This week’s learning focused on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and daily work. Through the talks, I learned that AI can be a powerful tool to improve efficiency, such as helping with writing emails, summarizing information, and supporting research. It can also act as a “learning partner,” providing immediate feedback and personalized support during the learning process. However, while bringing these benefits, there are also some important concerns.
One thing from the talks that stood out to me was “cognitive offloading.” This refers to relying on AI to do our thinking and tasks, which may gradually weaken our own abilities. For example, if people rely on GPS, then they will lose their sense of direction. Therefore, if we depend too much on AI for writing, we may lose our critical thinking and independent learning skills. As mentioned by Dr. Mariel Miller, if students use AI to get answers directly rather than processing and organizing information themselves, their actual learning effectiveness may decline.
Reflecting on my own experience, I realize that I sometimes rely on AI without noticing it. When faced with a difficult problem, my first reaction is often to turn to artificial intelligence rather than try to understand it myself. While this improves efficiency, it also makes me question whether I am truly learning or just completing tasks. Over time, this habit might make me more passive, especially in exams or real-life situations where I need to think independently.
In brief, I think AI is a very powerful tool, but the key lies in how we use it. It should support our learning rather than replace our thinking.