Students in the AI ​​dilemma: Does ChatGPT help or make you stupid?

Students in the AI ​​dilemma: Does ChatGPT help or make you stupid?

The influence of artificial intelligence (AI) has increased in the German school landscape. A recent survey shows that 23 percent of students now use AI tools like ChatGPT to do their homework. 44 percent of those surveyed are critical of the use of AI in this context and are calling for a ban on such applications. Still, 53 percent of students believe AI can improve their academic performance, while 48 percent believe it is more likely to make their peers “stupid.” These results come from a survey commissioned by the German digital association Bitkom and were conducted among 502 students aged 14 to 19.

The survey also shows that 31 percent of students believe AI can help them with homework better than their own parents, while 23 percent believe AI can explain complex issues better than their teachers. The survey results reflect an ambivalent relationship with technology, as 47 percent of students say developments around AI scare them. Bitkom Managing Director Rohleder emphasized that AI can be an important tool to support students individually and relieve the burden on teachers. He criticized the discussions about banning AI as difficult to control and advocated training in how to use this technology.

Teachers and the use of AI in teaching

A look at the teachers shows that 51 percent of them already have experience with AI in school contexts. These teachers not only use AI tools to impart knowledge, but also offer individual feedback. Around 81 percent actively use AI in teaching, while 43 percent provide regular feedback using AI tools. In addition, 36 percent of teachers prepare their lessons with AI support. This data also comes from a Bitkom survey among 502 teachers at secondary levels 1 and 2 in Germany.

This development highlights the challenges associated with integrating digital technologies into the education system. As the Federal Agency for Civic Education's educational platform highlights, AI could represent a real revolution in education, despite the long-standing problems associated with the digital equipment of schools. Excellent teaching was possible even without digital technology, reinforcing the debate about the actual benefits of AI.

Risks of Dependence on AI

Artificial intelligence has the potential to individualize teaching and address the different needs of students. By using AI, teachers can delegate automated routine tasks and thus focus on interactive teaching methods. At the same time, technology poses the risk of students becoming over-reliant on these tools, undermining their ability to think critically and be creative.

The question of how to use AI responsibly in a school context is therefore urgent. The use of AI must be carefully considered so as not to neglect the necessary human interaction and collaborative learning. It is also crucial to take social inequalities into account through access to technology and to ensure the structured integration of AI into everyday school life.

In this context, the current survey results and the resulting discussions about the integration of AI in schools are an important step towards assessing both the opportunities and challenges of this technology and acting accordingly. Educational institutions are faced with the task of proactively dealing with new technologies and evaluating their influences.

For further information on ongoing developments in the education system and the use of AI in schools, please visit krone.at, bitkom-research.de and bpb.de.