The Impact of AI on Education: Navigating the Future of Learning
This article is part of our research series, Teaching Tech. Here, we delve into how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping education and the complexities surrounding its implementation in schools.
Three Years of AI Hype and Concerns
Almost three years into the ChatGPT phenomenon, discourse around AI in education has intensified. Since the release of ChatGPT, many children have turned to AI for essay writing, igniting both excitement and apprehension surrounding its role in teaching and learning environments.
Critical Questions About AI in Education
Are we truly preparing students for the future by teaching them AI skills, or is AI merely a trendy tool for the present? Additionally, are there other foundational skills that may serve them better in an evolving workforce?
AI’s Role in the Classroom
From discussions of AI as a teacher substitute to students acting as advocates for ethical AI, EdSurge has explored the multifaceted challenges and potentials of AI in education. Our goal has been to critically assess AI’s usage in schools through the experiences of educators.
Collaborative Research for Deeper Insights
In Fall 2024, EdSurge Research collaborated with Rethinking Schools, a nonprofit focused on social justice in education, to conduct a participatory research initiative. This project aimed to capture teachers’ perspectives on how AI impacts teaching and learning.
Engaging Educators in Conversation
We connected with a select group of 17 teachers, fostering a forum that encouraged open dialogue on AI’s influence in their classrooms. Our research questions were exploratory, aimed at allowing teachers to express their opinions and test generative AI in educational contexts.
Key Research Queries
To facilitate these discussions, we focused on several pivotal questions:
- What is AI’s role in enhancing student learning?
- How are teachers employing AI to boost student engagement and motivation?
- In what ways can AI be leveraged to support teachers more effectively?
- Where is AI already positively influencing schools and streamlining teachers’ responsibilities?
Perspectives on AI’s Impact
The insights gathered from participating educators offer valuable context to the ongoing narrative surrounding AI’s industrial revolution. The urgency to understand AI’s implications continues to grow.
Concerns Regarding AI and Critical Thinking
A recent Pew Research survey revealed that a third of teachers view AI as either harmful or ambiguous in its influence on student learning. Conversely, the use of ChatGPT for schoolwork among teens has doubled from 13% in 2023 to 26% in 2024.
Teacher Sentiments Towards AI
In a follow-up survey by the Walton Family Foundation, teacher opinions were almost evenly split. About 48% of those who regularly used AI believed these tools could enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The Mixed Results of AI Integration
Studies on generative AI’s productivity highlight contrasting results, with some tech workers finding it time-consuming. A recent study involving 5,000 programmers reflected variability in how AI assisted or hindered their work efficiency.
The Case for AI in Classrooms
While opinions differ, some experts argue for integrating AI to better prepare students for future demands. Nevertheless, a 2023 report reveals American students’ computational thinking skills lag significantly behind international peers.
Assessing AI’s Effects on Critical Thinking
As AI evolves, understanding its impact on cognitive development becomes increasingly crucial. Emerging research suggests that excessive reliance on AI may stifle essential skills like problem-solving and creativity.
Our Research Approach
Employing participatory action research methods allowed us to engage educators meaningfully. By connecting teachers from various regions and disciplines, we aimed to document their experiences and exchange ideas about AI’s role in education.
The Voices of Educators
Our discussions engaged a diverse group of educators, including French, elementary, math, chemistry, and computer science teachers, allowing for an enriched understanding of AI’s effects across different educational contexts.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Teaching Tech
The rapid rise of AI, especially since ChatGPT’s launch in November 2022, has led to widespread integration in classrooms. However, the educational terrain remains contentious, with external experts pushing for swift adaptation and classroom practitioners seeking a measured approach.
Balancing Change and Tradition in Education
As we confront the challenge of integrating technology into curricula, important questions arise: Are we teaching with technology or teaching to it? Should educational practices drastically shift with every new tool? As the conversation around AI in education continues to unfold, its implications for pedagogy, engagement, and cognitive development must remain at the forefront.
Continuing the Conversation
In our forthcoming articles, we will share insights from our research project and further explore key questions regarding AI’s implications for education.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the primary focus of the research conducted by EdSurge and Rethinking Schools?
The focus is on how AI is changing teaching and learning, with an emphasis on gathering teachers’ perspectives and conducting participatory research.
2. What concerns do teachers have about AI’s impact on education?
Many teachers are worried that AI may hinder critical thinking and cognitive development while sparking debates about its overall benefits versus harms.
3. How has student usage of ChatGPT for schoolwork changed recently?
As of January 2025, student use of ChatGPT for schoolwork has doubled from 13% in 2023 to 26% in 2024.
4. What are some potential benefits of AI in the classroom according to educators?
Educators believe AI can enhance student engagement, foster problem-solving skills, and streamline teaching processes, although opinions on its effectiveness vary.
5. Why is balancing AI integration with traditional teaching methods important?
Balancing both ensures that students develop essential critical thinking and problem-solving skills while harnessing the benefits of technological tools.
