Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly relevant in classrooms, providing students and teachers alike with new ways to learn, simplify tasks, and improve efficiency. However, as with any new technology, the advancement of AI also brings potential challenges. While many students see the technology as a helpful tool that enhances their education, other students are more cautious, raising concerns about its potential to undermine critical thinking and academic integrity.
When students were asked about the benefits of AI, the majority noted its efficiency and versatility. “It can help you with learning,” one student mentioned, appreciating how AI can clarify complex concepts and assist with subjects like math or grammar. Many also highlighted how AI is “a time-saver,” adding that it’s especially useful for repetitive tasks that don’t require deep thinking.
AI’s ability to provide quick information was another strong point made by students. “It can process large amounts of data and help organize things that would take hours to search for on Google,” said one student. This capability is particularly helpful for students juggling multiple assignments, as AI can quickly sift through information and offer answers to specific questions, saving time.
Additionally, students see AI as a valuable tool for creativity and idea generation. “It gives you another perspective and guidance,” one student explained. Its ability to offer suggestions, refine ideas, and even help generate new concepts for projects has made it a powerful asset in fostering student creativity.
For teachers, AI offers exciting opportunities to make learning more engaging. In a French class studying Molière, students were able to “interview” the playwright using ChatGPT, creating an interactive experience that made learning about historical figures more dynamic. “It’s a fun and engaging way for students to get historical context,” Assistant Head of School for Academics, Ms. Perry explained in an interview.
While many students see AI as a valuable asset, others are more skeptical about its influence on education and society. “Using [AI] to write entire articles or as a primary source of research instead of as a tool to guide your research is problematic,” one student noted.
Another key issue is AI’s potential to stifle critical thinking. Many students worry that relying on AI for answers might prevent them from fully engaging with challenging material. “It stops us from solving our own problems,” said one student.
Concerns about AI’s potential to undermine fundamental skills like writing have surfaced. “AI can create over-convenience in our lives and stunt fundamental skills like writing,” said one student. While AI can help with grammar and suggest improvements, it can also interfere with students’ natural voice and thought processes. As one student shared, “When I write what I want and then it tells me to change it, it doesn’t make sense. I end up having to keep what I wrote.”
Some students are wary about how AI makes decisions, especially when it comes to the biases embedded in the algorithms that power it. “I find it troubling that its ‘morals’ are determined by some rando coders,” said one student, expressing concern about the lack of transparency in AI’s decision-making processes.
Another student raised a critical point about the danger of misinformation, noting that AI could easily provide false information, which consequently may be trusted and shared. “Possible misinformation provided by AI” was highlighted as a concern, with some students fearing that the technology could be used to manipulate public opinion or alter facts online.
The rapid rise of AI has led some students to worry about its broader societal implications, such as job displacement. “It’s taking away jobs,” one student said, reflecting fears that AI could replace human workers in a variety of fields. Others worried about the broader societal impact, with one student speculating that AI could be used for nefarious purposes, saying, “It could hack into the government, and then the Terminator movie would happen.”
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into the classroom, educators and students alike are grappling with the balance between its benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, AI is revolutionizing education by providing students with personalized learning experiences, helping them save time on routine tasks, and offering new avenues for creativity. On the other hand, its potential to encourage cheating, reduce critical thinking, and perpetuate misinformation raises important ethical questions.
For now, the key challenge for educators is helping students use AI responsibly. “We need to give students guidance on when AI is helpful and when it’s just a shortcut that doesn’t actually help them learn,” one teacher said. With AI tools evolving rapidly, schools must navigate this new landscape carefully, ensuring that students benefit from these technologies without sacrificing their ability to think critically and act independently.
As one student wisely put it, “AI can help, but it shouldn’t do everything for us.” The future of AI in education will likely depend on finding that balance—harnessing its power to enhance learning while avoiding the pitfalls that come with over-reliance on technology.
