying that all aspects of AI should be in classrooms because, as Goldberg has mentioned, it has its drawbacks.
Eliminating it completely would be ignoring that the next generation is growing up in an AI-driven world. Teaching students how to properly use AI responsibly prepares us for the world we already live in.
Aryana Ramirez, San Diego
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to the editor: I rarely agree completely with Goldberg, but he wisely points out that if we let our children rely on all kinds of electronic devices, they will never develop their mental “muscles.” I have encountered too many students in my classrooms who can learn to understand advanced calculus and Albert Einstein's theory of relativity, but who struggle to add double-digit numbers without electronic assistance. The result is that I constantly find the answer to a simple problem while they search for a calculator in their backpack.
Fundamentals matter. Children must master them before we let them take shortcuts.
Geoff Kuenning, Claremont
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to the editor: Goldberg's voice should be heard by all educators, students and parents.
As an administrator at Cal State Los Angeles many years ago, I met with a professor and two of his students who submitted the same essay, which they had purchased for their homework. They were avoiding the need to do their own research, which is No get an education.
Having students use artificial intelligence to do their work for them is also not educational; It's just another form of cheating. If they use AI, they will also fool themselves.
Janet Hoult, Culver City
