The use of Ai harms the study, but it is also an opportunity: Oxford study

For this reason, too, students are asking for more support at a crucial stage in the development of the critical thinking necessary for an informed use of AI. 48% of the students would like to be helped by teachers to understand what information generated by models is reliable, while 51% want more clarity from schools on when the use of this technology is permitted.

A minority of the respondents believe that AI has contributed to limiting the capacity for creative thinking. A finding that follows several empirical studies on the use of AI in education. A research from MIT, analysing the brain activity of some students when using models such as ChatGPT, highlighted the long-term risks of relying on this technology.

This danger is also highlighted by another study, published in the journal Societies, which shows how AI can reduce our critical thinking skills. According to the research, this involution occurs through cognitive offloading, a process in which our mental capacities are transferred to external media. The problem is that in the long run, this tendency could affect our ability to reason independently.

To counter these dangers, Oxford University Press provides some practical tips for integrating AI into classrooms. These include appointing a point person within the institution to define responsibility and ensure supervision. Equally important is the promotion of informed use among teachers and students, preserving teachers' teaching autonomy and informing them about the limits of this technology. Finally, ensure data security and respect for privacy by collaborating with IT staff to develop solutions with the right level of protection.