Students favour AI as supplementary education tool for effective result
Friday, 17 January 2025 | MANSI BHAMBRI | DEHRADUN
Experts have indicated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can yield positive and effective outcomes when utilised as a supplementary educational tool by students across various academic levels. Notably, with the advancement of technology, particularly in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, students’ learning has transitioned from traditional textbooks to online resources, which include platforms such as YouTube lectures and AI. This transition has facilitated easier access to knowledge for students and experts have highlighted both the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating AI into their learning experiences.
Expressing her perspective on the utilisation of AI in education, student Kajal Chauhan said that the introduction of AI has simplified tasks such as learning new concepts and completing projects for students like herself. She noted her shift from relying on textbooks to embracing online resources, particularly AI, for exam preparation and project work. She emphasised that with these tools, the process of acquiring knowledge has become more efficient and effective.
Regarding this, a professor at DAV PG College Prashant Singh said that with the emergence of AI, the educational framework for students has evolved into a more multidimensional format, facilitating easier access to knowledge. He observed positive effects of AI on students, including energy savings, resource efficiency and enhanced accessibility, all of which are advantages of AI integration in education. However, he cautioned that there are drawbacks; the reliance on AI has led to a decline in students’ original thinking and analytical skills, which may significantly impact their learning and future careers. Further, he said that students may forego real-time experiences due to their dependence on AI. To maximise the benefits of AI in education, students are encouraged not to rely solely on these technologies. Instead, AI should serve as a supplementary tool to enhance teaching and learning outcomes, he added.
“I have noticed that students come to me for assistance with their projects, often utilising AI. While AI offers several advantages for students, such as facilitating comprehension through visual aids and providing easy access to information, it also presents certain drawbacks,” stated professor at the Government PG College in Uttarkashi Professor Madhu Thapliyal.
She emphasised that the reliance on AI has transformed student learning into a process of copying and pasting. In the execution of their projects, students often forgo thorough study and original creation in favour of simply duplicating content, which can lead them astray. Further, this dependence on AI has diminished the use of traditional books, negatively affecting students’ overall well-being. While studying from books encourages students to take occasional breaks, the use of AI often leads to distractions from devices and other diversions. She cautioned that the day may not be far off when all tasks are performed by machines. To avoid such drawbacks, students are asked to minimise the use of AI for studying. Use AI for studying only when something is unclear and consider it a supplementary tool for learning, she said.
