Summary of the Article: Concerns about Ed Tech and AI in Education
This article expresses significant concerns about the increasing reliance on educational technology (ed tech) and artificial intelligence (AI) in schools. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
* Lack of Independent Evidence: The article argues that the purported benefits of ed tech are largely unsubstantiated by independent research. Most studies showing positive results are funded by the ed-tech industry itself. Large-scale, independent studies (like one from the OECD) actually suggest a negative correlation between tech use in schools and student performance.
* “experimenting on children”: Experts like Wayne Holmes argue that introducing these technologies without rigorous testing is akin to experimenting on children. We demand thorough testing for medicines, but not for tools impacting developing brains.
* Erosion of Critical Thinking: Teachers are worried that easy access to answers via Google and AI tools like ChatGPT hinders the progress of critical thinking skills and deep understanding. Students are less likely to engage in the process of learning when they can simply find the answer.
* Increased Misinformation Vulnerability: Without a strong foundation of knowledge, students are more susceptible to believing misinformation and conspiracy theories. The rise of AI-generated ”plausible fakes” exacerbates this problem.
* Limitations of AI: The article highlights the inflexibility of AI. An example is given of a child correctly solving a math problem in a unique way, but being marked wrong by a program unable to recognize the valid approach. This illustrates how “dumb” AI can stifle creativity and unconventional thinking.
* The “Golden Era of Stupidity”: The author suggests the real danger isn’t necessarily super-smart AI,but rather handing power to limited AI that discourages genuine learning and problem-solving.
In essence, the article presents a cautionary tale about the uncritical adoption of technology in education, emphasizing the potential for harm to students’ cognitive development and ability to navigate a complex world.
