How to Use an AI Tutor Effectively, Accurately, and Ethically

Using Think-Pair-Share, ask the question, Have you ever used an AI tool like ChatGPT, Grammarly, or Google Translate for school or personal use? Share your experience.

Learners reflect on the questions for two minutes. Then they pair with another learner and share their ideas. Finally, learners share their experiences with the class. As the teacher, write responses highlighting common ideas and problems.

What is an AI Tutor? Have learners pair to share answers then gather as a class and discuss. Write down ideas.

Add to the learner answers what an AI tutor says. According to ChatGPT:

An AI tutor is a digital tool powered by artificial intelligence that can help students learn by:

• Answering questions
• Explaining concepts
• Giving writing feedback
• Solving problems step-by-step
• Offering suggestions and ideas

Today we will look at AI Tutors. 

1.What are examples of AI tutors: ChatGPT, Khanmigo, Grammarly, CK-12 Flexi, Microsoft CoPilot, Google Gemini etc

2.Review examples of how AI can assist us. Learner pairs review the ways AI can help them and give examples.

Ideas:

• List the ingredients in your refrigerator and have AI help with a recipe.
• Explain something that is confusing to you: What is a thesis statement? 
• Generate ideas: Where could I go on a vacation with a budget of $1000, Brainstorm topics for an essay about WWII
• Answer basic questions: What is the capital of England? How many continents are there and what are their names?
• Offer feedback: Check my paragraph for grammar and spelling errors.
• Break a problem down into steps: show me how to solve this equation.
• Summarize a Zoom meeting at work.

3.What are things AI can't do, or shouldn't do? Gather as pairs to discuss, then share with class.

Ideas:

• AI doesn't always give correct information. (mistakes called hallucinations) How could you correct this? Check AI answers to verify accuracy.
• AI is not aware of your class/job materials and may miss what your teacher/boss is asking for. Always put your own understanding of the question in the writing. Always examine closely any suggestions made by AI.
• AI cannot replace YOUR critical thinking, so you will not develop this important skill if you rely on AI for answers. Instead ask for clarification, examples, and next step so you understand the question more completely.
• AI doesn't understand emotion, tone, or subtle content, all of these are critical elements in writing, debate or communication. AI can give ideas, correct grammar, and give feedback on your drafts but YOUR voice will only be in the writing if you write it yourself. Then have the AI make suggestions. Finally examine the AI suggestions to see if they express YOUR voice. 
• If you use AI to copy/paste your assignment, you are plagiarizing. 
• If you use AI in a test or quiz you are cheating. Instead, use AI to assist in your learning BEFORE the test. Ask for step-by-step solutions and then ask for more problems to try on your own so you are prepared for the test. AI can be an excellent tutor in your learning. It can help you study 24/7, anywhere, on any device.
• If you use AI and do not check its answers/sources your writing may be wrong (because the AI was wrong) and you will be accused of false information. Check all information, facts, or sources given by AI.
• If you use the final draft created by AI you may not fill all the guidelines or rubric requirements for the assignment. Always review any suggestions made by AI, so the writing fills the assignment guidelines/rubric.
• If you rely on feedback only from AI the quality of your writing will be limited. You will miss the potential input of others including peers and the teacher. Your writing will be better if  you include discussions with classmates and teachers who give multiple ideas and points of view allowing for you deeping your understanding of the topic.
• If you go to AI first, before trying to do the work on your own you lose the opportunity to deepen your own learning. You learn more when you struggle, puzzle, try and fail. After the struggle, then ask AI for ideas. 
• According the ChatGPT: "AI is a tool to support your learning--not a substitute for your own thinking. Use it to enhance, not replace, your effort."

Key Vocabulary. In pairs, have learners go to 21Things4Students , Intro to AI: Vocabulary Review the voaculary and then play the game to practice 

How can you check if the AI answer is correct? As pairs students consider the question and then share answers  in the group.

Ideas:

1. Compare with Trusted Sources. Check your textbook, notes, or class materials. Look at reliable websites (e.g., Khan Academy, Purdue OWL, official .edu or .gov sources).

2. Ask the AI to Explain More. Say: “Can you break that down into simpler steps?” or “Why is that the correct answer?” If the AI can’t explain it clearly, it might not be reliable.

3. Look for Red Flags. Made-up facts, overly formal or vague writing, or incorrect math steps all suggest hallucinations. Ask yourself: “Does this make sense based on what I already know?”

4. Ask AI for sources for its answers and check the sources. If AI gives a citation or quote, Google it to make sure it’s real. Just because AI gives a source, check it out. Don’t trust AI to provide accurate citations automatically.

5. Ask a Human. Check with a teacher, tutor, or peer if you’re unsure.

As a class, generate a prompt that goes along with a current class topic. Assign pairs to input the prompt into different AI chatbots: ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Anthropic's Claude, Perplexity.ai, Google Gemini.

Compare the outputs. Analyze Does it sound like AI?

As pairs answer the AI or Not Quiz (in documents). Then discuss the results as a class. 

What are good habits to develop when using AI? As pairs learners share their ideas then gather and discuss as the class.

Ideas:

1. Try First, Then Ask AI
Struggle a little first — your brain learns better that way!Use AI after you’ve done your own thinking.

2. Use AI for Feedback, Not Final Drafts
Ask AI to suggest edits, fix grammar, or rephrase, but make the final changes yourself.

3. Double-Check Everything
Never assume AI is right. Use it as a starting point, not the final answer.

4. Be Clear About What You Need
Instead of “Write my essay,” try:“Can you help me brainstorm ideas for this topic?” “Can you outline a paragraph about climate change?”

5. Keep Learning as the Goal
Always ask: “Did this help me understand better?” If it just gave you the answer, go back and ask for an explanation.

As pairs make a list of ways to use AI and how to implement it in class, at home, or on the job.

Gather ideas as a class and discuss.

Learners fill out the Personal AI Use Plan Worksheet. See Documents.

In the coming week, discuss AI with people outside the class. Bring ideas to class to extend the discussion.