How AI is splitting Australia's education system
As fears rise about its impact on students' learning and development, teachers and educators are split on what role AI should play in classrooms.
In Australia, the education system is being divided by the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Some schools in New South Wales, South Australia, and Queensland have implemented generative-AI tools to streamline teacher workloads and enhance student learning. However, experts warn that over-reliance on AI may hinder critical thinking skills.
Andrew Hill, CEO of Steiner Education Australia, argues against developing AI tools for his schools due to potential harm to children's brain development. The NSW government has launched a review into the impact of AI on student learning, considering measures like banning take-home assessments.
Data from the OECD indicates that most Australian teachers have experimented with AI, with two-thirds utilizing it in their work. Some educators are skeptical of AI, citing a "cold, lifeless" classroom atmosphere and the loss of authentic language learning experiences for students. Students themselves are also expressing concerns, with protests held outside a data centre construction site over environmental and job prospects.
The Department of Education in Queensland uses a generative AI tool called Corella, which encourages critical thinking through a Socratic teaching method. However, cognitive psychologists warn of the risk of "cognitive offloading," where students become overly dependent on AI shortcuts, potentially hindering their problem-solving abilities. Despite these concerns, some educators, like Ali Kadri, see potential benefits in AI tools, such as predicting student performance and generating learning materials.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
