The impact of AI on education sparks controversy: opportunities and challenges coexist

In recent years, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of education has expanded rapidly. From intelligent tutoring systems to automatic homework grading, AI is profoundly changing the way of learning. However, the latest research released by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in July 2025 has sparked widespread discussion, pointing out that over-reliance on AI may weaken students' core cognitive abilities. The following are the core issues of controversy:

1. Widespread application of AI in education

(1) Popularization of AI-assisted learning tools

Personalized learning: such as Khan Academy's AI tutor and Duolingo's language adaptive system, which can adjust the difficulty according to the student's progress.

Automatic grading and feedback: Tools such as ChatGPT can quickly generate essay comments and math problem analysis, reducing the burden on teachers.

Virtual teaching assistants: Some universities use AI chatbots (such as Georgia Tech's "Jill Watson") to answer students' questions.

(2) AI-generated content (AIGC) penetrates campus

Students use AI to write homework: Surveys show that about 30% of high school students admit to using ChatGPT to complete some homework.

AI-based college application documents: Some admissions counselors use AI to optimize documents, raising questions about fairness.

2. Controversy: Does AI harm students’ abilities?

(1) MIT research warns: AI may lead to “cognitive degeneration”

Decrease in creativity: Relying on AI to generate content may reduce students’ opportunities for independent thinking.

Weakening of critical thinking: The “standard answers” provided by AI may inhibit questioning and exploration.

Risks of social skills: Over-reliance on AI interaction may affect real-life communication skills.

(2) Supporters’ views: AI is an “efficiency revolution”

Make up for the shortage of teachers: AI can help students in resource-poor areas get high-quality tutoring.

Free up teachers’ energy: Automated grading allows teachers to focus more on personalized guidance.

Develop new skills: In the AI era, we need to master the ability of “human-machine collaboration” rather than rejecting technology.

3. Education response

(1) Policy adjustment

School districts such as New York City have restored some “handwritten homework” requirements and restricted the use of AI tools.

Many universities have updated their academic integrity policies, considering “unauthorized AI assistance” as cheating.

(2) Technical improvement

AI detection tools: such as Turnitin's AI writing recognition system, but its accuracy is still questionable.

"AI-proof" exam design: more courses use oral exams, practical projects and other assessment methods.

(3) Education model innovation

"AI + teacher" collaboration: the teacher's role changes from knowledge transmitter to learning guide.

Emphasis on metacognitive ability: the course focuses more on cultivating skills in asking questions and verifying information.

4. Future prospects: balancing the roles of AI and people

Short term: it is necessary to clarify the boundaries of AI use to avoid replacing rather than assisting learning.

Long term: the goal of education should shift from "memorizing knowledge" to "cultivating abilities that AI cannot replace", such as creativity and ethical judgment.

Expert advice:

"AI should not be a 'shortcut' for students, but a 'scaffold' - helping to build thinking rather than replacing thinking."

- Dr. Cynthia Breazeal, Director of the MIT Education Technology Laboratory