AI in education: Balancing technological support with active learning

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated into educational settings, from homeschooling to high school mathematics. Experts and educators emphasize that while AI can serve as a powerful tool, it must be used carefully to avoid undermining the learning process.

A survey of 1,300 high school students in the United States, England, and Wales conducted by the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics suggests that AI can function as an effective math tutor. It can explain complex concepts, identify knowledge gaps, and help reduce math anxiety. However, educators warn that learning requires “friction”—the mental struggle of grappling with difficult problems—which AI's efficiency might inadvertently bypass if students rely on it too early.

In homeschooling environments, parents are navigating the balance of using AI for curriculum support, such as creating worksheets, without allowing the technology to replace the parental role or critical thinking. The consensus among specialists is that AI should be treated as a supplement rather than a replacement for human instruction and active problem-solving.