Online Reporter
ARTIFICIAL Intelligence (AI) has transformed education in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. Students can now access information instantly, receive explanations on almost any topic and complete assignments with the assistance of powerful digital tools.
While AI has undoubtedly brought many benefits, there is growing concern among teachers, parents and education stakeholders that it is also contributing to a decline in some of the essential skills that define effective learning.
Many teachers have observed a significant difference between yesterday’s learners and today’s learners. In the past, students were eager to participate in lessons, raise their hands to answer questions and engage in meaningful classroom discussions.
Today, many learners appear reluctant to think independently. Instead of attempting to answer questions or solve problems on their own, they often prefer to rely on technology for immediate solutions. This has resulted in reduced classroom participation and less confidence in expressing personal opinions.
The content that occupies the minds of many students has also changed dramatically. Rather than discussing books, academic achievements, scientific discoveries or current affairs, many learners spend a considerable amount of time following social media trends, celebrity gossip, viral videos and the pursuit of likes, shares and online popularity.
Some are exposed to dangerous websites, including pornography and other inappropriate content, which can negatively affect their moral development, behaviour and academic focus.
Perhaps the greatest concern is the gradual erosion of critical thinking skills. Education is not merely about finding answers, it is about understanding concepts, analysing information and developing the ability to solve problems independently.
However, many students now accept AI-generated responses without questioning their accuracy or validity. The habit of evaluating information, comparing sources and drawing independent conclusions is slowly disappearing.
Creativity is also under threat. Students who once developed their own ideas, wrote original compositions and approached tasks with imagination are increasingly turning to AI to generate essays, projects and assignments.
While technology can provide guidance, over-dependence on it can limit opportunities for learners to develop their own voices and creative abilities.
Research, a cornerstone of quality education, is also losing its value among many learners. Previous generations spent hours in libraries consulting textbooks, journals and reference materials. They learned how to gather information, compare different viewpoints and formulate evidence-based conclusions.
Today, many students simply copy and paste information from AI platforms or websites without fully understanding the content. Homework, which should reinforce learning and develop independent study habits, is often completed through shortcuts that require little effort or reflection.
Another challenge is the declining attention span among learners. Constant exposure to short videos, instant messaging and rapidly changing online content has made it difficult for some students to focus on extended reading, in-depth research or complex academic tasks. Patience, perseverance and sustained concentration are qualities that are becoming increasingly rare.
However, it would be unfair to place all the blame on artificial intelligence. AI is a tool and like any tool, its impact depends on how it is used. Technology itself is not the problem. The real challenge lies in ensuring that students use AI to support learning rather than replace thinking. When used responsibly, AI can help learners understand difficult concepts, improve their writing, conduct meaningful research and prepare effectively for examinations.
The solution, therefore, is not to reject AI but to teach students how to use it wisely. Schools must deliberately cultivate critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills by providing learning experiences that require independent thought.
Teachers should design assignments that encourage analysis, reflection, discussion and originality rather than simple information retrieval. Learners must be challenged to explain their reasoning, defend their viewpoints and apply knowledge to real-life situations.
Parents also have a critical role to play. They should monitor their children’s online activities, guide them towards productive and educational content and encourage healthy digital habits. Reading books should remain a priority because reading develops concentration, imagination, vocabulary and intellectual curiosity. Students who read widely are better equipped to think independently and evaluate information critically.
Schools should also promote activities such as debates, public speaking, quizzes, science fairs and project-based learning. Such activities encourage learners to express their ideas, collaborate with others and develop confidence in their own abilities. These experiences remind students that learning is an active process that requires engagement, effort and curiosity.
Most importantly, students must understand that AI is an assistant, not a substitute for learning. True education is not about obtaining quick answers but about developing the ability to think critically, solve problems, make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to society. The knowledge gained through struggle, inquiry and reflection is often more valuable than the answer itself.
The question, therefore, is not whether AI has destroyed our students. The real question is whether we are preparing students to use AI responsibly while preserving the human qualities that define genuine learning.
The future belongs not to those who simply use artificial intelligence but to those who can think independently, create innovatively and use technology as a tool to enhance, rather than replace their intellectual abilities.
n Dr Manners Msongelwa is an author, teacher and youth mentor. He can be contacted on +263 771 019 392.
