The ethical challenges of AI in education

Billie Jago
Billie Jago
A group of students stood around a teacher on a laptop
Reading time: 5 minutes

AI is revolutionising every industry, and language learning is no exception. AI tools can provide students with unprecedented access to things like real-time feedback, instant translation and AI-generated texts, to name but a few.

AI can be highly beneficial to language education by enhancing our students’ process of learning, rather than simply being used by students to ‘demonstrate’ a product of learning. However, this is easier said than done, and given that AI is an innovative tool in the classroom, it is crucial that educators help students to maintain authenticity in their work and prevent AI-assisted ‘cheating’. With this in mind, striking a balance between AI integration and academic integrity is critical.

How AI impacts language learning

Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini have made it easier than ever for students to refine and develop their writing. However, these tools also raise concerns about whether submitted texts are student-produced, and if so, to what extent. If students rely on text generation tools instead of their own skills, our understanding of our students’ abilities may not reflect their true proficiency.

Another issue is that if students continue to use AI for a skill they are capable of doing on their own, they’re likely to eventually lose that skill or become significantly worse at it.

These points create a significant ethical dilemma:

  • How does AI support learning, or does it (have the potential to) replace the learning process?
  • How can educators differentiate between genuine student ability and AI-assisted responses?

AI-integration strategies

There are many ways in which educators can integrate AI responsibly, while encouraging our learners to do so too.

1. Redesign tasks to make them more ‘AI-resistant’

No task can be completely ‘AI-resistant’, but there are ways in which teachers can adapt coursebook tasks or take inspiration from activities in order to make them less susceptible to being completed using AI.

For example:

  • Adapt writing tasks to be hyperlocal or context-specific. Generative AI is less likely to be able to generate texts that are context-bound. Focus on local issues and developments, as well as school or classroom-related topics. A great example is having students write a report on current facilities in their classroom and suggestions for improving the learning environment.
  • Focus on the process of writing rather than the final product. Have students use mind maps to make plans for their writing, have them highlight notes from this that they use in their text and then reflect on the steps they took once they’ve written their piece.
  • Use multimodal learning. Begin a writing task with a class survey, debate or discussion, then have students write up their findings into a report, essay, article or other task type.
  • Design tasks with skill-building at the core. Have students use their critical thinking skills to analyse what AI produces, creatively adapt its output and problem solve by fact-checking AI-generated text.

2. Use AI so that students understand you know how to use it

Depending on the policies in your institution, if you can use AI in the classroom with your students, they will see that you know about different AI tools and their output. A useful idea is to generate a text as a class, and have students critically analyse the AI-generated text. What do they think was done well? What could be improved? What would they have done differently?

You can also discuss the ethical implications of AI in education (and other industries) with your students, to understand their view on it and better see in what situations they might see AI as a help or a hindrance.

3. Use the GSE Learning Objectives to build confidence in language abilities

Sometimes, students might turn to AI if they don’t know where to start with a task or lack confidence in their language abilities. With this in mind, it’s important to help your students understand where their language abilities are and what they’re working towards, with tangible evidence of learning. This is where the GSE Learning Objectives can help.

The Global Scale of English (GSE) provides detailed, skill-specific objectives at every proficiency level, from 10 to 90. These can be used to break down complex skills into achievable steps, allowing students to see exactly what they need to do to improve their language abilities at a granular level.

  • Start by sharing the GSE Learning Objectives with students at the start of class to ensure they know what the expectations and language goals are for the lesson. At the end of the lesson, you can then have students reflect on their learning and find evidence of their achievement through their in-class work and what they’ve produced or demonstrated.
  • Set short-term GSE Learning Objectives for the four key skills – speaking, listening, reading and writing. That way, students will know what they’re working towards and have a clear idea of their language progression.

4. Design tasks that are not AI-dependent

While AI can generate full essays or summaries in seconds, it’s far less effective as a shortcut for productive skills like speaking, especially when tasks are spontaneous, interactive and happen in real time. This makes speaking one of the best areas to focus on for genuine language production in the classroom (without the use of AI).

To reflect real-world communication, we should focus on designing tasks that encourage active listening, responding to others, justifying their opinions and adapting their ideas as the conversation evolved – none of which AI can do for them.

That being said, AI can be helpful for speaking preparation tasks. If students know they have a speaking class or discussion task coming up in their lesson, you could guide them towards using AI to give them some ideas for how to link their points, generate useful and functional phrases around a certain topic, or generate arguments to personalise and adapt. In this way, AI becomes a ‘rehearsal partner’ rather than something students rely on.

By designing tasks that are unscripted, authentic and collaborative, we shift language production into real-time, boosting confidence, building fluency and helping students to develop their speaking skills authentically.

The path forward

AI is here to stay, and its capabilities will only improve from where they are now. This will inevitably give rise to more and more ethical considerations as time goes on. With that in mind, educators and institutions should begin to shape its role in language learning and understand that the key question should not be ‘Should AI be allowed?’ but rather, ‘How can AI be used responsibly to enhance learning, while ensuring a true reflection of student ability'?

Read our blog post 'How to assess your learners using the GSE Assessment Frameworks'.

Learn more about the GSE

About the author

Billie Jago is an ELT writer and teacher trainer specialising in digital learning and assessment. She has written for various Pearson titles including Gold Experience, Roadmap, Rise and Shine and PTE Expert, and is a regular item writer for the PTE-Academic exam. Alongside materials writing, she delivers international teacher training sessions and workshops and is the founder of the ELTcpd professional development platform and YouTube channel, providing AI expertise to educators.

More blogs from Pearson

  • A woman sat at a laptop working
    How does PTE Express help prevent technical issues during at-home testing?
    By Alice Bazzi
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    One of the biggest concerns about at-home English tests is whether technical issues could delay the testing experience. It's a fair question. Any online service can experience occasional technical problems, but today's remote testing platforms are designed with reliability, preparation and support in mind.

    PTE Express has been built to minimize disruptions before, during and after the test, helping candidates complete their exams with confidence while ensuring institutions receive results as quickly as possible.

    How PTE Express reduces technical issues

    Preparation starts before test day. Candidates can complete a system readiness check at any time before their scheduled exam. This diagnostic tool confirms that their computer, internet connection, webcam, microphone and testing environment meet the technical requirements.

    By identifying potential issues in advance, candidates have time to resolve them before their test begins, significantly reducing the likelihood of unexpected interruptions.

  • A parent and child sat on a sofa looking at a laptop smiling
    Four steps to make sure the transition back to school goes well
    By Donatella Fitzgerald MBE
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    As a new school year begins, teachers and parents share the same goal: helping students return to learning with confidence.

    After the long summer break, many learners are excited to see their friends again, but getting back into a school routine isn't always easy. Some students may be starting a new class, meeting a new teacher or preparing for important exams. For English language learners, returning to the classroom can also mean rebuilding confidence in using English every day.

    A smooth transition back to school can help students feel more settled, engaged and ready to learn. Here are four practical ways teachers and families can support learners as they start the academic year.

    1. Be organized and create routines

    "Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it's not all mixed up." – A. A. Milne

    Strong routines help students know what to expect and reduce unnecessary stress during the first few weeks of school.

    At home, families can hold a "back-to-school meeting" to agree on routines for the year ahead. This could include:

    • Getting school bags and clothes ready the evening before
    • Setting regular homework times
    • Planning family mealtimes
    • Making time for exercise and relaxation

    When everyone has a chance to contribute, it helps build routines that are realistic and easier to stick to. Writing these routines on a family planner or wall chart can also help everyone stay on track.

    For English language learners, consistent routines can be especially helpful. Predictable study times create regular opportunities to practise reading, speaking or reviewing vocabulary, helping students build confidence throughout the school year.

    2. Start bedtime routines early

    "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." – Benjamin Franklin

    Good sleep plays an important role in students' wellbeing, concentration and learning.

    After the holidays, it can be difficult to switch from late nights back to early mornings. Rather than making sudden changes, encourage families to gradually move bedtimes earlier by 30 to 60 minutes over several days before school starts. This makes the adjustment much easier for everyone.

    Reducing screen time before bed can also improve sleep quality. Ideally, children and adults should avoid screens for at least 30 minutes before going to sleep.

    Well-rested students are more likely to stay focused, participate in class discussions and retain new vocabulary and language skills.

    3. Talk about homework and teach organizational skills

    "When it's obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps." – Confucius

    Organization is a skill that develops over time and can make a significant difference to students' success.

    As homework increases throughout the school year, parents and teachers can work together to help students develop good study habits.

    Encourage learners to:

    • Break homework into manageable tasks
    • Create a weekly study plan
    • Prioritize more challenging work when they have the most energy
    • Set realistic goals for completing assignments

    Introducing SMART goals can also help students take ownership of their learning:

    • Specific – What exactly will they do?
    • Measurable – How will they know they've succeeded?
    • Achievable – Is the goal realistic?
    • Relevant – How does it support their learning?
    • Time-bound – When will they complete it?

    Creating a quiet, organized study space at home also helps students stay focused. Parents can support learners by being available to answer questions, encouraging effort and celebrating progress—not just results.

    For English language learners, homework routines might also include reading for a few minutes in English each day, reviewing vocabulary or practicing speaking with family members or classmates.

    4. Make mealtimes quality family time

    "Kids who grow up having family dinners, when they're on their own, tend to eat more healthily." – Anne Fishel

    Busy schedules can make it difficult for families to spend time together, but sharing a meal provides a valuable opportunity to connect and talk about the day.

    Simple conversations help children reflect on their experiences and build confidence expressing themselves. Families might ask questions such as:

    • What did you enjoy at school today?
    • What made you laugh today?
    • What was something new you learned?
    • Was there anything you found challenging?

    Listening carefully and giving children your full attention shows that their thoughts and feelings matter. Even if weekday meals aren't always possible, planning time together at weekends can have lasting benefits.

    For students learning English, these conversations can also provide valuable opportunities to practice new words, describe their day and build confidence communicating outside the classroom.

    Help students start the year with confidence

    Returning to school is about more than buying new supplies or preparing lesson plans: it's about helping students feel ready to learn.

    By establishing routines, encouraging healthy habits, supporting independent study and making time for meaningful conversations, teachers and families can work together to create a positive start to the school year.

    Small, consistent actions during the first few weeks can help students settle in more quickly, rebuild confidence and develop habits that support successful learning throughout the year.

  • A man sat at a laptop studying in a library holding a pen and paper
    Do at-home tests lack real support?
    By Alice Bazzi
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    One of the most persistent concerns around at-home English testing is the perception that candidates are left largely on their own, having to navigate systems, troubleshoot issues and manage the entire experience without any meaningful support. For students already under pressure, this assumption can create hesitation and, in some cases, discourage them from choosing remote testing altogether. But today’s at-home testing experience looks very different. 

    Online tests like PTE Express provide clear, accessible preparation materials that include detailed guidance, checklists and FAQs that walk candidates through every requirement. This ensures there is no ambiguity around what is expected, from technical setup to testing conditions. 

    Before the test starts, candidates are guided through comprehensive system readiness checks. These verify:

    • Device compatibility
    • Internet stability
    • Audio and camera functionality
    • Environmental suitability

    This proactive step is vital. It significantly reduces the likelihood of disruptions on test day and ensures candidates can begin their session with confidence, knowing that everything is set up correctly.