Bangkok:Artificial intelligence (AI) could undermine students' critical-thinking skills if they rely on the technology to complete school assignments without developing their own understanding, technology expert Dr. Ayesha Khanna has warned.
According to Ghana Web, Dr. Khanna expressed concern during an IMF Inspired session on unlocking human potential in the age of AI, held alongside the 2026 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand. She noted that students using AI for homework might struggle to retain knowledge, formulate arguments, and defend their ideas independently.
Dr. Khanna highlighted research indicating that students relying on AI perform worse in examinations, as they may complete assignments without fully understanding the subjects. She described this as a significant challenge and emphasized the need for education systems to prepare students to work with AI while maintaining their ability to think independently.
The expert stressed that schools and universities should rethink their teaching methods to adapt to AI's growing role in the workplace. Dr. Khanna suggested that education should focus on real-world problems, using AI as a supportive tool, rather than solely on individual subjects. This approach would help students develop practical AI skills while retaining their capacity to reason and form independent opinions.
The discussion also touched on the challenges educational institutions face in deciding when and how to introduce AI to students. While some restrict its use to ensure foundational subject knowledge, Dr. Khanna argued for equipping young people with AI skills essential for the modern work environment. She emphasized that the key issue is teaching students to use AI effectively while preserving their independent thinking abilities.