Is AI Helping or Hurting Education?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere now, from middle schoolers to college students, almost everyone has heard of AI or is already using it. And it’s changing the way we learn in various ways offering both benefits and challenges to students and teachers. 

AI was developed to support both students and teachers, making their work easier and more efficient. Today, we have advanced AI tools that help teachers grade assignments and provide instant feedback. “AI automates repetitive tasks like grading and scheduling, which saves teachers and administrators' valuable time. Tools like Gradescope can grade essays with over 90% accuracy in minutes, a task that traditionally takes hours. 

This efficiency enables teachers to focus on more impactful activities, like one-on-one student interactions or professional development. Schools also benefit from reduced operational costs, as AI systems handle multiple administrative tasks seamlessly.”  

There are also programs designed to support students with learning disabilities, such as hearing impairments, speech difficulties, or language barriers. According to UNESCO, AI tools are instrumental in reaching over 1 billion learners with disabilities worldwide. This ensures equal opportunities for all students to learn and succeed. The Journal of Educational Technology states that adaptive learning AI helps students learn at their own pace, reducing stress and improving results. AI is also making online learning better. Apps like Duolingo use AI to create personalized learning experiences for every student. “AI-powered language learning platforms, such as Duolingo and Babbel, have made acquiring a new language more accessible and engaging. These tools leverage AI to adapt lessons based on the learner’s progress, providing personalized feedback and practice. 

With all these benefits AI also brings some serious challenges. With auto grading systems, there’s less interaction between teachers and students. And with tools like ChatGPT, some students may rely too much on AI to do their homework. This raises big concerns about plagiarism and academic honesty. According to an article in Illinois Education, “Cheating and plagiarism are, as mentioned, chief among the AI concerns raised by educators. If AI is used to complete assignments or exams or write papers, it is unfair to the students who don’t cheat, and it undermines the education and learning process for those who do cheat. If students learn to cheat and take shortcuts in classrooms, what kind of citizens will they make when they are finished with their education?” 

Another big concern is privacy. AI systems often collect and store personal information about students, and many students (and parents) aren’t fully aware of what happens to that data or how it's being used. 

AI in education has both positive and negative effects. The key is finding the right balance. If we use AI responsibly and thoughtfully, it can support learning instead of replacing it. A report from EdTech Review says that AI tools can improve learning but should not replace traditional teaching.