The AI Email Finally Landed
I’d been waiting for this one. With two older tech-savvy kids, I was honestly surprised it hadn’t happened sooner.
Subject: An AI Investigation
“Dear Mr. and Mrs. Smith,
Blah blah… I believe your son used ChatGPT for his homework… blah blah.” [I’m paraphrasing.]
I opened the attached “evidence.” It was instantly obvious the writing wasn’t his. Someone—or something—far more verbose had stepped in to compare historical sources and wrap things up with a polished “in conclusion.”
Part of me was disappointed. He didn’t do the work. Another part was disappointed he got caught. At least rewrite it in your own words!
But this email was inevitable. Kids now have constant access to tools that summarize, analyze, and write. Of course they’re going to use it. They should. But they haven’t been taught how.
There’s no consistent rulebook yet. Is it okay to use AI to write a history essay? Maybe for research, not for generating the full 1,000 words. What about for math, physics, reading comprehension?
The UK’s Joint Council for Qualifications offers a solid framework:
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AI is allowed
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Students must state they used it
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They must include the prompt and the response
This sets a clear bar and treats AI as part of learning, not cheating.
Other schools have responded by bringing back in-class, handwritten exams. But that’s a short-term workaround.
Years ago, I told this same school’s headmaster this was coming. Like Wikipedia, the internet, or calculators, AI was going to make its way into the classroom. He could’ve planned ahead. He didn’t.
And now, as my son told his teacher, “I’m sorry I didn’t say I used AI, but the school’s policy doesn’t say I can’t.” Cheeky—but technically correct.
I use AI every day. It makes me faster, sharper, more productive. Why shouldn’t students learn to use it well?
Our House Rules for AI:
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Use it, but use it smart
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Always double-check the output
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Let it guide you, not replace you
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Never lie about using it
The academic world is still adjusting. Some universities now scan for AI use and treat it like plagiarism. Harvard leaves it to each professor. Oxford says AI must be acknowledged, and users are still responsible for the accuracy of their work.
Use AI to write your college essay? If it’s flagged, your application can be voided for fraud.
This isn’t going away. The real question is: how fast will schools catch up?
As my son confessed to his older brother, I overheard:
“Bro, you got caught? You’re supposed to change the words!”
This is going to take a while.
