AI and education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation

BY IRENE OKON

The fact that technology is here to stay is undisputed. However, the timing, environment, and purpose of adopting technology determine whether it yields positive or negative outcomes. Technology can be destructive or advantageous depending on its application. It thrives best when adopted where it is truly needed.

Technological adoption should not stem from imitation, competition, or blind adherence to trends but from careful consideration of its necessity and impact. Without proper needs assessment, funding capability, sustainability plans, and stakeholder involvement, premature or poorly planned adoption can collapse systems, including education.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a major aspect of technological advancement, encompassing innovations such as robotics. AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence by machines, particularly computer systems, which mimic human responses to address various needs. This makes AI versatile, as it can perform numerous tasks based on human intelligence. However, this versatility comes with implications.

Therefore, it must be noted that:

• AI is not a replacement for human intelligence. It has its place but should not supersede the human mind.
• Technology is limited because it is created by humans, who possess boundless creative power, making human agency superior to technology.
• Misusing technology in education undermines learning and diminishes human potential.
• AI cannot advance on its own—it depends on human intervention to innovate and adapt.

Education is essential for technological advancement. Today’s AI could pave the way for future technologies, which will depend on the innovation and knowledge of educated individuals.

Education and Technology

Education drives technological advancement, not the other way around. When technology takes precedence over education, problems arise. For AI to contribute positively to education, it must be carefully adopted to enhance access to quality education and support better learning outcomes, rather than fostering shortcuts or repressing genuine learning.

This requires teaching young people how to apply AI responsibly and establishing standards to regulate its use. While disallowing AI entirely may not be feasible, finding a balanced approach to its adoption is crucial. This includes ensuring it benefits students by improving their performance and future readiness, rather than destroying the foundations of learning.

Research reveals troubling trends: students attend school but fail to learn effectively, literacy and numeracy levels are poor, ass psychomotor skills are underdeveloped. Many students now use AI tools like ChatGPT for homework, often copying and pasting content without understanding it. This undermines the core purpose of education—skills acquisition and critical thinking. If students graduate without these foundational skills, how can we claim our education system is ready for AI?

Critical questions must be addressed: Where is AI needed in education? How can it be applied effectively? Where do we draw the line? What measures can protect education while preserving human agency? Above all, who is willing to lead this conversation and influence policy?

Role of Stakeholders in Preserving Human Agency

The positive integration of AI in education is a shared responsibility that involves all stakeholders:

Parents: Parents must closely monitor their children’s learning habits and discourage the misuse of AI. They should assess how their children approach schoolwork, encouraging critical thinking and discouraging shortcuts. Collaborating with teachers, parents must also educate children about the downsides of negative technology use.

Teachers: Educators must develop creative ways to encourage learning and critical thinking. They should adopt tools to detect AI-generated content, discourage its misuse, and recommend alternative technologies that support effective learning. Advocacy and enlightenment on responsible AI use are also essential.
Government and Policymakers: Governments must establish clear rules and regulations guiding AI use in education. Technological adoption should align with national goals and objectives, with well-defined boundaries to prevent misuse.

Students: Students must take responsibility for their education, understanding that learning cannot be outsourced to AI. While AI can assist in learning, it cannot replace the personal effort needed to acquire knowledge and skills for future success.

Conclusion

AI is a powerful tool that can enable efficiency and enhance education, but only when adopted with intentionality and responsibility. Without proper regulation and stakeholder involvement, its misuse could jeopardize the essence of education. At Lead-out Education Foundation, we are committed to empowering students to take an active role in their education and acquire future-ready skills. Through our Education Reorientation Training Program, we equip students not just to attend school but to learn meaningfully and preserve human agency.

By sponsoring an underserved student with our Education Reorientation Handbook for NGN 3,000, you can help students take academic responsibility and secure a brighter future.

Join us on this mission to balance AI adoption and preserve human potential.

Irene Okon, executive director, Lead-out Education Foundation, can be contacted via [email protected]