The development of generative artificial intelligence has opened numerous questions about its role in education. Today, AI tools can assist in solving tasks, generating text, analyzing data and preparing teaching materials. As a result, researchers are increasingly examining how the use of artificial intelligence affects the learning process, understanding of educational content, and the work of teachers.
An article published on the educational platform Edutopia provides an overview of 13 studies that analyze the effects of AI tools in education. The studies come from various universities and research institutions and offer insight into both the potential and the limitations of applying artificial intelligence in teaching.
The overview includes research conducted at institutions such as MIT, Harvard University and the Wharton School. These studies cover different educational contexts, from primary and secondary education to higher education, and analyze how pupils and students use AI tools during the learning process.
They address several key questions, including:
- the impact of AI tools on memory and comprehension of content
- the ways students use artificial intelligence when solving tasks
- the potential of AI systems as digital tutors
- the use of AI tools in preparing teaching materials.
The review highlights several important findings regarding the use of artificial intelligence in education.
The use of AI tools can reduce students’ cognitive effort
Some studies point to the phenomenon known as cognitive outsourcing. When students use AI tools to quickly obtain answers, they delegate part of their mental effort to technology. In some studies, this approach was found to lead to weaker retention of information and a more superficial understanding of the material.
AI tutors can improve learning outcomes
Other studies show that artificial intelligence can have a positive role when structured as a learning support system. In one study, an AI tutor provided students with step-by-step guidance and questions that led them toward solving a task. In such situations, students achieved better results because they were actively involved in the problem-solving process.
AI can increase productivity in academic work
Research conducted among university students shows that the use of generative artificial intelligence can increase productivity in completing written assignments and analyzing information. In some cases, students who used AI tools completed tasks faster than those who did not.
AI can support teachers
Some studies also analyzed how teachers use artificial intelligence. The results indicate that AI tools can help with the preparation of teaching materials, creation of assignments, planning activities, and organizing classes. This can reduce part of the preparatory workload for teachers.
Application in education
Research results indicate that the impact of artificial intelligence in education largely depends on how it is used. When it is used only to generate ready-made answers, there is a risk of reduced student engagement in the learning process. On the other hand, when AI is integrated into activities that encourage thinking and problem-solving, it can become a useful tool for supporting learning.
In an educational context, artificial intelligence can be used for:
- supporting inquiry-based and problem-based learning
- generating examples and discussion questions
- analyzing and interpreting information
- preparing teaching materials and learning activities.
The review of 13 studies shows that artificial intelligence can have different effects on the learning process. In some situations, it may reduce students’ cognitive effort, while in others it can support content understanding and the development of problem-solving skills.
The research findings highlight the importance of thoughtful and pedagogically grounded use of AI tools in education. With such an approach, artificial intelligence can serve as support for both teachers and students and contribute to the development of new forms of learning in digital environments.
