AI in Schools: A Double-Edged Sword for Learning

AI is shaking up schools, and not everyone is happy about it. Some places, like New York City, have banned AI tools like ChatGPT, worried about cheating and bad info. But across the river, Franklin School in Jersey City is all in. They use AI to help teachers and make learning more fun. The school's head, Will Campbell, says AI gives teachers more time to focus on students. At universities, professors like Ethan Mollick from the University of Pennsylvania are big fans of AI. He lets students use AI in his classes and thinks it can solve big problems in education. Mollick says AI can be a great teaching tool, especially for students who don't have access to good tutors. But not everyone agrees. Some experts say AI can't replace human teachers. Others argue that even if AI isn't perfect, it's better than nothing for students who can't afford tutors. The big question is whether AI will help close the learning gap or make it wider.Research shows that one-on-one tutoring helps students learn better. But most families can't afford it. AI could fill that gap by offering tutoring at home. It can answer questions, explain tough stuff, and even help with writing and coding. Some professors say AI is making office hours better because students use AI for simple questions and save face-to-face time for deeper learning. But AI isn't perfect. A study by Upchieve, a nonprofit tutoring service, found that students prefer human tutors. They like the personal connection. Upchieve's founder, Aly Murray, says AI has its place but shouldn't replace human tutors. There are also concerns that AI could widen the learning gap. Rich students might use AI better than poor students, making the gap bigger. Experts like Rachel Slama from Cornell University say good learners will speed ahead with AI, while others will fall behind. Despite the risks, many experts think AI is a step forward. They believe AI tutoring is better than no tutoring at all. Companies like McGraw Hill and Khan Academy are using AI to help teachers and students. They want to make sure AI helps everyone, not just the rich.