School students are loving AI tools like ChatGPT, but there are some obvious pitfalls to this!

The advent of AI in the classroom has been nothing short of revolutionary. Even as we struggle to grasp the full extent of what this tool can help us achieve in the educational world, AI-powered educational games, adaptive learning platforms, student chatbots and automated grading systems have already been making waves in the sector. Despite all the scepticism around flouting tradition, educators see the potential of AI and over 60% of them use AI in their classrooms, a Forbes Advisor’s survey said.

But giving students access to AI can be likened to Jack getting his hands on the magic beans. Once they climb the metaphorical beanstalk, the possibilities are endless. There’s treasure there, but also the Giant.

The magic beans

AI’s ability to personalise learning experiences is undoubtedly magical. It’s amazing how it can analyse a student’s strengths and weaknesses, tailor lessons and practice questions to meet individual needs. This means students can learn at their own pace, focusing on areas where they need the most improvement.

There’s a number of AI-powered apps and tools that can “assist” with their schoolwork. Whether it’s a complex algebra equation or a challenging essay topic, AI can provide answers and explanations in seconds. For students who struggle with certain subjects, these can provide the extra support they need to keep up with their peers. Further, students can use AI to generate ideas, conduct research, and explore new topics, making it a versatile tool in the educational toolkit.

Greedy Jack

While most AI-tools are well-intentioned, in the wrong hands, they could be disastrous.

Students are increasingly turning to AI-powered apps and tools to get their schoolwork done. Apps like Gauth, which help solve maths problems by simply scanning them, have become a hit among high school and college students. These tools offer immediate, step-by-step solutions, making homework less daunting and more manageable.

However, educators are also dealing with the getting-AI-to-do-your-homework-for-you epidemic. The prospect of simply outsourcing your work to AI is something even adults struggle with, so how are children to resist?

Tim Urban’s instant gratification monkey sort of takes over for most students, who would rather take the easy way out and end up heavily relying on AI to complete their assignments. The geniuses who manage to get away with it may think they have won. But this little victory comes at a hidden cost.

Fee-fi-fo-fum

That’s the sound the consequences of your actions make when they come.

A recent study conducted in Sweden found that while AI chatbots can be of immense help to adolescents struggling with executive functioning, it can also hinder or delay development in students. Others have also echoed the sentiment, worrying that it can lead to the students’ potential erosion of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Additionally, AI tools, while impressive, are not infallible. They can make mistakes, especially with more complex tasks, and students who use these tools without understanding the underlying concepts may find themselves unprepared for exams or higher-level courses. This overreliance on AI could result in a superficial understanding of the subject matter, which could hinder academic performance in the long run.

There’s also the issue of academic integrity. While AI can be a helpful study aid, using it to complete entire assignments without contributing personal effort crosses into the darkly tempting territory of cheating. The ease with which students can produce AI-generated work has raised concerns among educators about maintaining fairness and honesty in academic assessments.

The moral of this story is balance

To harness the benefits of AI while evading its pitfalls, a balanced approach is essential. Educators should incorporate AI into the classroom in a way that complements traditional learning methods rather than replacing them. This might involve using AI to provide personalised practice questions or to offer additional support for struggling students, while still emphasising the importance of critical thinking and independent problem-solving.

Schools also need to educate students on the ethical use of AI, helping them understand when it’s appropriate to use these tools and when they need to rely on their own knowledge and skills. Teaching digital literacy and promoting an "Honor Code" for AI use can help students navigate this new technological landscape responsibly.

As AI continues to evolve, it’s up to educators, parents, and students to strike the right balance — leveraging AI’s strengths while ensuring that it enhances, rather than diminishes, the educational journey.