Can AI Make Us Better Learners, or Just Grumpy, Bored Blobs? A Conversation on AI in Education
In the age of AI, questions around technology’s role in learning seem more urgent than ever. What happens when a young learner has nearly limitless “answers” at their fingertips? Does it become easier to learn—or easier to avoid truly learning? Recently, in a conversation with my daughter, Ava, we found ourselves reflecting on the promises and pitfalls of tools like ChatGPT. As technology becomes woven into the fabric of modern learning, we found ourselves wondering: Can AI help young people grow, or does it just encourage shortcuts?
The conversation brought up some fundamental questions about critical thinking, responsibility, and what it means to “learn” in an age where easy answers are just a prompt away.
When is AI a Learning Tool, and When is it Just a Shortcut?
The discussion began with a big question: What role should AI play in learning, especially for young people? It’s a topic with no simple answers. On the one hand, AI can be a tremendous guide—a partner in exploring ideas, understanding new concepts, or even finding a different perspective. Ava’s reflections made it clear that AI, when used thoughtfully, can be an incredible resource. But there’s a flip side too. If used only as a shortcut, it risks becoming a crutch rather than a tool for growth.
We thought about what it means to rely on AI versus truly engaging with a problem or topic. When ChatGPT delivers instant answers, does it undermine the process of wrestling with an idea, researching from multiple sources, or learning how to navigate information independently? And if learning becomes a matter of “copy-paste,” does that impact a young person’s ability to think critically over time?
The conversation brought us to the idea that it’s less about the tool itself, and more about the mindset we bring to it. Just like any tool—whether a calculator or the internet—AI can be used to enrich learning or to bypass it. The real question is: How do we use AI responsibly and thoughtfully?
Mindset Over Medium: How We Choose to Engage with AI Matters
As we continued, the concept of mindset became a focal point. Ava voiced concerns about what could happen if young people lean too heavily on AI without actively engaging with the material. If a tool is used to get to the end without taking part in the journey, are we missing the very skills we hope to build?
This got me thinking: in a learner-driven setting, the emphasis is on curiosity, self-direction, and exploration. When young people are encouraged to approach learning with a growth-oriented mindset, it may create a buffer against misuse. The tool itself isn’t the issue; it’s how and why it’s used. If a young learner approaches ChatGPT with a mindset of curiosity and responsibility, perhaps AI can actually complement their learning journey rather than disrupt it.
Are There Skills AI Can’t Replace?
One question that arose was whether there are certain foundational skills that AI simply can’t replace. Ava made a case for the importance of developing certain abilities, like critical thinking and independent research, before relying on AI as a support. We considered whether young people should be given the chance to learn how to research and structure ideas on their own, rather than turning to an AI-generated answer right away.
Much like calculators didn’t erase the need to understand basic math concepts, maybe AI shouldn’t replace the process of building thoughts and arguments from scratch. When we use AI thoughtfully, it can be an aid for learning—but it’s not a replacement for understanding.
The “Copy-Paste” Conundrum and the Cost of Shortcuts
This reflection on critical thinking brought up a big question: Does an overreliance on AI create a “copy-paste” culture? Imagine a young person using ChatGPT for nearly every question, bypassing the messy, rewarding process of wrestling with ideas on their own. What happens when they’re faced with a situation where quick answers won’t cut it?
We thought about the long-term impact of this. What if young people grow so accustomed to quick fixes that they miss out on the satisfaction of solving problems independently? There’s something essential about the moments of challenge and discovery, and it seems that relying on AI as a shortcut may risk losing those valuable experiences. Without the engagement, does learning still hold its purpose?
Beyond the Classroom: The Future of Learning with AI
It struck me that the questions surrounding AI in learning extend far beyond the classroom. This is about preparing young people to navigate an AI-driven world with discernment and integrity. In the future, the ability to think critically, question intelligently, and apply knowledge meaningfully will be even more essential. While AI can absolutely be a part of that journey, it’s not the whole journey.
Reflecting on Ava’s thoughts made it clear: Young people today will need to develop the skills to distinguish between using a tool to enhance understanding and using it as a way to avoid engagement. In a world where tech is often at our fingertips, maybe the greatest skill they can develop is to know when to reach for it—and when to work through something on their own.
Maybe Tools Aren’t the Problem, but Mindset Is
What became clear by the end of the conversation was that the debate over AI in learning probably isn’t about the tool itself; it’s about mindset. Just as a knife can be used responsibly or recklessly, so too can AI serve as a means to empower or bypass learning. The challenge isn’t whether AI should be in the classroom; it’s whether we can teach young people to approach it with discernment and curiosity.
And perhaps that’s the real opportunity: fostering a mindset that values the journey, that sees AI as an aid rather than a replacement. This way, as Ava pointed out, young people can use AI to explore, question, and create—without missing out on the transformative process of learning itself.
A Final Thought
As technology continues to shape education, maybe our role as adults is to guide young learners toward thoughtful, intentional engagement with these new tools. So, as we consider AI’s place in the future of learning, the most powerful question may be: Are we using it to enrich the journey—or to avoid the work? Because in the end, real growth happens not in the shortcut, but in the adventure of learning.
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About the Author
Angela is passionate about reshaping the way kids learn and grow. As the co-founder of Acton Academy Northwest Austin,
Angela is dedicated to fostering a learner-driven environment where
curiosity thrives and students take ownership of their educational
journeys. When not working with young heroes, they’re often exploring
big ideas on education, parenting, and lifelong learning right here on
the blog.
Want to learn more about our innovative approach to education? Check out Acton Academy Northwest Austin to see how we’re redefining school for the next generation of curious thinkers and independent learners.