When Students Trust You with Their AI Secrets, Real Learning Begins

The Trust Factor: How Honest AI Discussions Are Redefining My Teaching

Greetings, Dear Readers,

I hope you are well. Be we get into the article, I wanted to inform you that I will be hosting an upcoming webinar through Moxie, an amazing AI research community run by Jessica L. Parker and Kimberly Becker.

Topic: The cognitive effects of AI-assisted writing, expanding on insights from his article, “What is AI Doing to My Brain?” 

How does externalizing the writing process affect our sense of self?

What happens when machines participate in our creative journeys?

And how might these shifts impact students and the development of their critical thinking skills?

Wednesday, September 18th

12:00 to 12:30 PM Eastern (New York Time)

 Zoom

 Click here to register.

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Trust Is the Heartbeat of Any Thriving Classroom

This week, a student in my class candidly pulled me aside in a sly manner and candidly shared with me some of their go-to AI resources. That openness was a big moment for me—not because of the tools themselves, but because it showed me that they felt comfortable enough to talk freely about how they’re using AI in their work.

In the world of education, we often talk about the importance of fostering an open dialogue, but when it actually happens—when a student speaks freely about their AI usage—it’s electrifying. It’s not just a sign of trust; it’s a beacon, a flare that signals we’re on the right path. This wasn’t just a casual mention of tools; it was a window into how they’re navigating their academic journey, leveraging AI as an ally. That kind of candor? It’s gold.

It’s a sign that the trust we’ve been building in the classroom is paying off. When students start sharing how they’re leveraging AI without hesitation, you know the atmosphere you’ve created supports real learning and growth. Trust is the cornerstone of effective AI integration.

Trust is the heartbeat of any thriving classroom. When it’s there, you feel it—pulsing through every discussion, every shared insight. And when students start disclosing how they’re using AI without batting an eye, you know that you’ve done more than just introduce a tool; you’ve built a space where learning and growth aren’t just goals—they’re happening right before your eyes. It’s in those unguarded moments that the real magic happens, where AI becomes more than a buzzword and transforms into a catalyst for deeper, more meaningful engagement.

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Turning an AI Challenge into an AI Opportunity

In our conversation, this student revealed that last spring, their go-to tool was Poe, where they could use ChatGPT4 for free—limited to 10 prompts every three hours. This constraint pushed them to think strategically about how to use their limited prompts, ultimately forcing them to improve his prompting skills more quickly. They shared that while they sometimes wonder about their reliance on these tools, they are realizing that these tools actually helping them become a better writer. By necessity, they are now asking themselves the same questions about their own writing that would typically only come up after receiving feedback from a teacher or peer.

Talk about turning a challenge into an opportunity! This student didn’t just adapt to the limitations of Poe; they turned those restrictions into a masterclass in strategic thinking. Imagine having only 10 prompts every three hours—suddenly, every word counts. You don’t just fire off questions; you craft them. You hone them. And what’s more, this constraint didn’t just sharpen his AI interactions; it sharpened their writing and prompt use. They are now asking the tough questions upfront—the kind that used to come only after a teacher’s red pen or a peer’s critique. It’s a perfect example of how AI, when engaged with thoughtfully, can push us to new heights, turning reliance into refinement and routine into revelation.

This conversation reminded me of another discussion I had just last week with a different group of students about using Grammarly as a writing tutor. They reflected on how, when they first started using the software, it caught numerous mistakes. But now, months or years later, they naturally write in a more grammatically and syntactically strong fashion, showing how these tools can contribute to long-term improvement.

Here’s another gem: a group of students reflecting on their Grammarly journey. What started as a crutch—a lifeline for catching all those pesky grammar errors—has become almost unnecessary. Why? Because the lessons stuck. Over time, those red underlines became fewer, not because Grammarly changed, but because they did. Their writing evolved. They evolved. It’s the kind of long-term growth we dream of as educators—when the tool becomes almost invisible because the skills have been so deeply internalized. It’s like training wheels coming off, and suddenly, they’re riding without a wobble.

These reflections underscore an essential point: when students engage critically and thoughtfully with AI tools, they’re not just leaning on technology—they’re learning from it.

This is the big takeaway, the moment when the clouds part and the lightbulb flickers on: AI can be a shortcut, but it doesn't have to be. It can also be a springboard. And most importantly, students are already using AI as a springboard, even without explicit instruction in their classrooms. But what if teachers actively engaged in this process alongside them? What if we brought this locus into the classroom, making it an object of study and active engagement? To make this a reality, we must first cultivate classrooms rooted in trust and inclusion.

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5 Ways to Cultivate AI Trust and Openness in Your Classroom

Here are five ways I’ve worked to cultivate that trust and openness in my classroom:

1. Be Transparent About AI’s Role: I’m upfront about how AI fits into our learning goals. I set clear guidelines but also explain the reasoning behind them so students see AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement for their thinking.

Let’s face it: transparency is the bedrock of any successful relationship, and the classroom is no different. When I introduce AI, I don’t just throw it out there and hope for the best—I lay it all on the table. I explain the why, the how, and the what-if. I want my students to see AI not as a mysterious force, but as a tool they can wield with confidence. By setting clear guidelines and backing them up with solid reasoning, I demystify the process and empower them to use AI as a support system, not a crutch.

2. Show Vulnerability: I let students know that I’m also figuring things out as we go. By being honest about the learning curve I’m experiencing, I encourage them to be open about their own challenges and discoveries.

There’s something incredibly powerful about saying, “I don’t have all the answers.” It’s like opening a door that invites everyone in. When I admit that I’m still navigating this AI landscape, it breaks down barriers. Suddenly, the classroom feels less like a stage and more like a collaborative workshop, where we’re all learning, experimenting, and figuring things out together. It’s this shared vulnerability that fosters real connection and makes students feel safe to share their own struggles and triumphs.

3. Encourage Real-Time Conversations: When students mention how they’ve used AI, I don’t just nod and move on—I dive in. We talk through what worked, what didn’t, and how they approached it. This normalizes AI use and turns it into a shared learning experience.

Real-time conversations are where ideas come alive. When a student mentions their AI use, I don’t just give a cursory nod; I jump in with both feet. We unpack it. We analyze it. We debate it. These moments are more than just discussions—they’re opportunities to deepen our collective understanding. By turning these casual mentions into full-fledged conversations, I’m signaling that AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a topic worth exploring, a shared experience that we’re all contributing to.

4. Celebrate Their Process: Whether they successfully apply AI or run into challenges, I make sure to recognize their efforts. This reinforces that AI is a tool for growth and experimentation, not just a quick fix.

In a results-driven world, it’s easy to get caught up in the outcome, but I’m here to celebrate the journey. Whether a student nails it with AI or hits a stumbling block, I’m cheering them on. Why? Because every step—successful or not—is part of the learning process. By celebrating their efforts, I’m reinforcing the idea that AI isn’t just a magic wand for instant success; it’s a tool for growth, experimentation, and, yes, sometimes failure. And that’s okay—because that’s where real learning happens.

5. Model Responsible AI Use: I regularly demonstrate how I incorporate AI in my own work. When students see me using AI thoughtfully, they’re more likely to adopt similar practices, knowing that the tools have a real, practical role in our classroom.

Actions speak louder than words, and when it comes to AI, I’m all about leading by example. I don’t just tell my students how to use AI responsibly—I show them. Whether it’s brainstorming, refining ideas, or fact-checking, I demonstrate how AI fits seamlessly into my workflow. This isn’t about showing off; it’s about giving them a tangible model to follow. When they see me using AI in a thoughtful, practical way, they’re more likely to mirror those practices, understanding that these tools have a real place in our work, both now and in the future.

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Trust Is the Whole Structure

In the end, trust allows AI to become more than just another tool—it becomes part of a larger dialogue about learning, creativity, and innovation. And when students trust the process, they engage with AI more confidently and effectively.

Trust isn’t just the foundation; it’s the whole structure. When students trust the process—when they feel safe to experiment, fail, and try again—AI becomes more than just another tool in the box. It becomes a gateway to deeper learning, a spark for creativity, and a platform for innovation. This is where the real magic happens—when students engage with AI not just confidently, but boldly, knowing that the journey they’re on is supported, encouraged, and celebrated every step of the way.

Nick Potkalitsky, Ph.D.

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Check out some of my favorite Substacks:

Terry Underwood’s Learning to Read, Reading to Learn: The most penetrating investigation of the intersections between compositional theory, literacy studies, and AI on the internet!!!

Suzi’s When Life Gives You AI: An cutting-edge exploration of the intersection among computer science, neuroscience, and philosophy

Alejandro Piad Morffis’s Mostly Harmless Ideas: Unmatched investigations into coding, machine learning, computational theory, and practical AI applications

Amrita Roy’s The Pragmatic Optimist: My favorite Substack that focuses on economics and market trends.

Michael Woudenberg’s Polymathic Being: Polymathic wisdom brought to you every Sunday morning with your first cup of coffee

Rob Nelson’s AI Log: Incredibly deep and insightful essay about AI’s impact on higher ed, society, and culture.

Michael Spencer’s AI Supremacy: The most comprehensive and current analysis of AI news and trends, featuring numerous intriguing guest posts

Daniel Bashir’s The Gradient Podcast: The top interviews with leading AI experts, researchers, developers, and linguists.

Daniel Nest’s Why Try AI?: The most amazing updates on AI tools and techniques

Riccardo Vocca’s The Intelligent Friend: An intriguing examination of the diverse ways AI is transforming our lives and the world around us.

Jason Gulya’s The AI Edventure: An important exploration of cutting edge innovations in AI-responsive curriculum and pedagogy.