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misuse of ai

How to Avoid Misuse of AI During Midterm Prep? | Student Guide

Featured blog Artificial Intelligence
29th Sep 2025
Read Time
7 mins

Nilesh Jha

Introduction:

While midterms are perhaps one of the most significant times for distress among students, there are many ways in which students might prepare for more than one exams, complete assignment due dates, look for shortcuts to study, an all of these AI tools, including chatbot tools like ChatGPT, paraphrasing or content generation tools, and other AI tool, are becoming as widely available for students ease of use to relieve some presure of their academic responsibilities.

Although we are hoping that they are good study aids, we also believe that they introduce some merits for the misuse of AI. When students submit AI-generated work, invented or fictitious citations, and/or use an AI tool to help answer or assist with take-home exam questions, those in the use of those approaches are examples of AI misuse in education.

This guide will lay out the definition of types of AI misuse in educational settings, the importance of the definitions organized in this way, and how a student can interact and use AI in an ethical way rather than cross lines in cheating utilizing AI.  The midterm timeframe is about to occur, which means students should lean into the need to consider responsible student behavior; not only can education-based AI be supportive, but students also need to avoid using AI for irresponsible behaviors in development for chunked academic success

What Is Misuse of AI in Education?

The misuse of AI occurs when a student uses artificial intelligence to circumvent learning or violate institutional policies. While AI can be used to clarify and sharpen ideas, problems arise when it is substituted for critical thinking or original effort.

Examples of common AI misuse:

  • Submitting AI-authored essays or assignments as original work.
  • Overusing paraphrasing tools, like Quillbot, to conceal plagiarism without understanding the implications.
  • Fabricated references and citations authored by AI that do not exist and cannot be verified.
  • Circumventing practice or study through “ask AI for the answer” for homework assignments, or answers to take-home tests.

Even if the misuse was unintentional (such as relying solely on AI for a citation and not verifying the citation), it is still a misuse, and the impact will still be the same loss of credit and credibility with possible academic penalties.

Why Should AI Not Be Misused in School?

AI misuse in school goes beyond breaking rules; it undermines the purpose of education. 

Key Reasons Why Misuse of AI Is Harmful:

  • Undermines Learning and Skill Development
    Relying on AI robs students of the opportunity to develop problem-solving, writing, and research skills. 
  • Violates Academic Integrity Policies
    Most institutions explicitly prohibit AI-generated work from being passed off as original. 
  • Can Lead to Serious Penalties
    From failed assignments to disciplinary hearings, the consequences of AI cheating can be severe. 
  • Devalues Honest Effort
    AI misuse creates unfair advantages over peers who put in the real work. 
  • Breeds Dependency
    Over-reliance on AI tools reduces creativity and makes students less confident in their abilities. 

Real Examples of AI Misuse in Schools

Here are fictionalized but realistic AI misuse scenarios: 

  • Example 1: Full Essay by ChatGPT
    A student submitted an entire essay generated by AI. The teacher used an AI detector and flagged it. The result? A failed grade and academic probation.
  • Example 2: Paraphrased Article via AI
    Another student paraphrased a published article with AI. The plagiarism checker still detected significant similarities. The student received an academic warning.
  • Example 3: Fake Citations
    A student relied on AI to generate references for a research paper. When the teacher attempted to verify them, the sources didn’t exist. The student lost credibility and marks.

These misuse cases highlight that AI cheating is not invisible, and consequences are real.

How to Use AI Without Cheating

AI does not have to be the enemy; instead, it can be a partner in studies when used appropriately. Here is a way students can ethically use AI during midterms:

Ethical Uses of AI:

  • Brainstorming topic ideas.
  • Writing outlines or structures for essays.
  • Proofreading for grammar, spelling, or sentence flow.
  • Rewriting one’s own writing for clarity.
  • Utilizing legit resources like citation generator (e.g., Quetext) to format citations. 

What to Avoid?

  • Copying and pasting AI-written assignments for submission as original.
  • Using AI to generate answers for take-home exams or quizzes.
  • Submitting paraphrased content that the student does not understand.
  • Using citations generated from AI without checking their accuracy.

How Schools Are Addressing AI Cheating

Educational institutions are quickly adapting to the rise of AI misuse.

Measures Schools Are Taking:

  • AI Detection Tools: Platforms like Quetext that analyze writing to determine AI-related patterns.
  • Faculty Training: Faculty have been trained to identify AI-generated work.
  • Policy Development: A few schools have developed academic integrity policies that reflect misconduct regarding AI.
  • Conditional AI Use: Schools permit using AI to brainstorm or to assist with grammar, but require reporting the use of AI.
  • Digital Literacy Programs: Students are being educated on the ethical uses of AI.

Ethical Guidelines for Students Using AI

Follow these responsible AI practices to stay safe: 

  • Always disclose AI use if your institution requires it.
  • Treat AI as a co-pilot, not the driver.
  • Double-check facts, references, and data.
  • Add your own critical thinking and perspective.
  • Never use AI for graded assessments unless explicitly allowed.
  • Run your work through plagiarism checker and AI detectors like Quetext before submission. 

Reminder: Many schools treat unacknowledged AI use as plagiarism. 

Should Students Be Allowed to Use AI in School?

The debate continues, with both pros and cons:

Yes, because:

  • Helps non-native speakers improve clarity.
  • Supports brainstorming and organization.
  • Reduces academic stress during midterms.

No, because: 

  • Encourages shortcuts instead of learning.
  • Creates equity concerns (not all students have access).
  • Hard to regulate fairly across institutions.

Conclusion: AI should be allowed in controlled, transparent ways that support learning without replacing it. 

Final Thoughts: Balance Tech and Integrity

Artificial intelligence can be an incredible resource for academics, but like any technology, it can backfire in your face if misused. As you get through your midterm exams, you want to show what you’ve learned, not what AI can produce.

Use platforms like Quetext to ensure everything is your own original work, not a plagiarized copy, and to check that you haven’t violated any academic policies if you’ve used AI to create any portion of your work. Let AI help you do your best work ever, not do your work for you.  

When you are an ethical and informed user of AI, you will be developing authentic skills and knowledge while still maintaining academic integrity. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is using ChatGPT for homework cheating?
If you submit AI-generated content as your own, yes. Use it only for brainstorming or grammar checks.

Q2: What’s an example of ethical AI use in school?
Creating an outline or proofreading, but not writing the entire draft.

Q3: How do schools detect AI misuse?
With AI detectors like Quetext, which analyze originality and writing style. 

Q4: Is using an AI citation tool okay?
Yes, if it’s reliable and you cross-check sources. 

Q5: Can you get expelled for AI cheating?
Yes, if your school treats it as academic dishonesty. Always check your institution’s policies.

 

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