The Risks of AI in Schools Outweigh the Benefits, Report Says (www.npr.org)

A new report from the Brookings Institution's Center for Universal Education argues that the risks of using generative AI in schools currently outweigh its benefits. Based on extensive interviews and focus groups across 50 countries, the study highlights that while AI can assist in language acquisition and make tasks easier for teachers, it poses significant threats to children's cognitive and emotional development. The authors warn against a dependency on AI, which could lead to cognitive decline and hinder the development of critical thinking skills. For instance, reliance on AI can off-load essential thinking processes onto technology, prompting concerns that students may struggle to distinguish fact from fiction or engage in complex reasoning. The report also notes the potential for AI to exacerbate educational inequities, as disparities arise in access to reliable AI tools based on socioeconomic status. Furthermore, the emotional effects of interacting predominantly with supportive AI systems risk stunting children's social skills, leading to difficulties when facing differing opinions in real-life scenarios. To mitigate these risks, the report outlines several recommendations, including prioritizing curiosity-driven education, fostering AI literacy, and ensuring that tech companies collaborate with educators to design effective AI tools. The authors emphasize that immediate action is necessary to protect young learners as AI continues to integrate into educational environments.