Large Language Models (LLMs) have seamlessly integrated themselves within out lives.
Whether it’s ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, or AI-powered coding tools such as Cursor, it goes without saying that AI is pervading many aspects of our lives; unless you live under a rock.
Tools like ChatGPT can summarise chapters, explain complex ideas, generate flashcards and write essays in less than a minute.
This presents a dual dilemma for both parents and teachers alike: is a student’s homework their own, or was it written by a LLM?
But homework isn’t disappearing. It’s changing.
As AI becomes more capable, the value of homework shifts away from simple information retrieval. Instead of rewarding the do-gooder, it will reward the one who can think critically, analyse content, interrogate sources, and understand concepts deeply enough to spot when the AI is wrong.
Teachers will increasingly design tasks that require reasoning, not regurgitation. They’ll expect students to work with AI, not shun it. I can envisage grading systems of the future beginning to incorporate how well a LLM has been prompted, for instance.
There will also be a need for parents to interact with AI-powered tools and to guide their children in using these tools responsibly; that means, not to use any AI-powered tool as a shortcut and replace their learning, rather, to enhance it.
Think of it as a study-buddy of sorts.
The students who succeed in the AI era won’t be the ones who try to hide from technology.
They’ll be the ones who learn how to use it smartly.
It is important to remember that LLMs are still (relatively speaking) in their infancy, and right now are operating at the worst they’ll ever be.
I’m not afraid of saying that I use AI in so many different aspects of my daily life – planning workouts, investment strategies, writing, problem solving – you name it, the possibilities are in many ways endless.
However, as exciting as that may be, LLMs like ChatGPT frequently get things wrong, and it goes without saying that one of the arts of prompting, is through check and challenge.
My piece of advice for students today is yes, use AI-powered tools for many aspects of your learning, especially with things like study planning and revision techniques.
However, develop natural, ‘old-school’ learning habits of reading, critical thinking and good essay structures to have a solid grounding as it will help you better use AI and not let it become a crutch for genuine learning.
Call it out on its bullsh*t and just because a reference seems legitimate, make no assumptions – you don’t want to be like this guy!
Further Reading: Andrew Boryga – How Forward-Thinking Schools Are Shaping the Future of AI in Education (Edutopia)