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Using ChatGPT as a homework tool? MIT researcher says think twice

AI in Education EditorialUpdated June 2, 20261 min readRead source
Using ChatGPT as a homework tool? MIT researcher says think twice
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Skip to main content Support WBUR ChatGPT on App Store displayed on a phone screen is seen in this illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland on September 14, 2025. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from WBUR's weekly health newsletter, CommonHealth. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here .

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People Also Ask

What is the best AI homework helper?
Highly rated AI homework helpers include Khanmigo (math and reading, step-by-step), Photomath (photo-based math solving), Grammarly (writing feedback), and Socratic by Google (multi-subject explanations with visual aids). The best choice depends on the subject: Photomath excels at math; Grammarly is unmatched for writing improvement.
Is using an AI homework helper cheating?
Using an AI homework helper becomes cheating when it replaces the student's own thinking and the submitted work is represented as the student's original effort. Using AI to understand concepts, check work, or get hints is generally considered acceptable study behavior, but school policies vary and should always be consulted.
Can AI homework helpers solve math problems?
Yes. Tools like Photomath, Wolfram Alpha, and Microsoft Math Solver can solve problems ranging from basic arithmetic to calculus by photographing handwritten or typed equations. They display step-by-step solutions, which helps students understand the method rather than just get the answer. Most offer free tiers sufficient for school-level math.
Are AI homework helpers accurate?
AI homework helpers vary in accuracy by subject. Dedicated math solvers like Photomath are highly accurate for standard problems. General-purpose tools like ChatGPT can make arithmetic errors or confuse formulas, especially in complex multi-step problems. Students should verify AI-generated answers, particularly for science and math homework.