New Delhi: In today’s world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a part of classroom experience for many students—whether using an AI tool to answer a specific question, understand a particular topic, or simply complete homeworks or other assignments.
The increasing use of AI has triggered an important debate about whether AI tools are actually helping students, and people at large, to learn better or simply offering an easy way out.
To answer this question, we must consider both sides.
There are many benefits to using Al. It can assist students in learning more efficiently and effectively. Students have flexibility to ask questions 24 hours and receive quick and lucid answers. Furthermore, when a student has a difficult time understanding a specific topic, Al can provide explanations that are easier to comprehend.
This can be especially beneficial to students who may have difficulty getting one-on-one attention from their teachers or who find it difficult to access their teachers in the classrooms.
Students can also have access to personalised learning experiences using AI. Most learning applications that incorporate AI have the ability to allow students to explore beyond traditional learning with practice questions that are created based on a student’s pattern of learning and asking questions.
Al can also motivate students to engage in self-directed learning. Students are able to explore and discover new concepts, explore beyond traditional learning, and ignite their curiosity.
Al can also be beneficial in preparing students for employment opportunities.
But there is a flip side too.
Many believe AI is allowing students an easier way out. Rather than having to think independently and produce their own writing material, students are relying more and more on AI to complete their assignments. This can decrease the development of important learning abilities, like critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
More so, when a student receives an answer quickly from Al, they may lose their determination to resolve a challenging problem. Experiencing frustrations from attempts to resolve an obstacle is an essential component of learning. Al will not provide them the chance to experience that struggle, and as a result, they may not develop a complete understanding of the material.
Furthermore, issues with honesty arise when Al is creating assignments for a student. Teachers may not have the ability to accurately assess what knowledge a student possesses. This could result in unfair grading methods through testing and assigning values to students.
Moreover, not all students can access AI technology or reliable internet, so not all students would benefit from the use of Al for learning. As a result, the use of AI could further expand educational disparity among students.
So is Al a shortcut, or does it help us? Both answers could be true. But it depends on how students choose to use AI as a tool.
The best course is to use AI in moderation. Schools should not completely stop students from using AI as a tool to help them learn. However, they should teach students how to use AI properly.
Teachers can help students do this by giving them assignments based on their own thoughts, opinions, and creativity. This way, students cannot solely rely on AI for answers to this type of assignment.
Students must also be responsible with the use of AI. They should be looking to Al to help them better understand a subject, not just looking to Al to give them the answer. They should always put learning first.
In conclusion, Al can be a great tool for students. Al can help make learning easier and more fun. However, Al can hinder a student’s learning experience if they use it inappropriately. Therefore, it is the responsibility of both the student and teacher to ensure that Al is being used properly as a learning tool.
When students and teachers use Al properly, it becomes a great resource for helping students learn; otherwise, it will hinder students from learning on their own.
Krishiv Gupta is a student of Genesis Global School. Views are personal.
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