What does it mean to teach when AI is everywhere—even when it isn’t visible in the classroom? The rise of Generative AI (GenAI) has brought both excitement and concern to the education sector, from early learning through to higher education. While many educators focus on how to incorporate GenAI tools into teaching, the more important challenge may be this: how do we teach in a world shaped by GenAI?
This shift in perspective encourages us to move beyond the use of AI tools in teaching to instead consider how we design learning environments that acknowledge the pervasive role of AI. As we navigate this new landscape, our responsibility is to rethink pedagogical strategies in ways that embrace AI while upholding the human values that define education.
Using GenAI in teaching: Exploring the benefits and limitations
GenAI has the potential to revolutionise education, providing powerful tools for students and professors. By integrating AI into teaching, we can offer personalised learning experiences, adaptive instruction, and real-time feedback. These benefits are particularly useful for addressing diverse learning needs and increasing engagement.
For students, GenAI can enhance learning efficiency and engagement by providing immediate feedback and tailored resources. This allows students to explore topics more deeply, at their own pace, and with a sense of individualisation. Instructors can also benefit from using GenAI, as it simplifies content creation and offers new ways to engage with students.
However, these advantages come with risks. The increasing use of GenAI in classrooms could inadvertently foster over-reliance on AI tools, potentially diminishing students’ critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. When students turn to AI for quick solutions, they may sacrifice the process of deeply engaging with the material, leading to superficial learning.
Recent studies have highlighted this concern, showing that while AI can increase the volume of content students engage with, it may reduce their understanding of each topic. As a result, while GenAI holds immense potential, it is essential to strike a balance and not solely rely on it as a crutch for learning.
The dangers of uncontrolled use of GenAI in education
Despite the potential advantages, unchecked use of GenAI in education could harm learning outcomes. Research has shown that when students rely on AI for tasks like summarising content or generating responses, they may experience a drop in academic performance once the technology is removed. This trend suggests that GenAI, when overused, can encourage dishonesty, reduce critical thinking, and promote laziness.
One study from Computers & Education found that students who used GenAI tools to assist with their learning performed well while using the AI but struggled when those tools were unavailable. This raises concerns about the long-term impact of relying on AI for immediate answers, rather than developing a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Moreover, a study published by the British Journal of Education Technology observed that GenAI fosters an illusion of competence by offering quick solutions, but fails to help students build the foundational skills needed for complex problem-solving. This is especially concerning in subjects like coding, where beginners who relied on AI for code generation struggled to develop basic problem-solving skills.
These findings underscore the need for a more thoughtful, structured approach to using GenAI in education; one that carefully balances its benefits with the risks of over-reliance.
Teaching in a GenAI era: Going beyond technology
To navigate the GenAI era effectively, we must go beyond integrating technology into the classroom. The key to successful teaching in this new environment is recognising the impact of GenAI while maintaining human-led educational practices.
Research and experimentation at ESCP Business School have highlighted several approaches for teaching in a GenAI world:
- Impact of GenAI varies by context: The effectiveness of GenAI in education depends on the subject matter and context such as institutional culture, and regional regulations. There are clear benefits in supporting routine tasks. However, in fields that require critical thinking, creativity, and deep understanding, careful integration is essential to avoid over-reliance on AI. Tailoring its use to specific educational environments ensures it enhances learning outcomes while maintaining academic rigour.
- Maintaining human-centered educational practices: It is crucial to preserve the human aspects of education, such as mentorship, peer interaction, and ethical consideration. These elements foster a deeper connection to the subject matter and the learning process, which GenAI cannot replicate.
- Structured activities complementing GenAI: Instead of relying solely on GenAI for teaching, it should be used in combination with structured activities that encourage students to engage in independent, critical thinking. For example, students might use GenAI tools to prepare for a lesson, but in-class activities could require them to leave technology aside to encourage hands-on learning and collaboration.
- Restricting GenAI: In foundational courses where students need to develop basic skills and understanding, it may be necessary to limit GenAI use. This approach helps to ensure students build a solid foundation before relying on technology for advanced tasks, and engage with the material directly.
These strategies represent a move away from using GenAI as a shortcut to learning, towards creating an environment that fosters independent thinking and the development of essential skills.
Embracing a balanced approach to GenAI in education
Teaching in a GenAI world is not about choosing between humans and machines. Educators must adapt their strategies to foster deep learning while embracing technology. Teaching in a GenAI world requires us to rethink how we design learning environments that integrate technology without compromising the development of critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
By recognising the benefits and limitations of GenAI and taking a measured approach, educators can ensure that technology enhances rather than undermines the learning experience. The key is to develop pedagogical practices that preserve the human aspects of education while leveraging the strengths of AI to empower both students and teachers.
As AI continues to shape the future of education, it is vital that we embrace these changes thoughtfully and responsibly, ensuring that we equip the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.
