Evaluating the Use of AI in the Classroom

How do your students know where the line is between using AI as a tool and using AI to do the work for them?
Instead of simply giving students a list of AI “do’s and don’ts,” this resource puts students in the conversation.
Using an assignment from your own curriculum, students brainstorm as many different ways as possible to use AI to support their work—from brainstorming and getting feedback to researching, revising, or even completing the assignment for them. They then work together to evaluate each use and determine what they believe is appropriate, inappropriate, or somewhere in between.
 
This activity gives teachers a valuable window into how students are already using AI, what they understand about appropriate use, and where misconceptions or confusion exist.
 
What Teachers Gain
This activity is about more than creating an AI policy. It creates an opportunity for conversation, curiosity, and shared understanding.
 
Rather than immediately labeling an AI use as “right” or “wrong,” teachers can listen to students' reasoning and use their ideas to uncover misunderstandings, address plagiarism concerns, clarify expectations, and better understand how AI is actually being used by students.
 
The result can be a classroom-created set of AI guidelines that students have helped develop—and therefore understand more deeply.
Included Resources
AI Idea Brainstorm Guide for generating creative ways to use AI
AI Use Evaluation Grid for determining whether a use is appropriate, inappropriate, or somewhere in between—and explaining why
Teacher directions with a suggested sequence and timing
Optional classroom extension for creating a visual reminder of the class's agreed-upon AI guidelines
Suggested Time
Approximately 60–90 minutes, depending on the number of students and depth of discussion.
Best for: Middle school and high school classrooms, advisory, technology/AI lessons, or any subject area where students are using AI.
The goal isn't to eliminate AI from the classroom. It's to help students learn how to use it thoughtfully, responsibly, and intentionally.