In Philippine classrooms and study routines, artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT are already being used for fact-finding and writing assistance, among other academic tasks. But as AI becomes more accessible, schools are also confronting questions about how this should be used without replacing the learning students are expected to do themselves.
AI Use in Student Learning
According to a report from the ASEAN Foundation, 83% of students in the Philippines have used generative AI for learning purposes. The study also found that three in four students use AI to paraphrase online sources and claim the resulting work as their own in writing tasks.
Broadly speaking, the findings place the Philippines within a regional shift towards AI-assisted education. Across Southeast Asia, 87% of students reportedly use AI to search for information, while 75% use it when writing.
Academic Integrity
Specific to paraphrasing, using AI highlights one of the challenges schools face as these tools become more accessible.
AI can help students organize ideas, explain difficult concepts, or improve their writing skills. That being said, using it to rewrite material and submitting it as their own raises questions about academic integrity and whether students are still developing the skills their assignments are meant to teach. This escalates how AI is used in educational settings beyond just asking whether students should use it or not.
ASEAN Foundation executive director Piti Srisangsam also pointed to rising cybersecurity threats as AI adoption expands across the region. He then called for ASEAN countries to strengthen security policies and governance frameworks to address potential risks.
What About Teachers?
AI use is also growing among educators, although the ASEAN Foundation report found lower adoption compared to students. About 73% have used generative AI, while 42% rely on AI tools for writing.
This differentiates how students and teachers may be encountering AI. For the latter, the challenges include figuring out how it can support teaching while maintaining standards for students’ work.
Responsible AI Usage?
There are both opportunities and challenges to using AI in education. While it can give students another tool for research, using it to produce schoolwork sparks debate on accountability and academic honesty.
Perhaps the challenge for schools may be less about keeping the tech out of the classroom and more about helping students understand when and how to use it responsibly.
