Generative artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT have become increasingly common in education over the past three years, especially after their rapid spread in schools and universities worldwide. These systems are now used in classrooms and homes to support learning, research, and exam preparation. The technology became ubiquitous after late 2022, when easy access allowed students to receive instant explanations and written responses. Educational institutions in North America and Europe began releasing guidance in 2023 to explain acceptable use, as confusion grew about academic honesty. Studies cited by universities show that AI tools can help students understand difficult topics, but schools warn that misuse can weaken learning goals. The main reason for concern is that AI can produce complete answers, which makes it difficult to delineate between support and replacement of student effort. As a result, many schools now treat AI use as an academic integrity issue rather than a technical one.

Experts explain that AI is most effective when used as a learning assistant instead of a writing tool. Education researchers report that quiz-style prompts and explanation requests help students review mistakes and strengthen understanding. This approach can mitigate learning gaps when students prepare for tests or revise lessons. However, challenges remain, including unequal access to technology and limited teacher training. Universities have increased scrutiny of assignments to ensure originality while also updating honor codes to include AI tools. Recent developments include voice-input features and document analysis tools that allow students to organize ideas more clearly without generating final answers. These changes reflect a broader paradigm shift in education, where technology is integrated carefully to support learning while protecting academic standards.