Generative AI is rapidly transforming the way students learn, with tools like ChatGPT and CoPilot becoming common companions in academic life. From writing essays to solving math problems, these platforms offer quick and efficient help. But as they become more integrated into daily learning, educators and experts are questioning whether this convenience comes at a cost — are students improving their skills or simply finding shortcuts?
How GenAI is Changing Education
Generative AI refers to software that can create original content based on data patterns — including essays, poems, solutions, and even images. Its growing use in classrooms and homes has made personalised learning more accessible than ever. Tools powered by AI provide real-time feedback, improve grammar, assist with brainstorming, and break down complex concepts.
A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research (2020) noted a 25 percent rise in student engagement when AI tools were incorporated into learning environments. Especially in subjects like mathematics and reading, students reported feeling more confident and supported.
Concerns About Overuse and Shallow Thinking
Despite these advantages, concerns are rising over how deeply students engage with their work when GenAI is involved. A University of Michigan study in 2021 found that students who frequently used AI tools showed a 30 percent drop in cognitive engagement. The reason? AI often provides direct answers, skipping the critical thinking and effort that come from wrestling with a problem.
Similarly, the Journal of Educational Psychology reported that while students who used AI performed better in the short term, they retained less information over time and struggled to apply what they had learned in new contexts.
Impact on Children and Early Learners
For children, GenAI tools can open up learning in new and interactive ways — especially through games and adaptive apps. These tools adjust to each child’s pace and make learning more engaging. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics warns that too much exposure to screens, even educational ones, can hinder cognitive and social development.
A 2020 OECD study added that children who spend excessive time with digital tools tend to develop shorter attention spans and weaker independent thinking skills. Experts recommend supervised use to ensure AI supports rather than replaces the learning process.
Foundational Skills at Risk
One of the major criticisms of over-reliance on AI is its effect on foundational skills. Solving problems independently, making mistakes, and figuring out solutions are essential parts of learning. When AI tools offer instant solutions, students may start depending on them too much, reducing their ability to think critically and creatively.
There’s also the risk of blindly trusting AI-generated content, which can occasionally be incorrect or biased. Without questioning the output, students might accept flawed information, weakening their analytical thinking.
Promoting Responsible Use of GenAI
To truly benefit from GenAI, students and teachers need to understand its strengths and limits. AI can be a powerful assistant — not a replacement for learning. Educators can guide students to use AI for support, such as research or idea generation, while encouraging them to analyse, reflect, and express concepts in their own way.
Conclusion: A Tool, Not a Crutch
Generative AI has immense potential to enrich education when used wisely. It can make learning more personalised and efficient. But its true value lies in how students use it — as a partner in their academic journey, not a substitute for their own thinking.
In an age where technology is advancing rapidly, the challenge will be to keep human skills like creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving at the heart of learning.
ALSO READ
Tribal Students Begin JAIHIND Training at Delhi University
IIM Kashipur Criticised for Allegedly Asking Unplaced Students to Opt Out of Placements
First round of JoSAA allotment 2025: IIT Bombay continues to remain most preferred choice