The Use and Impact of Generative AI in Education

May 10, 2026, 14:29
USSociety

Introduction

Schools and universities are currently struggling to find a balance between the rapid growth of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and the need to protect students' independent thinking and writing skills.

Main Body

The use of large language models (LLMs) in high schools and universities has caused different institutions to take different paths. According to data from the College Board, 84 percent of American high school students use AI for their schoolwork. Consequently, some cities, such as Boston and Atlanta, have introduced mandatory AI classes to prepare students for future jobs. However, other groups, including the AI Moratorium Coalition, argue that this is too early. They emphasize that we do not yet understand the long-term effects on the brain and worry that AI might become a 'crutch' that reduces a student's ability to work independently. Similar concerns exist in universities, particularly in the humanities. At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), some experts believe that using AI for creative writing disrupts the learning process. They argue that while human writing often contains mistakes, it shows real intellectual effort. In contrast, AI produces 'perfect' text that lacks genuine engagement. Furthermore, researchers suggest that removing the struggle of writing may lower a student's ability to focus on complex tasks. A study from the MIT Media Lab even suggests that relying too much on AI could lead to weaker brain connectivity, as students stop performing the mental work required to produce language.

Conclusion

The academic world remains split between those who support teaching AI literacy and those who believe we must protect human-centered learning.

Learning

🚀 The "B2 Bridge": Moving from Simple to Sophisticated

An A2 student says: "Some people like AI and some people don't."

To reach B2, you must stop using simple opposites and start using Connecting Words of Contrast. This is the secret to sounding academic and professional.

🧩 The Contrast Toolkit

Look at how the article connects opposing ideas. Instead of just using "but," it uses these three powerful tools:

  1. Consequently →\rightarrow Used for results.

    • Example: "84% of students use AI. Consequently, cities introduced AI classes."
    • B2 Tip: Use this when Action A leads directly to Result B.

  2. However →\rightarrow The professional 'But'.

    • Example: "...prepare students for future jobs. However, other groups argue this is too early."
    • B2 Tip: Put a comma after it. It signals a complete change in direction.

  3. In contrast →\rightarrow The comparison mirror.

    • Example: "Human writing contains mistakes... In contrast, AI produces 'perfect' text."
    • B2 Tip: Use this when you are comparing two different things side-by-side.

💡 Upgrade Your Vocabulary

Stop using "bad" or "hard." Start using B2 Descriptive Nouns found in the text:

  • Instead of "a problem" →\rightarrow Use "a struggle" (e.g., the struggle of writing).
  • Instead of "a help" →\rightarrow Use "a crutch" (Something that helps too much and makes you weak).
  • Instead of "learning" →\rightarrow Use "literacy" (The ability to understand/use a specific system, like AI literacy).

🛠ī¸ Quick Application

A2 Level: AI is fast but it is not human. B2 Level: AI produces text rapidly; however, it lacks genuine engagement.

Vocabulary Learning

balance (n.)
the state of being stable or having equal parts
Example:We need to maintain a balance between AI use and critical thinking.
rapid (adj.)
happening or growing quickly
Example:The rapid growth of AI technology has surprised many educators.
protect (v.)
to keep safe from harm or danger
Example:Schools must protect students' independent thinking.
independent (adj.)
not dependent on others; self-reliant
Example:Students should develop independent research skills.
generative (adj.)
capable of producing or creating new content
Example:Generative AI can produce creative essays.
artificial (adj.)
made by humans rather than occurring naturally
Example:Artificial intelligence can assist in grading.
intelligence (n.)
the ability to think, learn, and understand
Example:Artificial intelligence refers to machines that can think.
institution (n.)
an organization established for a particular purpose
Example:Many institutions are debating AI policies.
path (n.)
a way or route taken to reach a destination
Example:Each institution takes a different path.
data (n.)
facts and statistics collected for analysis
Example:The data shows 84 percent of students use AI.
college (n.)
an institution of higher education
Example:The College Board collects data on student use.
board (n.)
a group of people who manage an organization
Example:The College Board is a non-profit organization.
percent (n.)
a proportion expressed as a fraction of one hundred
Example:Eighty-four percent of students use AI.
students (n.)
people who are learning in a school or university
Example:Students rely on AI for homework.
schoolwork (n.)
assignments and tasks completed as part of school
Example:AI helps with schoolwork assignments.
mandatory (adj.)
required by law or rule, not optional
Example:Some cities have mandatory AI classes.
prepare (v.)
to make ready or ready for use
Example:Classes prepare students for future jobs.
future (n.)
the time that is yet to come
Example:AI will shape our future careers.
jobs (n.)
positions of employment or work
Example:Future jobs may require AI skills.
concerns (n.)
feelings of worry or unease about something
Example:The AI Moratorium Coalition expresses concerns.
university (n.)
an institution of higher education offering degrees
Example:Universities are also affected by AI.
creative (adj.)
using imagination to produce original ideas
Example:Creative writing can be enhanced by AI.
writing (n.)
the act of composing text
Example:Students practice writing with AI assistance.
disrupts (v.)
to interrupt or change something in a significant way
Example:AI disrupts the traditional learning process.
learning (n.)
the process of acquiring knowledge or skills
Example:Learning involves active engagement.