Over the past year, I’ve noticed that artificial intelligence, especially ChatGPT, has started playing a bigger role in how students approach English writing. As someone studying English literature, I was a bit skeptical at first. But after using it for a few assignments and study sessions, I’ve come to see that ChatGPT brings both exciting opportunities and some serious challenges—especially from the point of view of teachers and educators.
On the opportunity side, ChatGPT can be a huge help for students like me who sometimes get stuck while writing. It can help brainstorm ideas, improve grammar, rephrase awkward sentences, and even help with structure. For students who are learning English as a second language, I can imagine it being a game-changer. It’s like having a writing tutor who’s always available, without needing to book a time or feel judged.
However, the challenges are just as real. One of the biggest concerns is that students might become too dependent on AI. I’ve heard classmates say they just copy and paste what ChatGPT gives them, without understanding or editing it. That kind of habit can really harm a student’s ability to think critically and write creatively. Writing is more than just good grammar—it’s about expressing your thoughts in your own voice. If we rely on AI too much, we risk losing that.
From the teacher’s perspective, things can get tricky too. Not all educators are trained or comfortable using AI in the classroom. Some don’t know where to draw the line between helping and cheating. There’s also the challenge of detecting AI-written work, which makes grading less straightforward.
I think ChatGPT has real potential, but only if we approach it thoughtfully. Educators can play a critical role by teaching kids to engage with AI wisely: show them how to ask good questions, help them use it to refine their drafts, and let them experiment with new voices. The goal isn’t to shortcut hard work; it’s to enrich the learning process and give learners fresh ways to think and create.
