How do I use AI for my essay without cheating?

[Petra]

Okay so I heard some kids in my dorm using ChatGPT for their essays. They said it's "just a tool like Google." But my professor said AI is cheating unless you use it "critically and ethically" .

I'm so confused. What does that even mean?? Like, can I ask it to explain things I don't understand? Can I have it check my grammar? Where's the line?

I saw this book that has a whole section about "AI and the writing process" and how to use it ethically . But I can't afford another textbook. My meal plan already costs too much.

Has anyone actually figured this out? Like, real examples of using AI without getting in trouble? I'm too scared to ask my professor because I don't want her to think I'm trying to cheat.

 

[Kirk]

Petra, I was in your exact spot last semester. Here's what I settled on: I use AI to help me outline (like "what are the main theories about X?"), to explain readings I don't understand, and to check if my sentences are clear. I never have it write actual content. My professor saw my process and said it was fine. The key is being able to say "I wrote every word, AI just helped me think and revise." If you can't honestly say that, you've crossed a line.