Rising Use of AI in Schools Comes With Big Downsides for Students


A split image contrasting the perceived benefits and actual drawbacks of AI in education. On the left, "AI'S PROMISE" depicts a bright, modern classroom where students happily engage with holographic AI interfaces and a friendly AI avatar. On the right, "THE UNSEEN DOWNSIDES" shows a darker, more isolated classroom where students are encapsulated in individual AI pods, surrounded by icons representing "STUNTED CRITICAL THINKING," "SOCIAL ISOLATION," and "RELIANCE & PLAGIARISM," with an ominous alien-like AI figure looming in the background. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.
While the integration of AI in schools holds significant promise for personalised learning, its rising use also comes with substantial, often unforeseen, downsides for students. This image starkly contrasts the idealised vision of AI in education with the potential negative realities, highlighting risks such as diminished critical thinking, increased social isolation, and an over-reliance that could foster academic dishonesty. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.

Source

Education Week

Summary

A new report from the Center for Democracy and Technology warns that the rapid adoption of AI in schools is undermining students’ relationships, critical thinking and data privacy. In 2024–25, 85 % of teachers and 86 % of students used AI, yet fewer than half received any formal training. The report highlights emotional disconnection, weaker research skills and risks like data breaches and tech-fuelled bullying. While educators acknowledge AI’s benefits for efficiency and personalised learning, experts urge schools to prioritise teacher training, AI literacy, and ethical safeguards to prevent harm. Without adequate guidance, AI could deepen inequities rather than improve learning outcomes.

Key Points

  • AI use has surged across US classrooms, with 85 % of teachers and 86 % of students using it.
  • Students report weaker connections with teachers and peers due to AI use.
  • Teachers fear declines in students’ critical thinking and authenticity.
  • Less than half of teachers and students have received AI-related training.
  • Experts call for stronger AI literacy, ethics education and policy guardrails.

Keywords

URL

https://www.edweek.org/technology/rising-use-of-ai-in-schools-comes-with-big-downsides-for-students/2025/10

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5