Imagine a classroom filled with eager students. Their eyes bright with curiosity as they engage in conversations, challenge each other’s ideas, and use their brains to attack complex issues. In this vibrant environment, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) is not present. Students contribute their own voice, fostering an atmosphere where questions are welcomed and knowledge is created. However, one could argue that the integration of AI could enhance this learning experience, offering personalized feedback, amplifying creativity, and enabling students to access a world of information beyond their reach. Are we on the brink of a technological revolution, where AI enhances every aspect of human life– from healthcare to communication–unlocking new possibilities, or are we paving the way to our own downfall by becoming overly reliant on it? Despite the potential benefits, AI does not help a student become a better learner and its use in schools should be strictly regulated.
As we stand on the verge of a technological revolution, the way that classrooms run will be questioned in the near future. Some students and teachers see benefits to using AI in the classroom as a tool to enhance their classroom experience.
“I think that teachers should integrate AI in lessons, to give us a little bit of extra information on the topic, I think that this would be very helpful,” said junior Anna Holdsworth. “Using AI is not always cheating, I don’t use it to cheat, I use it as a study guide.”
While AI can enhance learning experiences through personalized tutoring and data analysis, it also poses risks that undermine the essence of education due to the lack of critical thinking.
Furthermore, there are ethical implications regarding data and surveillance. AI systems often require students to enter a vast amount of personal information to work effectively, which could expose these students to risk of data breaches. Additionally, the potential for bias in AI algorithms could perpetuate existing inequalities in education, favoring certain perspectives. However, proponents of AI argue that its benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, pointing out that AI provides real-time feedback, and can be used as a studying resource. As we embrace technologies like AI, it is important to balance these advantages with the awareness of potential biases and risks.
“I started seeing people use AI for assignments when I was in seventh grade, I also believe that the Covid pandemic did influence the use of AI significantly, due to all school being online and AI being easy to access,” said freshman Leena Drissi. “I believe that students should not use AI due to the fact that it doesn’t allow students to think on their own, and work hard to receive a good education.”
Students are concerned about the implications of AI on their academic and professional futures. Discussions about the impact of AI on education have gained traction in regions with strong educational infrastructures, such as North America and Europe.
At Bay Shore High School, many students oppose AI, believing it to be unfair and expressing concerns about becoming overly reliant on it. However, there are also students who support AI, arguing that it can significantly enhance their intake of information. Students for AI believe that AI can provide personalized information, offer instant feedback, and help bridge gaps in learning, particularly in underserved areas. They argue that AI can empower students to learn at their own pace and access resources that would otherwise be unavailable to them. For these students, AI is seen as a tool for fostering innovation, improving educational outcomes, and preparing them for a future in which technology plays a central role. Despite the benefits of AI, there is still a growing concern about students’ increasing reliance on technologies.
“I know people who can’t complete assignments without AI; they feel like they’re no longer capable of doing their own work,” said junior Katelyn Petterson.
This perspective reflects a growing trend among students who are increasingly dependent on artificial intelligence for academic tasks. As Petterson points out, there is concern that this reliance might undermine students’ confidence without AI assistance. While AI-driven tools offer immediate access to answers, they often lack the depth that encourages students to engage critically with the material. On the positive side, AI can greatly enhance learning by allowing students to turn in their assignments quicker. The challenge for educators is to integrate AI effectively in their teaching methods, making sure that students still develop essential skills. Using the right balance between leveraging technology to support learning and encouraging independent, critical thinking is a key to preparing students for success in both academic and professional settings.
As noted by NIH.gov, “the integration of AI in education results in reduced engagement among students.” Research suggests that active learning, which involves direct student participation, is more effective than traditional methods or those who rely heavily on the use of technology. The site discusses how AI, while useful in many ways, can shift students’ focus from interactive, participatory learning experiences to a more task-oriented approach, where the primary goal becomes completing the assignments rather than understanding the material.
AI typically provides straightforward answers without presenting varying biases, which can cause students’ to lose critical thinking skills. However, proponents of AI argue that it can enhance learning by offering personalized, quick feedback, which can be very helpful for students who need quick answers or struggle with traditional learning methods.
“Artificial intelligence has helped me get answers fast, but when I am confused in class, it doesn’t necessarily help me understand the topic we are learning,” said senior Brooke Schlicht. “I wish I never started using AI.”
While AI has undoubtedly provided significant benefits, such as enhancing efficiency, the argument against its use in education is compelling. Students who rely on AI are more likely to struggle academically, as they miss out on opportunities to actively engage with their classmates. AI may be integrated into the classrooms as a studying resource, but regulations surrounding its use are often insufficient, leading to risks like students becoming overly reliant on technology, preventing developing more problem solving skills. For students who are committed to gaining a deeper understanding and developing critical thinking skills, the drawbacks of AI in education stand out more than benefits.
