Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become part of everyday life. It ranges from predictive text on phones to complex decision-making tools in medicine and finance. In education, the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT has prompted excitement, concern, and a wave of important questions: Is AI a support tool for learning or a shortcut that undermines it? Should students use AI in their studies, and if so, how?
As UK classrooms and families navigate the implications of AI, the answer may not be black or white. Instead, it lies in how these tools are used and understood.
What AI Offers Students and Teachers
AI tools can significantly enhance the learning experience. They can explain complex topics in different ways, provide instant feedback, and help students brainstorm ideas or revise content. Teachers are using AI to streamline lesson planning, track progress, and even differentiate materials for learners with varying needs.
For students with additional needs, AI can offer accessibility tools such as speech-to-text, language translation, or personalised reading support. These are real advantages that can improve educational outcomes when used with guidance and intention.
AI also helps reduce the workload of educators, freeing up time for more personal interaction with students. Tools like automatic grading, adaptive learning software, and curriculum generation apps allow teachers to focus more on mentorship and emotional support rather than paperwork. This blend of efficiency and empathy is becoming a hallmark of AI-enhanced teaching.
Where Caution Is Needed
However, AI also brings challenges. Students may be tempted to rely on it too heavily for homework or assessments, reducing opportunities for genuine understanding. Schools are now facing a growing need to educate young people about academic honesty in the age of AI.
There are also concerns around bias in AI algorithms, privacy, and the risk of misinformation. Especially if students don’t have the critical thinking skills to evaluate AI-generated content, it becomes an issue. Moreover, a heavy reliance on AI could create learning inequalities. Only those with guidance know how to use it effectively, leaving others behind.
There is also the issue of screen fatigue and cognitive overload. Continuous interaction with digital platforms, especially unsupported by real-life instruction or discussion, may impact student focus, retention, and mental health. A growing number of parents and educators are raising the alarm about children becoming passive consumers of information rather than active participants in their own learning.
AI Literacy: A New Core Skill
Rather than banning AI, many experts argue that students need to be taught how to use it responsibly. This means understanding AI’s limitations and verifying AI-generated information. Additionally, using it as a starting point rather than an end point, and maintaining core skills like writing, calculation, and analysis are crucial.
Teaching AI literacy is becoming as important as digital literacy. It prepares students for a future where AI will play a role in most industries and professions.
Schools and tutoring services can play a vital role here, offering workshops and classes that challenge students to critique AI responses. Additionally, they can generate their own answers and use AI as a thinking partner—not a replacement for effort or originality.
A Role for Online and In-Person Tutoring
Online tutoring platforms like Battersea House are well-positioned to help students use AI constructively. Tutors can guide students in how to use AI for revision or idea generation. They can also help them distinguish between helpful support and overreliance. This reinforces foundational knowledge and skills that AI can’t replace.
In-person tutoring also offers unique benefits in this digital age. Face-to-face sessions can provide nuanced feedback tailored to individual needs. This fosters stronger interpersonal relationships and trust between tutor and student. It also helps students develop executive functioning skills like time management and focus without digital distractions. Moreover, it offers a structured environment where learning is grounded in dialogue, not just screen-based input.
The human element—empathy, encouragement, and accountability—remains one of the most powerful tools in education. In-person tutoring helps build these elements into a student’s routine. This ensures they not only learn but grow in confidence and independence.
Many parents are now seeking blended models, where children benefit from the convenience of online tutoring alongside occasional in-person sessions. This hybrid approach offers both flexibility and depth, allowing for review, reflection, and real-time adaptation.
The Psychological Side of AI and Learning
While AI can assist in knowledge delivery, it lacks emotional intelligence. This includes the ability to read a student’s mood, respond to their anxiety, or encourage resilience after failure. Human educators and tutors play a critical role in these moments. They help students believe in their abilities and remain motivated.
Furthermore, overuse of AI tools can diminish self-esteem. Students might begin to equate speed and automation with intelligence. A key task for modern education is to separate convenience from competence. We need to help students understand that their value isn’t measured by how quickly they get an answer, but by how well they understand and apply it.
Ethical and Safeguarding Considerations
As AI becomes more embedded in educational platforms, questions arise around data use, algorithm transparency, and safeguarding. Parents and schools must be informed about how their child’s data is stored and who has access to it. Additionally, understanding how algorithms might influence learning paths or assessments is crucial.
Some experts are now calling for standardized guidelines across educational AI tools. This includes clearer disclaimers about the limitations of AI-generated content. Moreover, built-in tools to help students check for accuracy and bias are recommended.
Final Thoughts
So, is AI a friend or foe in the classroom? It can be both. Used wisely, AI has the potential to make learning more inclusive, efficient, and engaging. But without careful guidance, it can also reduce critical thinking and genuine learning.
The key is balance. As parents, educators, and tutors, we must equip students not only with knowledge but with the judgment to use technology ethically and effectively. With the right support—whether through expert-led online tuition or in-person guidance—AI can become a powerful ally in the classroom of the future.
By investing in both technological literacy and human connection, we can create an education system. It will prepare students not just for the tests of today, but for the complex world they’ll shape tomorrow.
Want your child to develop strong skills alongside smart use of technology? Explore personalised online tutoring options with Battersea House or learn how we support student confidence and digital awareness.