The Guardian reports that teachers in England are increasingly concerned that pupils are losing key thinking skills due to heavy reliance on artificial intelligence tools.
Based on a national survey by the National Education Union, the report highlights that almost two-thirds of secondary school teachers believe students are becoming weaker in critical thinking, creativity, writing, and basic communication skills. Some educators also note that tools like voice-to-text are contributing to a decline in spelling and writing accuracy.
The report also points to a growing debate around the UK government’s plan to introduce AI-powered tutoring in schools. While the initiative is intended to support disadvantaged students, many teachers express resistance, arguing that AI cannot replace human interaction or address emotional and social aspects of learning.
In addition, the survey suggests that many schools still lack clear policies on how AI should be used in education, raising concerns about inconsistent use and potential misuse.
Overall, the Guardian article presents a broader tension between the benefits of AI in education and the risk that it may weaken foundational learning skills if not properly regulated and guided.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko