Artificial Intelligence or AI, as it’s more commonly known, is no longer the far-off concept you’ve seen in the movies. It’s here, and its use is growing by the day. In a recent episode of Countdown2College, Gage sat down with Jason Gault, a technology integration specialist at the Norris School District, to discuss what responsible AI use looks like.
AI is a Tool, Not a Replacement
Jason explained that AI can be a great learning tool, but there’s a difference between using it for support and using it as a shortcut. If AI is thinking for you, you’re skipping the part that builds your skills. In college and your future career, you’ll be expected to explain your ideas, defend your work, and understand what you turn in.
Where AI Helps Most
AI is especially useful for:
- Brainstorming.
- Creating an outline.
- Explaining confusing concepts in a more straightforward way.
- Fixing grammar and spelling mistakes.
- Making practice questions to study.
Jason’s analogy: AI should be a coach, not a clone. It can guide you, but you still have to do the work.
Where You Should Be Careful
You might be crossing a line if you’re using AI for:
- Personal reflections.
- College essays.
- Assignments meant to show your voice.
- Anything where the struggle is intended to be part of the learning.
How to Use AI for Homework and Studying (The Right Way)
If you want to use AI in a way that keeps learning as the priority, try prompts that keep you in charge. Ask things like “Break this down step-by-step and quiz me after,” “Turn my notes into a study guide and 10 practice questions,” or “Give me feedback on clarity and structure for this essay. Don’t rewrite it, suggest what to fix.”
Final Advice
Jason’s most important advice: you should think alongside AI, not have AI think for you. AI can be an advantage, but only if you stay in control of your learning. College, your future career, and life in general are all about grit, growth, and understanding – not just your ability to generate an answer.
February 17, 2026 · Season 2 · Episode 29
Using AI the Right Way
By Jason Gault & Gage
If AI is your coach, cool. If it’s your stunt double… not so much. Gage sits down with Jason Gault, Technology Integration Specialist at Norris School District, to break down where the line is, how schools actually tell when AI was used, and how to use it without sabotaging your own learning. More college help 👉 https://EducationQuest.org