This week’s chart shows what happened when 26,811 Chinese pupils aged 12 to 18 were assessed on their educational AI usage. Homework scores rose by 18%, while average completion time fell from 64 minutes to 45. Six months later, exam results were 20% lower than those of pupils who had not used it.
The obvious conclusion is that AI damages learning. We think there is a more subtle one. Homework helps to develop cognitive skills through self-directed effort. Its purpose is not the finished answer alone. The difficulty, repetition and occasional frustration are part of how knowledge develops. When ChatGPT produces the answer, the result will improve while the pupil loses the exercise.
Katherine Rundell recently made a powerful case against AI in education. But these arguments completely miss the opportunity of using AI in so many other ways to support educational exploration. The technology can already be used to create flashcards, simulations and educational games. Even with a small amount of innovation it could start to be used to identify gaps in understanding, adjust the difficulty of questions and encourage a pupil to practise more often.
And what the commentators often forget is that this opportunity matters ever more beyond wealthy countries with good schools, universities and private tutors. Around 70% of children in low and middle-income countries cannot read by age ten. Another 44 million teachers will be needed globally by 2030. Affordable AI could provide explanations, practice and individual support where none is currently available.