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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education at an unprecedented pace. From automated essay grading and AI tutoring programs to prefilled assignments, these tools offer exciting benefits like personalized learning, instant feedback, and efficiency. However, a growing concern among educators and parents is whether overreliance on AI might actually inhibit critical thinking and independent problem-solving skills in students.
At Southeast Academy, we believe in leveraging technology thoughtfully while prioritizing the development of essential cognitive skills. Let’s explore how AI impacts critical thinking and what educators can do to maintain a balanced classroom.
AI-driven tools have become increasingly common in classrooms worldwide. According to EdTech Magazine, educators use AI for:
These technologies can reduce administrative burden and help tailor education to individual student needs.
While AI tools have benefits, overdependence can have unintended consequences on students’ abilities to think independently:
When AI tutors provide direct answers or solutions, students may skip the mental process of analyzing and reasoning through problems themselves. This can stunt the development of creative problem-solving skills.
Automated essay grading systems may encourage formulaic writing and discourage nuanced arguments. Students might focus more on gaming the algorithm than developing critical perspectives. Research by Brookings Institution highlights concerns about AI’s effect on deep learning.
Prefilled assignments or AI-generated content can tempt students to submit work without fully engaging, reducing original thinking and ownership of learning.
The key is integrating AI as a tool not a crutch. Here are strategies for educators and students:
Use AI for feedback, learning, and personalized pacing, but require students to explain their reasoning and develop solutions independently.
Assignments should ask open-ended questions that AI can’t easily answer, encouraging analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
Teach students to reflect on how they use AI tools and how these tools impact their thinking process.
Even in an asynchronous environment, students can engage in meaningful collaboration through the programs Southeast Academy offers. Our projects help classes provide live interaction for project creation, while our Club Program lets students learn and create together in areas beyond core subjects. Additionally, our live science and art classes encourage students to explore, experiment, and share ideas in real time. These opportunities foster peer-to-peer learning, help students gain diverse perspectives, and strengthen understanding while still supporting the flexibility of self-paced learning.
At Southeast Academy, we embrace technology as part of a holistic education model. Our programs:
We believe this approach prepares students not just for tests, but for lifelong learning in a tech-driven world. As part of that commitment, our curriculum includes an AI literacy course that equips students to use AI responsibly while building strong ethical foundations, critical thinking skills, and creative independence.
We are committed to creating an online learning community for our students and instructors alike. Our curriculums and lesson plans are designed to help students get excited to learn and grow, both personally and academically. By creating a high-quality education in a supportive, faith-based learning environment, our students can thrive throughout their grade school years and beyond. Enroll today to start the next chapter of your child’s education!