The use of AI in schools has become a contentious topic in recent years, and the issue divides students and staff members at Sonoma Valley High School.
A study by College Board found that as of May 2025, 84 percent of students had used generative AI tools for schoolwork, which raises mixed feelings among students and teachers alike. Students and teachers both utilize AI in a multitude of ways, showcasing the variety of opinions that are held about the popular technology
“I have big problems with students using AI, when they use it to circumvent having to do any work,” Veronica Gray, an English teacher at Sonoma Valley High School, told the Dragon’s Tale.
Like many teachers, Gray opposes students using artificial intelligence to complete assignments. However, Gray recognizes AI as a viable tool for teachers and adults to use, saying that “there’s no issue with a teacher or an adult using it for the most part.” The reason for this, she says “the difference [is that] I have a degree in English. I’ve already gone through school. I’ve already developed all those necessary skills to actually do [the work]. So for me, that is just helping speed up my work when I already know how to do it all on my own.”
Like Gray, many teachers use artificial intelligence. “I think that it has many [uses]. It’s an incredibly powerful tool that can be used for good or ill. And I think it just depends on the user and their intention,” said Dennison Lane, an English teacher at SVHS. Lane believes that AI can be used by students to better understand material. “I think it’s a very powerful learning tool if you’re using it as a tutor.”
Students at SVHS also have varying opinions when it comes to the usage of artificial intelligence. Jacob Nixon, a senior, believes that while AI can be used to understand complicated topics, it can inhibit students’ learning because “they don’t actually learn anything to just type [the problem] in [to AI].”
Nixon has a similar opinion when it comes to teachers using AI. “Teachers shouldn’t use it,” he said. “ If they want to teach something, they have to know the subject, and if they use AI, that’s an easy way out.”
Additionally, Nixon cites environmental concerns. “How [AI is] being made in the data center is wasting water,” he said.
Vicky Wence, a junior, uses AI, but disagrees with people using it to create images. “I feel like when people ask [about AI], they always generalize it,” she said. “I use ChatGPT when studying for AP exams … [it’s] useful for understanding content.”
In conclusion, students are not the only group that uses AI to reinforce their work; some teachers use AI freely to create and tailor content for their students. Regardless, mixed feelings surround the topic and divide students and teacher alike.
