A Call for Empathy in Education: AI Use Isn’t Always Cheating

We’re policing behavior without understanding motivation. If your students are turning to AI, it may be because the system failed them first. We must give them some empathy in education.

Let’s Reframe the “Cheating” Conversation.

Here’s a scenario: You are walking through a college campus to a class you are late for because you just came off of your morning shift. The work shift started at 5AM. You can’t be late again, or you will fail the entire course due to policies in place. Running is your only option. Suddenly, the sidewalk juts into the opposite direction of the door to the building you need to get to, going all the way around. It wasn’t designed for a quick journey. Instead it was designed to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

What do you do?

• A. You continue on the sidewalk set before you.
• B. You walk on the grass directly to the door.

I can tell you right now, I would be all over that grass. But why?

What would you say, if I told you I think cutting corners is a biological mechanism? I believe that you might be more inclined to cross the “don’t walk on the grass” field instead of using the pavement. Likewise, you might be more inclined to use your brainpower to figure out how to maximize a new tool vs. do things the more difficult route, halving your time and effort.

I also believe that whether we choose A or B in this scenario has nothing to do with us being “good” or “bad” or “rule followers” or “cheaters”… it has everything to do with VALUES, within the circumstances.

Why are we still talking about how to prevent students from doing something so “natural” vs. talking about why they don’t feel working through an assignment fully to learn about content is valuable anymore??? Where is the empathy in education?

The Problem Isn’t AI. It’s a Broken System.

During my time in higher ed, students shared with me their pain points. Students are frustrated and understandably so. While the world has rapidly evolved alongside technology over the past few decades, the systematic treatment of learning has not. They certainly do not feel any empathy in education right now.

While hearing messages of “you aren’t making the cut”, “you aren’t doing it right”, and now with AI, “you are cheating”, more students than ever:

• work full-time (more often working multiple jobs)
• support their family
• manage external responsibilities
• have to push themselves to be that much more competitive in a workforce ill-prepared to help them succeed
• have witnessed leadership and the mega-rich cut their own corners to shoot like a rocket into the stratosphere while others struggle to buy eggs

Students Value the Outcome Because We’ve Devalued the Process

Today’s students may have concluded that “getting the grade” is the ultimate goal… not learning. Just “get that diploma” which even entry-level jobs require. Just “do whatever is necessary” to stay afloat financially, which academic success is often tied to, for those needing financial aid by using grants and scholarships. Of COURSE they are going to use AI. And possibly be more inclined to do so, feeling they are on their own without empathy in education towards their experiences.

I would propose students’ have shifted their value systems because they don’t feel their educations are actually valuable… they are just means to an end. We are:

• asking students to work through courses, content, and subjects which do not contribute directly to their fields, careers, and lifestyles.
• failing to SHOW them the value of the degree requirements.
• not telling them the WHY behind the ask.

What Happens When We Actually Explain the Why

In a previous life, I was an academic advisor for Construction Management and Engineering students. Part of my job was to build their first schedules… which ended up being mostly Liberal Arts courses (courses outside of their major disciplines). Believe me, they were always pissed. So, I ALWAYS explained the “why”. I always gave them empathy regarding their educational experiences.

For example, a “why” I would tell the CM students might be: You will want to be able to throw out quotes and anecdotes during networking events with potential clients. You can only gain these insights through the humanities. These memorable stories will help you stand out from your competition.

Another example of a “why” I would tell the Engineering students might be: The same elements you use in your math, science and engineering courses will be enhanced through your understanding of art and writing. We are all taking a large block of a substance and whittling it away to make something beautiful and something that is uniquely our own. Being well-rounded will make you a better innovator.

While they may have still been annoyed at the lack of the “perfect first-year” schedule, I do think that I earned their respect and they appreciated being treated with respect. Providing them context was the decent thing to do. These are young people doing the best they can with what they have been provided.

What Empathy in Education Can Do That Punishment Can’t

I bet you that this sort of approach for students is rare. No one is helping them see the BENEFITS of learning thoroughly by using their problem solving and high-level cognitive abilities as part of the greater whole of their lives. Instead they are being threatened with punishment by not innately believing in the system which feels was created to make them fail vs. succeed.

May I also remind that without empathy in education, what is being offered instead is a money-making industry? And it is an industry where a paying customer can be kicked out permanently with no refund for an outcome-based product they were promised?

So educators, before you point fingers at a generation, maybe try to use some empathy in education. Try to understand student motivations, experiences, and the outcomes gained from their choices.

Conclusion- AI is a Tool for Increasing Empathy in Education, Not a Threat!

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Until next time – keep shining for those who would otherwise remain in the dark.  Be the light!