AI: Good Instructor, Terrible Educator (www.linkedin.com)

A recent examination by a university professor highlights the dual-edged nature of artificial intelligence in higher education, serving as both an invaluable instructional tool and a potential detriment to genuine intellectual development. While AI can provide immediate access to knowledge, akin to an "interactive Wikipedia," its tendency to deliver inaccurate or shallow information risks fostering dependence among students. The concern lies in students’ instinct to turn to AI for answers rather than engage in the challenging, often uncomfortable learning experiences that foster critical thinking and resilience. This reliance on AI threatens to diminish core academic skills, as students increasingly outsource cognitive work, leading to what the professor describes as a "dependency spiral." This pattern not only impacts individual intellectual growth but also poses challenges for educators in assessing students' capabilities. The implications are significant: as reliance on AI tools increases, so does the risk of students losing their ability to learn independently, potentially stunting their cognitive development during crucial formative years. Effective educational practices must navigate this landscape, emphasizing the need for students to reclaim their intellectual diligence and independence.