A recent survey by the Digital Education Council, a global consortium of universities and industry leaders driving educational innovation, found that artificial intelligence (AI) has already become a staple in students’ academic lives. An impressive 86% of students reported using AI in their studies, with many turning to it regularly: 24% use it daily, 54% weekly, and 54% at least on a weekly basis.

With AI technology continuously advancing, its influence on education is significant, opening new doors for both students and educators. From personalised learning to automated grading and real-time feedback, AI offers tools that can reshape traditional learning environments and enrich student engagement. However, as AI integrates further into educational systems, the need to manage its impact carefully becomes evident. Siddharth Mala, Correspondent, ObserveNow Media on the National Education Day engaged with educational leaders on potential challenges AI might pose in education.

One major concern centres around over-reliance on AI, where students may begin to depend heavily on algorithms and automated processes to complete assignments or solve complex problems. While AI can enhance efficiency and offer support, it’s essential that students also develop independent problem-solving skills and critical thinking. This balance ensures that students can leverage technology without compromising their intellectual growth and individuality.

Shivam Dixit, Co-Founder and CEO of Counsel India underscored “Although AI-driven tools provide speedy fixes, there’s a genuine chance that students will become overly dependent on them and omit the crucial step of critical thinking. To combat this, teachers can use AI as a tool to help students solve problems rather than as a crutch, making sure they practice reflective thinking and problem-solving techniques. A balance between innovation and foundational learning can be promoted in classrooms through the use of guided AI.”

Striking the right balance between using AI as a tool and cultivating personal skills is key to preparing students for an AI-driven world. Education systems now face the dual challenge of embracing technological advancements while ensuring students build the necessary skills to thrive independently. As AI’s role in education grows, so too does the responsibility to guide its usage in ways that empower rather than hinder student development.

Commenting on an interesting aspect Ritika Gupta, CEO, Aaera Consultants highlighted “Over-reliance on AI has varied effects on the humanities and STEM fields. While humanities students may find it difficult to evaluate information independently, STEM students may rely too much on AI for speedy fixes, endangering their depth of problem-solving. These effects can be lessened by structured assignments that call for independent analysis.”

“The impact of AI differs between the humanities and STEM fields. AI is frequently used in STEM fields to improve data-driven insights, which is advantageous, but it can also supplant human analysis abilities. Contrarily, the humanities rely on subjective perceptions that AI is unable to reproduce. To support students in maintaining a depth of analysis in their subject, instructors must tailor the use of AI to the learning objectives of each discipline” said Shivam.

AI systems in education gather vast amounts of student data, which, if compromised, could risk both student privacy and institutional security. To prevent potential data breaches and protect sensitive information, educational institutions must prioritize robust data protection practices as they integrate AI into their systems.

Prof. (Dr.) Uma Bhardwaj, Vice-Chancellor of Noida International University, emphasised “AI systems collecting large amounts of student data may raise ethical concerns around privacy and data security. Students’ data from personal to academic can be highly sensitive and mishandling of the data can increase the risk of data breaches and misuse which can further impact the institutions’ reputation and credibility.”

Adding to the same, Aarul Malaviya, Founder, Zamit asserted “The collection of vast amounts of student data by AI systems presents significant ethical concerns regarding privacy and security. AI tools often track student performance, learning habits, and personal information to offer tailored learning experiences. This data, if mismanaged or accessed by unauthorized parties, can expose sensitive student information, leading to privacy breaches or identity theft. Moreover, data breaches could compromise the integrity of the educational institution itself. Ethical guidelines must be established, such as ensuring transparency in data collection practices and implementing robust cybersecurity measures. Institutions should also provide students and parents with clear information about how their data is being used and give them control over it.”

The global AI in education market, valued at over USD 3.81 billion in 2023, is expected to grow from USD 5.18 billion in 2024 to around USD 112.3 billion by 2034, with an anticipated CAGR of 36.02% from 2024 to 2034. AI tools in education are crucial for encouraging the growth of critical thinking skills, shifting away from passive learning and promoting active student engagement.

Steve Hardgrave, Co-Founder & CEO, Varthana stated “To ensure AI tools in education promote critical thinking rather than passive reliance, educators must integrate AI in ways that stimulate inquiry and reflection. First, teachers can design assignments where AI provides initial data or insights, but students are required to interpret, critique, or build upon these insights. This approach encourages them to think beyond the AI-generated response and engage in deeper analysis.”

Highlighting the positive side of AI in education, Rahul Attuluri, Cofounder & CEO, NxtWave noted  “AI is evolving fast, and its impact on education is going to be highly positive. While there are many ways AI can disrupt education, I see three major trends shaping it in this decade.
First is personalized content recommendations. Just like your experience on Netflix or Amazon Prime, AI algorithms can curate educational resources tailored to each student’s interests and prior knowledge. This makes learning more relevant and engaging.”

Commenting on the same line Sriharsha Nallamilli, Strategic Partnership & Demand, Wadhwani Foundation emphasized “We are in an era witnessing the democratization of AI in education. By providing access to high-quality educational resources and personalized support, AI can bridge the gap between privileged and underprivileged learners. This ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their socioeconomic background. AI in education is evolving, and we must recognize that the transformation is not just about efficiency; it’s also about unlocking the full potential of every learner.”

Incorporating project-based learning with AI also fosters critical thinking by challenging students to solve real-world problems where AI is a supportive tool, not the solution. For example, students could use AI for research but must develop their own arguments and conclusions. Educators should also teach the limitations of AI, guiding students to question and verify information rather than accept it at face value. This mindset helps students become more discerning, viewing AI as a resource to enhance their learning rather than a shortcut, thereby nurturing an active, engaged approach to problem-solving, further added Steve.

Commenting on the ever evolving scenario of  rise of AI driven content generation Dr. Prabhu Aggarwal, Dean, BSM Hyderabad said “AI is revolutionising the field of higher education by leveraging data-driven insights to generate human-like content. However, its integration into academic settings raises concerns over integrity, ownership, and plagiarism. Universities must navigate the complexities of intellectual property in the digital-driven era. As AI has become increasingly integrated into a student’s work process, the line between authentic and fake has become ambiguous. To address these challenges, universities and institutions must set clear policies and guidelines regarding AI’s use. They must clarify whether AI-assisted work be considered as student or institutional property. They must also define standards to cite AI-generated sources and ensure students understand the implications of AI-driven authorship.”

Educators should put immense focus on the value of human creativity and critical thinking, distinguishing between AI-based and human-generated content. Universities can foster responsible AI use by organising workshops, training programs, and resources for students and faculty. By addressing these concerns and taking proactive steps, universities can safeguard intellectual property rights, maintain academic integrity, and ensure AI-driven content generation enhances rather than undermines the educational experience, concluded Dr. Aggarwal.

The rise of AI in education brings both opportunity and challenge, with experts urging careful integration to safeguard critical thinking. While AI offers students efficient tools for research, feedback, and personalized learning, there’s a growing concern that reliance on it may stunt independent thought. AI should complement—not replace—students’ intellectual efforts. This means structuring assignments to require analysis beyond AI-generated insights and promoting awareness of AI’s limitations. By balancing AI’s strengths with a focus on foundational skills, educators can ensure students harness technology in ways that empower rather than diminish their cognitive development.