{
  "id": 1338389,
  "title": "How AI is splitting Australia's education system",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/how-ai-is-splitting-australias-education-system",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-16T19:55:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-17/qld-alternative-schools-not-rushing-to-bring-ai-into-classrooms/107016124"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nAndrew 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.\n\nData 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.\n\nThe 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.",
  "summary": "As fears rise about its impact on students' learning and development, teachers and educators are split on what role AI should play in classrooms.",
  "key_points": [
    "AI tools are being implemented in Australian schools to streamline workloads and enhance learning.",
    "Critics warn AI may hinder critical thinking skills in children.",
    "Queensland uses generative AI tool Corella that promotes critical thinking."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}