'Godmother of AI' Says Biggest AI Risk In Schools Is Students Losing the Desire to Learn

Fei-Fei Li, often referred to as the "Godmother of AI," expressed concern that the biggest risk AI poses to education might be the loss of students' motivation and agency to learn, rather than merely using the technology to cheat. In an interview on the Huberman Lab science podcast, Li argued against outright banning of AI, instead advocating for its use to support engaged students rather than replacing the cognitive effort required for learning.

Techspot reported that Li spoke about the dangers of students losing their intrinsic desire to learn and develop their own knowledge when relying on AI tools. She warned that a generation of graduates potentially overly dependent on AI without actively engaging in the learning process could emerge without properly developed minds.

While not advocating a complete prohibition on AI use by students, Li emphasized the importance of keeping their motivation and agency intact. She shared her own experience of struggling with organic chemistry during her premed studies, when teaching assistants and professors lacked the time to address every student's questions.

Li stressed the need to find a way to provide students with access to AI tools and teach them how to use them appropriately. If utilized correctly, AI could potentially make future students far smarter than the current generation by enhancing their abilities, according to Li.