Is AI undermining students’ ability to think? Universities warned of long-term risks

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching at universities could potentially undermine students' ability to think independently, according to warnings from academic experts. This concern was highlighted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) fourth Innovations in the Science of Teaching and Learning Conference, which brought together over 300 academics and students from various disciplines to discuss the impact of AI and other challenges facing higher education.

Professor Thabo Msibi, UKZN’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, emphasized that universities cannot continue using the same teaching methods as the world around them continues to evolve. He stressed that teaching and learning must adapt to these changes to remain relevant.

However, Professor Wayne Holmes of University College London cautioned that universities are adopting AI in education too hastily, without sufficient evidence to support its benefits, safety, or impact on students. Holmes argued that while AI appears promising at first glance, the actual impact is more complex. He called for stricter regulations and pointed out that short-term gains in using AI might lead to significant problems in the long run if the associated risks are not adequately addressed.

Oscar Koopman, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Education at Stellenbosch University, explained that AI is altering the way students learn by handling tasks such as reading, interpreting information, comparing ideas, and writing. Koopman pointed out that while the internet has made information more accessible, AI can now offer answers before students have adequately engaged with the material. He warned that relying on AI could deprive students of valuable learning experiences that come from developing their own understanding.