Sir, – Ian Robertson argues that when we consistently take the easy route and let artificial intelligence (AI) do our thinking, we risk weakening our cognitive abilities (“Every time we take the easy route and let AI think for us first we risk weakening our brains”, Opinion, May 2nd).
I sat my Leaving Certificate in 1986, the first year students were permitted to use calculators in the mathematics exam. At the time, this change was controversial and sparked debate in classrooms. Many teachers feared students would become overly dependent on calculators, losing essential numerical and problem-solving skills.
The debate highlighted a wider issue in education: is the role of technology to substitute effort or to enhance understanding?
Decades later, a similar conversation has emerged with the advent of AI.
RM Block
Interestingly, the experience with calculators suggests these fears may be overstated. Subsequent studies have shown their use did not ultimately diminish students’ mathematical ability in any significant way.
Perhaps instead of resisting the integration of AI in education, we might be better served by thoughtfully engaging with it as part of an inevitable evolution. – Yours, etc,
MAEVE O’HARE,
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.
