Report: AI in Education Poses More Risks Than Benefits

A recent study by the Brookings Institution's Center for Universal Education highlights that the hazards of implementing generative artificial intelligence in educational settings currently overshadow its supporters' touted advantages.

Spanning 50 nations, the comprehensive research involved discussions with students, parents, educators, and tech professionals, alongside a sweep of academic papers. It suggests AI in education might hinder children's core developmental skills and warns of concerning damages that, although significant, are still reversible.

Given that generative AI is still in its infancy stage, with tools like ChatGPT recently emerging, the report labels its analysis a 'premortem,' aiming to explore AI's classroom potential absent the advantage of hindsight.

Weighing Advantages and Drawbacks

Outlined below are the positive and negative impacts highlighted in the report, along with recommendations geared towards educators, caregivers, school officials, and policymakers.

Potential Advantage: Enhancing Literacy Skills

Educators noted in the study assert that AI tools are helpful in language learning, particularly for students acquiring a new language. These tools can tailor reading material complexity to the student's proficiency level and offer a private learning environment for those who might falter in group settings.

In terms of writing, AI can bolster students' creative processes and alleviate writer's block, facilitating improvement in organization and grammar during drafting and revisions.

However, the report underscores that AI performs best when assisting rather than replacing human teachers.

Significant Risk: Cognitive Challenges

A prime concern identified by Brookings is AI's detrimental impact on youngsters' cognitive abilities, such as learning new abilities and solving problems. The dependence on AI could result in declining cognitive engagement over time.

According to Rebecca Winthrop, a senior Brookings fellow and report co-author, students relying on AI for answers fail to engage in analysis, critical reasoning, and perspective-taking due to lack of active interaction with study materials.

Although technology like computers and calculators previously reduced cognitive effort, AI notably escalates this trend, a reality visible in educational contexts where students are growing overly reliant on technology.

The report offers ample proof noting significant drops in knowledge retention, critical thinking, and creativity in students using generative AI, cautioning about future ramifications.

Teachers' Benefit: Task Automation

AI's utility in automating repetitive teaching tasks is noteworthy, benefiting educators by handling routine duties like crafting communications, translating resources, and developing educational materials, thus saving considerable time.

Investigation shows teachers could reclaim up to six hours of weekly teaching time, totaling approximately six weeks annually.

Equity Versus Inequity Dilemma

AI stands out as a tool that can democratize education, bringing learning to children barred from conventional classrooms, exemplified by AI-supported educational efforts in Afghanistan.

However, AI can also exacerbate disparities, as less affluent communities might only afford inferior AI models, impacting the reliability of educational outcomes.

The disparity in access to advanced AI models could significantly enlarge the gap between resource-rich and -poor schools, escalating unequal access to precise information.

Social and Emotional Impact Concerns

Surveyed feedback indicates widespread worry that AI, particularly chatbots, might impair students' emotional health by affecting their relational abilities, resilience, and mental well-being.

AI interactions often accentuate users' views, making students potentially averse to diverse perspectives, thereby hindering emotional development.

Without the challenges and disagreements inherent in human interactions, students using AI could develop unrealistic social cognitions, limiting important empathy learning.

Fostering a Better Future

The Brookings report suggests numerous actions to harness AI effectively while reducing its adverse effects. These recommendations aim to guide parents, educators, and policymakers in ensuring that AI contributes positively to children's learning experiences.

Given the current understanding of AI's educational risks, immediate action is essential. Although the risks are clear, effective solutions are also well within reach.