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Learning vs. Leaning: AI & the decline of Student Independence
Learning vs. Leaning: AI & the decline of Student Independence
Paige Bia
Many students seem to depend on the use of AI for everything. Whether it’s for school, studying, or just to chat, that dependence has grown over time, making students less likely on their own. Instead of asking for help, they open a chat box for a bot to answer it for them. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it gives you exactly what you ask for. Students are starting to lean on artificial intelligence so much that it’s beginning to change the way they learn, write, and think.
When used correctly, AI can be a helpful tool. For example, for studying and understanding difficult concepts, to grammar checks, AI is there to help you. It can help save time for students who balance heavy workloads, sports, or even after-school activities. Some even use it for a clearer understanding on a topic that they might fully grasp yet. In a way, AI can act as a tutor. It’s always available, quick to respond, and has a wide range of knowledge. When used responsibly, it can help improve students' learning efficiency without replacing their efforts completely.
The problem with the use of AI starts when students begin to rely on it too much. What starts as a helpful tool, can easily become a crutch. When work ends up being done by AI, students are not actually learning or practicing important skills. Critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity is pushed aside while the bot ends up doing all the work. Over time, students may start losing those skills, becoming less confident in their abilities, and feeling like they can’t complete tasks on their own. As more students start using AI, all work becomes right, but lacks originality. Teacher concerns are that students aren’t learning, and other times, the work isn’t even correct. “If they don’t understand what the answer means then it doesn’t matter,” stated one teacher.
AI isn’t all bad. It’s a tool and like all tools, it’s all about how it’s used. When used responsibly, it can make learning easier and more effective. But, when relied on too much, it can start to replace student efforts and critical thinking. Students need to remember that the goal of school isn’t to get the answer, but to understand the process.