AI in Classrooms: Boost to Learning or Threat to Independent Thinking?

Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping how students learn, complete assignments, and tackle academic tasks. Its benefits include faster access to information, individualised explanations, and new creative possibilities. Educators, however, caution that overreliance on these tools may erode students' capacity for independent reasoning. The report draws on survey data and expert commentary to assess the trade-offs. It also explores strategies schools could use to adopt AI while protecting critical thinking, subject mastery, and core learning skills.