From Cheating to Learning: AI Integration in Introductory Economics

This paper addresses two AI-driven challenges for educational integrity and course design: academic dishonesty and the need for curriculum development. As students adopt AI faster than institutions can verify authenticity, instructors must also undertake labor-intensive revisions to integrate AI ethically and align assignments with learning goals. We propose a general framework for designing ChatGPT-integrated, economics-model-focused assignments and provide two adaptable, ready-to-use assignments for principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics. These activities position ChatGPT as a complement to learning and cover core introductory topics. We conclude with preliminary survey evidence on students’ reported AI use and enjoyment.

by Sayorn Chin, Kenese lo, Fatih Kırşanlı, and Teresa Perry

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Chin, S., lo, K., Kırşanlı, F., & Perry, T. (2026). From Cheating to Learning: AI Integration in Introductory Economics. Available online at Journal of Economics Teaching, DOI: 10.58311/jeconteach/9e4dd0ab8f5c89e19fdf8ca2e1a96d370b31a0fe

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