Finnish students use AI for brainstorming but reject direct copying

Finnish students are increasingly using artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT for schoolwork—but only as a creative aid, not for outright copying, Yle reports.

At Kärpäs School in Lahti, ninth-graders Tia Ulamo and Enni Kitala describe AI as a useful tool for structuring essays and generating ideas. “When writing an essay, AI gives me structure and direction on what to write and where,” Ulamo said. Kitala added that she uses AI for quick research but always rewrites the material in her own words, incorporating personal reflection.

Both students reject direct copying. “There’s no benefit in copying—it’s pointless,” Ulamo stated. Kitala recalled an incident where a teacher questioned her about potential AI use in an assignment, though she had written the text herself. The confusion arose from differing instructions given to students.

Schools across Finland are updating their guidelines to address AI use. A primary school in Hämeenlinna recently amended its rules to require students to disclose if they use AI in their work. Kärpäs School’s study counselor, Maiju Nisukangas, encourages responsible AI use, particularly for students struggling with comprehension. “If a student doesn’t understand a text and feels lost, AI might explain it more clearly,” she said.

Eira Bani, a senior specialist at the Trade Union of Education (OAJ), emphasizes that while teachers can often detect AI-generated phrasing, outright bans are ineffective. “AI is here to stay, whether we like it or not. We must learn to use it as a tool—not as a master or servant,” Bani said. She warns that overreliance on AI risks weakening critical thinking and learning.

To curb misuse, some schools now require assignments to be completed in class without devices or revert to pen-and-paper tasks. Bani stresses that AI should support—not replace—human thought. “The decisions and reasoning must remain with people.”