Australian Schools Warned Against Overusing AI in Classrooms
Australian schools and teachers are being urged to limit the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to protect students’ long-term learning and thinking skills.
The warning comes from the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO), which has reviewed research from Australia and overseas on the benefits and risks of AI in education.
AERO chief executive Jenny Donovan said excessive reliance on AI could give students the impression they had learned something without fully understanding it. Overseas studies suggest some students struggle to reproduce their results in exams when AI tools are no longer available.
Dr Donovan warned that students who depend on AI to do their thinking may miss out on developing essential knowledge, creativity and critical thinking skills.
She recommended avoiding AI use during the first three years of primary school. For older students, she said AI should be introduced carefully alongside established teaching methods, including direct instruction.
Dr Donovan stressed that children need to build a strong foundation of knowledge and retain what they learn. Without these basics, students may find it harder to develop their understanding and independent thinking as they grow older.
However, she said AI should be introduced in high school, as the technology is likely to play a role in further education and future learning.
Some education authorities, including New South Wales, have developed specialised generative AI tools designed to guide students through problems rather than simply producing answers or essays.
Dr Donovan also urged parents to monitor AI use at home. She said unrestricted access to tools such as ChatGPT could encourage students to rely on technology instead of working through problems themselves.
The warning comes amid wider concerns about the impact of technology on student performance.
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare has pointed to Australia's results in international PISA assessments, saying students who spend more time using screens tend to achieve lower scores than those who use them less.
Mr Clare said digital skills, including understanding when and how to use AI, remain important. However, he called for schools to reduce screen time and adopt a more balanced approach to technology in the classroom.
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Source : ABC News
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