Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking over schools across the U.S., sparking concerns about student education. AI has made some aspects of learning easier, there are also several downsides that we need to think about.
One of the biggest concerns is that students might become too dependent on AI. Some of these apps can write essays, solve math problems, and even generate project ideas. It makes it easy for students to use them instead of thinking through problems themselves. If students just let AI do the work, they might not develop critical skills like problem-solving, creativity, or independent thinking. This could affect them in the long run because they won’t have the practice they need to succeed in college or in their future careers.
Cheating is another major concern. Many AI tools can generate text or answer questions instantly. This makes it hard for teachers to know if students are actually learning the material or just using AI to do their homework.
“I think it’s fine and can be helpful for some students, but also not help them come up with their own ideas,” Junior Anna Harris said.
If students rely on AI to complete their assignments, it takes away from the learning process. This can be unfair to those who put in the effort to do their work honestly.
Privacy is also a big concern, especially among schools that use AI platforms that often collect data on students, like how they learn, what they struggle with, and even their personal information. While this data can be helpful for teachers to understand students better, it also comes with risks. If the data isn’t protected well, it could be hacked or misused, putting students’ privacy at risk.
Finally, relying too much on AI might replace some of the personal interactions that are important in school. Teachers do more than just teach, they also connect with students and understand their struggles in a way that AI cannot. If we use AI for everything, it could take away that personal touch that helps students feel supported and motivated.
While AI can be useful in schools, it’s important to think about these potential downsides. Schools should find a balance between using AI tools and keeping the human aspects of education that really matter.
