Simple rules for using AI tools honestly and safely — for learning, not for cheating — with a quick do/don't list.
AI is a helper, not a replacement for your thinking
Used well, AI tools can explain a hard idea, check your work, or give feedback. Used badly, they stop you from actually learning.
Do
- Ask AI to explain a concept you're stuck on, then solve the next one yourself.
- Use it to check your answer and understand your mistake.
- Always verify facts — AI can be confidently wrong.
Don't
- Don't copy AI answers into homework as your own — that's cheating, and you learn nothing.
- Don't share personal information (name, school, address, photos) with AI tools.
- Don't trust AI blindly for important facts, dates or numbers.
Golden rule
If you couldn't explain the answer to a friend in your own words, you haven't learned it yet — go back and try.