OpenAI: Enhancing or Overshadowing Education?

OpenAI: Enhancing or Overshadowing Education?

Introduction

OpenAI’s ChatGPT can be a powerful tool for enhancing learning by providing quick access to information, explanations, and ideas. A survey by Digital Education Council (2024)  found that about 86% of students regularly use artificial intelligence in their studies. Twenty-four percent reported using AI daily; 54% daily or weekly; and 54% on at least a weekly basis. AI is beneficial when used to a learning aid. However, if students rely solely on AI to answer questions without engaging deeply with the material, it could risk impairing their ability to think critically or solve problems independently. OpenAI can enhance or overshadow depending on how it be used.

Problem 

Continued use of AI without interventions on how it can be used to enhance education rather than a shortcut to complete assignments will impair students’ critical thinking capabilities. Many students might see AI as a quick fix to get answers without putting in the effort to understand the material. That can definitely lead to a decline in critical thinking and problem-solving skills, especially if they are not engaging with the content deeply. This trend is raising questions about academic integrity, learning quality, and the long-term impact on students’ abilities to think critically and solve problems. A study conducted  on the  collected survey data from 285 students found that 68.9% of laziness and 27.7% of the loss of decision-making skills were the result of artificial intelligence use. A systematic review study by Zhai et al.(2024)  found that AI impacts cognitive abilities, as students increasingly prefer fast and optimal solutions to slow ones constrained by practicality. If students rely too heavily on AI for assignments, the future workforce could face challenges. Creativity, innovation, and problem-solving are skills that require practice and deep engagement, and over-reliance on AI could stunt their development. In the long term, this could lead to graduates who struggle to approach problems from different angles or think outside the box. It might also create a gap between technical knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge in real-world situations.

Proposed Solutions

Those behind OpenAI should be the frontline in proposing and implementing solutions that will ensure AI is used ethically. I believe OpenAI’s ChatGPT  is product of an innovative and creative human being who saw the problem that needed a solution. Now, the solution should not create more problems of creating humans who cannot think critically. While the education systems have a role to play, the large responsibility lies with the OpenAI. The goal of AI is to provide innovative solutions to real-world challenges, not to inadvertently create new problems, like diminishing critical thinking skills. The very reason AI was developed was to enhance human potential, not replace it. It is important that as we move forward, we create systems that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, rather than stifling them.

OpenAI can collaborate with education systems to design AI tools that actively promote learning. For example, interactive platforms, address critical thinking challenges and progressive assistance. It can create interactive learning prompts by asking follow-up questions that require deeper thinking rather than simply providing direct answers. This could help students develop their reasoning. It should ensure the students’ critical thinking are not impaired by  offering suggestions and also including prompts that challenge students to explain their reasoning or consider alternative approaches. AI could serve as a progressive assistance whereby instead of providing full answers right away, AI could guide students through the problem-solving process step-by-step, encouraging them to engage more deeply.

Education systems can counter the negative side of AI by focusing more on experiential learning, critical thinking exercises, and real-world problem-solving. Assignments could evolve to emphasize analysis, creativity, and application rather than just recalling information.

Conclusion 

OpenAI is enhancing and overshadowing education at the same time. The bottom line is balance. Students should be encouraged to use AI as a resource to supplement their learning, rather than replace their thinking process, would help. It is like any other tool,  and if it is misused, it can hinder growth, but when used thoughtfully, it can enhance learning.

References

Fan, L. (2024). AI reduces critical thinking. Nexus. https://wvnexus.org/opinions/ai-reduces-critical-thinking/.

Kelly, R. (2024). Survey: 86% of Students Already Use AI in Their Studies. Campus Technology. https://campustechnology.com/articles/2024/08/28/survey-86-of-students-already-use-ai-in-their-studies.aspx

Zhai, C., Wibowo, S. & Li, L.D. (2024) The effects of over-reliance on AI dialogue systems on students’ cognitive abilities: a systematic review. Smart Learn. Environ. 11, 28 . https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-024-00316-7