Li Feifei: AI in schools risks weakening learning, not cheating

Li Feifei, a Stanford computer science professor and co-founder of World Labs, says the biggest danger of AI in schools is not students using it to cheat, but it weakening their ability to learn. She worries that young people might lose their independence and motivation, leading to underdeveloped minds. But she also warns against fully banning AI, as refusing to use tools is also concerning.

Li believes that if students are already engaged and just need help when stuck, AI can be a powerful learning partner. She recalls struggling with organic chemistry as a pre-med student, and says she would have asked more questions if AI tools existed then. She urges educators to help students use AI for deeper learning while keeping their curiosity and effort.

A report from Oxford University Press warns that while AI makes learning faster, students' thinking depth decreases. MIT researcher Natalia Kosmina found that people using generative AI for writing performed worse over time than those using Google or no tools. Vivienne Ming, chief scientist at Possibility Institute, found that most users use AI to think less.