ISSN: 2782-893X
eISSN: 2799-0664
ISSN: 2782- 893X
—— In today’s fast-changing educational landscape, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms holds great promise for enhancing teaching and learning. This study examined the use of AI chatbots and their effects on academic performance among Grade 9 students at Mahaplag National High School, DepEd Schools Division of San Isidro, Mahaplag, Leyte, during the 2025–2026 school year. The demographic profile showed that teachers are mostly female, midcareer professionals with an average of 13 years of service, many pursuing or holding postgraduate degrees, and actively engaging in professional development. Students, primarily 13 to 14 years old and predominantly female, rely heavily on smartphones as their main learning tool, highlighting the need for mobile-friendly and inclusive digital strategies. The findings revealed a balanced approach to AI use. Teachers gave the highest importance to ethical considerations (AWM = 4.95, VGE) while limiting over-reliance on AI (AWM = 3.87, GE), demonstrating that technology serves as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human guidance. Students echoed this perspective, rating AI’s effectiveness highly (AWM = 4.34, VGE) but maintaining low dependence (AWM = 3.88, GE), showing responsible adoption. Academic performance also improved modestly yet meaningfully, with general averages rising from 4.46 to 4.51 (HP), reflecting better comprehension, engagement, and efficiency in learning tasks. Correlation analyses indicated that both teachers’ and students’ profiles—such as age, experience, training, and access to technology—significantly influenced AI use and learning outcomes. The study concludes that ethically implemented AI, combined with continuous teacher development and equitable technology access, can meaningfully enhance learning. It recommends mobile-friendly strategies, targeted professional training, and responsible AI practices to support human-centered, inclusive, and future-ready educational environments. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Academic Performance, Descriptive-Quantitative, Mahaplag Ditrict I , Leyte, Philippines