Schools Embracing AI Tools Amid Skeptics Growing Concerns Over Future of Education

Schools Embracing AI Tools Amid Skeptics Growing Concerns Over Future of Education
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Governments around the world are rapidly introducing generative artificial intelligence tools into schools and universities, even as educators, researchers and children’s advocates warn about potential risks to learning and development, an article on New York Times reported.

In recent months, major technology companies have announced large-scale education partnerships. Microsoft said it would provide AI tools and training to more than 200,000 students and educators in the United Arab Emirates, while a financial services company in Kazakhstan reached an agreement with OpenAI to offer ChatGPT Edu to about 165,000 educators. Elon Musk’s xAI has also partnered with El Salvador to develop an AI tutoring system for more than one million students using its Grok chatbot.

Supporters argue that AI chatbots can help teachers save time, personalize learning and prepare students for an AI-driven economy. However, critics caution that rapid adoption may come with unintended consequences. A recent study by Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University found that heavy reliance on AI tools may reduce critical thinking, while teachers in multiple countries report challenges related to misinformation and AI-assisted cheating.

International organizations, including UNICEF, have urged caution, pointing to past technology initiatives such as the “One Laptop per Child” program, which failed to improve learning outcomes in several countries. UNICEF has warned that unguided use of AI could weaken essential skills among students and teachers.

Some countries are adopting more measured approaches. Estonia has launched a national “AI Leap” program focused on AI literacy, training educators and students on the benefits, limits and risks of AI tools. Iceland has begun a pilot program allowing teachers—but not students—to experiment with chatbots, while researchers study their impact.

Education experts say more long-term research is needed to assess how generative AI affects learning before widespread, permanent integration into classrooms.