Throughout my school years, technology has continued to grow and become a bigger part of our lives. Like many students, I use AI to help me understand topics in class, whether it’s an assignment I’m struggling with or just a phrase I don’t understand. However, I’ve also noticed that some students around me don’t put in as much effort anymore. Instead, they rely on AI to complete their entire assignments without really thinking through the work. This is concerning because it shows how students today may be losing important critical thinking skills when they need them the most.
In school, generative AI is becoming a normal part of student life, and there’s a lot of debate about how it’s actually affecting learning. Many students say they use AI tools to understand difficult topics, organize their ideas, and get their work done more efficiently. Some research even shows that when AI is used in structured ways, it can straighten critical thinking by helping students analyze and apply what they learn. However, other studies warn that using AI too much can lead to “cognitive offloading,” where students rely on technology instead of fully thinking through problems on their own. Because of this, generative AI can both support and weaken critical thinking, it ultimately depends on how students choose to use it.
Generative AI can support the development of critical thinking skills when used as learning tools. Studies show that students who use AI in structured learning such as asking questions, comparing responses, and reflecting on answers are more likely to improve higher thinking skills like analysis and problem solving. In these cases, AI acts as a “cognitive scaffold” helping students explore different perspectives and deepen their understanding of complex topics. Educational experiments also suggest that when students are encouraged to evaluate AI generated responses rather than simply accept them, they engage in deeper inquiry and more thoughtful reasoning. This proves the point that generative AI can be beneficial, but only when it is used to guide thinking rather than replace it.
Research also shows that overreliance on generative AI can negatively impact students’ critical thinking skills. When students depend too heavily on AI to generate answers, they may skip important steps and engage less with the material. Studies show that students who rely on AI for tasks like writing or analyzing information often practice fewer problem solving skills and demonstrate reduced cognitive engagement.
The way AI is used in the classroom could be harmful due to the way it’s interpreted. At our school, generative AI is becoming a bigger part of how students complete their work, and it’s starting to change how we learn. Many students use AI to help with assignments, whether it’s understanding a difficult topic, brainstorming ideas, or finishing work faster. While this can be helpful, it also raises concerns about whether students are actually thinking through their work. Some students rely on AI for quick answers without questioning them, which can make learning more passive. However, when used the right way, AI can still be a useful tool. For example, students who use it to build on their own ideas or check their understanding are more likely to improve their thinking skills. Because of this, the impact of AI at our school really depends on how we choose to interpret it.
In conclusion, generative AI tools are transforming how undergraduate students learn and complete academic tasks. Research suggests that these tools can support critical thinking by helping students explore ideas and analyze information. However, excessive reliance on AI may reduce engagement in independent reasoning. Therefore, the development of critical thinking skills depends on how AI tools are integrated into education and whether students are encouraged to evaluate and question AI generated responses.
