AI harms more students than it helps. High school teachers have a more negative view of AI than teachers in lower grades. One negative effect of AI on students is that it hinders bonding with teachers. Students and teachers believe that using AI in the classroom prevents them from forming a connection with each other.
While AI is growing in use among students, it reshapes how students engage in both their academic and personal lives. Students start to rely on AI. They become less social and do not engage in teamwork. Therefore, there is harm to their developmental well-being. Studies show that too much technology and AI can lead to suffering from loneliness and eventually mental illness.
AI Harms Thinking
Students who integrate Artificial Intelligence into their academic and personal lives erode their critical thinking skills. Students need to understand at an early age that AI does not replace reasoning skills. Students need to strengthen their reasoning skills independently and not let AI dominate their thought process. However, AI should not be eliminated from the classroom. Teachers and students must be aware of its strengths and weaknesses through the use of various activities.
- Students compare and contrast their own summary of a project with one that is AI-generated.
- Students use AI to answer a complex question and compare it to several scholarly articles.
- Generate a pro and con argument through AI. Compare it to the students’ own pro and con views.
- Prepare two arguments, one from AI and one from a well-known person. Discuss and give reasons for the more convincing one.
- Discuss how the role of a chatbot influences a student’s writing.
- Explore how AI helps or hurts a student’s decision-making.
- Examine the misconceptions created by AI and how it affects public opinions.
These strategies may only be usable in upper-grade levels. In fact, in many classrooms, AI may not be present. However, it is likely to change in the near future.
AI is Necessary
There are many signs that the students who will reap the benefits are students in the more advantaged suburban schools. The rural and high-poverty areas are at a disadvantage in the use of Artificial Intelligence. This is unfortunate because not all students will be at the same level academically and technologically.
Teachers who use AI mostly use it to support students with different learning modes. It helps teachers with practices that are easier and faster because it customizes individual assignments. The disadvantage is that some strategies for struggling learners don’t always accelerate academic achievement.
The positive effects of AI must be understood and used. Teachers must have training to help students with the greatest need. AI is here now, and schools need to address its use.
