This AI tool doesn’t help with homework, it does it for you

new An artificial intelligence tool called Einstein Pushing the boundaries of what automation in education looks like. Created by startup companionEinstein does more than just find answers to homework questions. Logs directly into the student’s Canvas account and completes coursework on the student’s behalf.

According to its creators, Einstein works from his own virtual computer. They can open a browser, navigate classroom pages, watch lecture videos, read PDFs and articles, write papers, complete quizzes and post responses to discussion boards. Once connected to a student account, the system can monitor deadlines and automatically submit assignments.

Unlike Chat bots Responding upon request, Einstein acts more like a digital substitute for a human student. After setup, it can run in the background with little continuous input.

“Students are already using AI. We are giving them a better version of it,” Companion CEO Advait Paliwal said in a statement.

Read more: “Machines can’t think for you.” How learning is changing in the age of artificial intelligence

How does Einstein work?

Einstein calls fabrica learning management system widely used in colleges and high schools. From there, he reviews the course materials and assigns assignments. Artificial intelligence can analyze lecture recordings, summarize readings, and create written works that match the assignment requirements.

The company says the system produces original articles with citations and context-sensitive discussion posts. It can also track new announcements and upcoming deadlines. In practical terms, this means that a student can enroll in an online course and let Einstein handle much – if not all – of the work required.

This technology relies on advances in generative artificial intelligence, browser automation, and so-called autonomous agents that can take multi-step actions on behalf of their human counterparts. While many students are already using AI tools to exchange ideas or… Check the rulesEinstein moves beyond assistance to complete automation.

“Our companions are not simple chatbots,” Paliwal said. “Everyone has access to a complete virtual computer with a persistent file system and Internet access, so they can actually do things for you. This makes ChatGPT feel like a game.”

Crossroads for academic integrity?

Einstein’s release comes at a time when schools are still adjusting to the widespread use of artificial intelligence. Since the arrival of powerful linguistic models, teachers have debated how to distinguish between legitimate support and academic dishonesty. Most policies focus on whether students use AI to help draft or edit their work, or do it entirely for them.

Einstein has that conversation.

If the AI ​​logs in as a student and completes the tasks independently, the question will shift from helping to replacing. Does the tool essentially take the student’s place?

However, not all education professionals are sounding the alarm.

“I think the Canvas way of teaching already has a tendency to cheat,” said Nicholas DiMaggio, a doctoral student at the University of Chicago. “I think this change will ultimately be good because it will force teachers to redesign their classrooms so that they are not based on virtual assignments.” Booth School of Business And a teaching assistant for a course in consumer behavior this quarter.

This may push institutions to focus on personal work, oral exams or project-based learning instead, DiMaggio said. Beyond this tool alone, schools will have to decide whether to ban such tools altogether, integrate them under strict guidelines, or rethink how they measure learning in the age of artificial intelligence.

Read more: How to use artificial intelligence to get better grades – without cheating