OPINION: AI is not the enemy of learning — outdated education standards are
Artificial Intelligence has been a major topic the few months, especially in regards to ChatGPT and art generators.
In her op-ed, “AI is not the enemy of learning — outdated education standards are,” University of Arizona student Sarah Arellano explores the growing disconnect between emerging technologies like ChatGPT and long-standing educational policies that struggle to keep pace.
Arellano challenges the overdependence on AI-detection platforms such as Turnitin—tools that lack transparency and have been shown to produce high false-positive rates, potentially putting students’ academic records at risk. She argues that this reliance not only undermines student trust but also stifles innovation in the classroom.
Through her personal experiences and observations of varied faculty approaches, Arellano highlights how artificial intelligence, when integrated thoughtfully, can enhance the learning process—particularly for students who face intense pressure to perform perfectly from the start. Rather than treating AI as a threat, she encourages educators to see it as a partner in fostering critical thinking, creativity and academic success.
Her message is clear: it’s time for educational systems to evolve alongside technological advancement. By embracing AI as a resource and shifting away from punitive models, institutions can better support students in developing the skills they need to thrive in a dynamic, digital world.