So, how's your year going so far?

We’re nearly four weeks into the school year, and my AI-Ready experience has been interesting to say the least.

As expected, students are highly aware of AI and have strong opinions about it. But here’s what I’m noticing so far:

Most of them run either red hot or ice cold. They’re either fully onboard or completely anti-AI, with little room for nuance.

That’s why open discussion is so important. I don’t want my students outsourcing their thinking to ChatGPT, but I do want them to understand when it’s okay to use it.

We’ve just started working on argumentative essays, and already a few students have used AI to help with their Works Cited. Honestly? I’d rather they use ChatGPT for that than wade through ad-cluttered citation websites that barely work.

Sure, I’ve caught a couple students misusing AI. But this year? Two students across six classes. Last year? Seven students in just two classes. Progress.

My gut says the current narrative has pushed students into an all-or-nothing mindset. But as I keep telling them: ethical, intentional AI use is not cheating. It’s a skill.

Our main course just launched, and I’m excited to start more conversations around what an AI-Ready classroom culture really looks like; one that leans into tech with purpose, not fear.

Fall is here. It’s time we stop treating AI like Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, or any other 80s horror villain.

How about you?