AI tools, such as ChatGPT and similar platforms, have become increasingly popular among students.
(Image: unsplash.com) A survey by the National Literacy Trust revealed that the proportion of 13 to 18 year-olds using generative AI rose from 37.1% in 2023 to 77.1% in 2024 in the UK.
Many students use AI out of curiosity, for entertainment, or as a source of inspiration, with 56.6% reporting it helps them generate ideas, and 50.8% saying it aids their learning.
However, not all usage is positive. Xavier Collins, a Year 10 student at Trinity, highlighted the potential drawbacks.
“It really does depend on how you use it. Lately, many people have been skipping homework by using AI to do all the work for them without actually learning anything, and so they don’t really do well on the tests that actually matter,” Collins said.
He acknowledged that AI could help students understand their work better but warned against full automation.
An argument can be made that over-reliance on AI may lead to students missing out on essential learning experiences and neglectful of their studies.
The Literacy Trust’s data supports this concern, with 20.9% of students admitting they often copy AI-generated answers directly without verifying them.
Not everyone sees AI in a negative light, though.
Some students have found it invaluable for brainstorming and breaking down complex topics. Nearly half (47.4%) of young people surveyed said they actively add their own thoughts to AI outputs, showing that when used wisely, AI can complement learning.
At its core, the debate surrounding AI reflects broader changes in education.
While it offers exciting possibilities, such as encouraging creativity, simplifying complex topics and eliminating social boundaries, It also has it’s own challenges.
Schools and educators may need to emphasise critical thinking and responsible usage to ensure AI remains a tool for learning, not just a shortcut.
As AI continues to shape the classroom experience, the question remains:
Is this new technological revolution optimising the learning experience or is it making students more complacent?
