A recent study reveals that a significant majority of students aged between 13 and 18 are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their educational routines. Oxford University Press (OUP) recently released the results of a survey with 2,000 students. The results indicated that an astounding 80% of them use AI frequently to do their schoolwork. Growing dependence on technology presents critical questions. Yet all these changes have caused many to fret about its impact on creativity and creative thinking among our young minds.
The research captures a deep contradiction in students’ attitudes toward generative AI. Everyone accepts the fruits of this technology, relishing greater insight and better issue identification and resolution. Critics warn that the policy poses a number of risks. For example, 6 in 10 students worry that AI tools will promote plagiarism rather than developing new ideas. Additionally, 12% feel that AI limits their creative thinking, and another 12% believe it reduces their likelihood of solving problems or writing creatively.
Alexandra Tomescu, OUP’s generative AI and machine learning product specialist, underscored just how timely this research is. It paints an inspiring picture of how young people in the UK are already informing the use of AI in their education. She argued that what has to be understood is the complexity of students’ perspectives on how this technology fits into their learning experience.
“The thing I find fascinating is how sophisticated the answers are,” – Alexandra Tomescu
Perhaps equally interesting, though, was Tomescu’s observation that students are acutely aware of what it means when they choose to use AI. She stated, “For 60% of students to say they are concerned that AI tools encourage copying rather than doing original work, that’s a very deep understanding of what your schoolwork is meant to help you do, and what the pitfalls and benefits are associated with this technology.”
These results underscore the grave worry our students feel. Almost 50% of respondents fear that their peers will be using AI for schoolwork behind the scenes, and that educators won’t catch them. This worry is part of a larger fear over how to use technology while preserving the rigor of academia.
Daniel Williams, assistant headteacher and AI lead at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School in Birmingham, confirmed the study’s conclusions. “Creativity, revision, problem-solving—that’s the way students are already using AI in positive ways,” he said. Too frequently they employ it as a shortcut, rather than leaning on it as a powerful resource to learn with.
“The findings closely reflect what I see in school. Many pupils recognise AI’s value for creativity, revision, and problem-solving but often use it as a shortcut rather than a learning tool.” – Daniel Williams
Here’s what a 15-year-old female student said about the impact AI had on her learning experience in math.
“I have been able to understand maths better and it helps me to solve difficult questions.” – 15-year-old female student
One 14-year-old male student reported a huge improvement in his brainpower after using AI.
“I now think faster than I used to.” – 14-year-old male student
Even with these apprehensions, 31% of students stood firm that AI has no negative effects on any of their skills. Future-ready students young learners today are living in an increasingly intricate technological landscape. This sentiment is a great illustration of their complex understanding of these hurdles.