AI tools such as chatGPT have become increasingly common among students of all ages. With the ability to answer questions, solve problems, and write essays within seconds, AI has made completing schoolwork faster and easier than before. However, is AI helping students learn, or simply just completing their homework?
Often times the draw of AI is its accessibility. A student can receive immediate assistance at any time, without waiting for a parent, teacher, or tutor.
When used correctly, AI can provide explanations and guidance that supports a students understanding.
The challenge arises when students begin relying on AI to provide answers rather than explanations, simply copy and pasting AI generated responses instead of understanding the task.
While this may help them complete the task, it prevents them from developing skills and knowledge needed for future work and real world applications. In this way, AI is only causing damage to the students learning process, and pushing them further behind.
Through tutoring, I have noticed that students learn most when they engage with the learning process, ask questions, and make mistakes. Struggling with a difficult concept is often an important part of learning and understanding. If AI removes that struggle entirely, students may miss valuable opportunities to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Rather than avoiding AI, I believe students should learn how to use it responsibly. AI can work well as a study partner, instead of as a replacement for learning. Students can use it to check their understanding, generate practice questions, or receive alternative explanations, while still completing the thinking themselves.
I feel that AI is neither good nor bad for learning, but it depends on how it is used. The goal should not be to finish homework faster, but to develop the understanding and confidence that will benefit students long after the homework has been submitted.
