Artificial intelligence (AI) is a complex computer system capable of performing tasks traditionally requiring human effort. From solving complex calculations in seconds to assisting with daily tasks like navigation and virtual assistance, AI is becoming an integral part of our lives.
In education, AI is emerging as a powerful tool. However, its growing presence has sparked a heated debate about its impact on learning and teaching.
AI offers a wide range of benefits for students and teachers alike. For students, AI can personalize learning experiences. AI analyzes performance and adjusts the difficulty of tasks to meet individual needs.
“AI has really helped me with math,” sophomore Myers Bowden said. “I used to struggle a lot but now I use an AI tutoring app that explains the concepts in a way I can understand. It even adjusts the difficulty of the problems based on how well you’re doing. It’s like having a personal tutor available anytime I need help.”
AI also supports teachers by performing administrative tasks like grading and attendance. This frees up time for educators to focus on instruction and student engagement.
Additionally, AI tools improve accessibility for students with disabilities, such as text-to-speech applications for those with hearing impairments.
In some cases, AI helps students complete assignments more efficiently.
“It helps me get better grades because sometimes I don’t always know the answer,” senior Maximo Reyes said. “AI always gets it right.”
Others use AI to better understand topics or brainstorm ideas for essays.
“I think AI is good because it can help people get ideas, but if you use it to cheat, then it’s bad,” senior Jadaya Exantus said.
Despite its benefits, AI in education has significant drawbacks.
One major concern is academic integrity. Students use AI to complete assignments without engaging in the learning process.
“I do it because it helps me get my work done faster,” junior Careyon Fyerson said. “I don’t have to look for all the answers.”
Teachers worry reliance on AI prevents students from developing critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of the material.
“AI doesn’t let you make your own ideas; you don’t have to think,” Spanish teacher Sara Silver-Lee said. “In the long run, AI can be problematic for students.”
While AI may help with homework, students need to truly understand the content to succeed on tests.
AI also risks reducing human interaction in education. While it can perform many tasks, it cannot replace the support, encouragement and empathy provided by human teachers.
Opinions on AI’s role in schools vary widely. In a survey of 15 North Central students, 10 supported allowing AI in schools, while five opposed it.
“It makes everything easier and would make the work not as hard,” sophomore Michael Nagy said. “My teachers are confusing sometimes, and AI would get rid of that.”
But not all students agree with AI usage for school work.
“School is about learning, and if AI does it for you, there’s no point in going to school,” freshman Elijah Bell said.
AI can revolutionize education, but students and schools must use it responsibly. While it can enhance learning, streamline administrative tasks and improve accessibility, overreliance on AI can hinder critical thinking and independent problem-solving, which are skills essential for success in school and beyond.
By using AI as a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for effort, students can maximize its benefits without sacrificing their learning.
“AI can be good, but students need to make sure they know what they are doing,” Silver-Lee said.
As schools continue to navigate the integration of AI, striking a balance between leveraging its advantages and addressing its challenges will be key to ensuring it serves as a tool for growth rather than a shortcut to mediocrity.
