Over the last few years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become more than just a tech buzzword. It’s now part of how we live, work and learn. So we have to speak about the risks, chances and rules for using AI in learning and education(Pros and cons in school). Whether you’re a high school student using an app to study for a math test, a university professor grading papers, or a curious adult learning a new language online. There are so many possibilities to use AI in education.
As someone who’s spent time working with both students and teachers, I’ve seen firsthand how AI tools are quietly reshaping the way we teach and learn. In this article, I want to share a realistic view: the exciting chances, the real risks, the tools and the rules that can help us use AI wisely in education.
AI for Learning: Already Here and Growing Fast
Let’s start with the obvious: AI isn’t some far-off technology of the future. It’s already in schools and universities around the world.
Just last month, a colleague of mine I know was struggling to understand a complex math task. Instead of getting frustrated, she opened her phone, asked ChatGPT for a simple explanation—and finally got it. That moment of clarity took less than 30 seconds.
And she’s not alone.
Other tools like Gemini (Google’s AI assistant), Duolingo Max (which uses GPT-4 to help with languages), or Khan Academy’s Khanmigo are already helping thousands of learners around the world.
Teachers, too, are using AI:
➤ To create quizzes in minutes
➤ To summarize long academic texts
➤ To translate learning materials for multilingual classrooms
It’s not about replacing teachers—it’s about giving them more possibilities to create interesting school lessons or lectures.
Real Chances of Learning with AI
So what exactly makes AI so valuable in education?
Here are a few benefits I’ve seen up close:
➤ Personalized learning
One of the biggest advantages of AI is how it adapts. Whether you’re ahead of the class or need more time, AI tools can give you content that matches your level. It’s like having a private tutor who knows exactly where you’re stuck.
➤ Better accessibility
Students with learning difficulties or language barriers benefit enormously from AI tools. For instance, text-to-speech functions help those with reading disabilities, while instant translations break language barriers.
➤ Fast feedback
Remember waiting days or even weeks to get feedback on your homework? AI can check grammar, explain mistakes, or even suggest improvements instantly. That kind of speed changes how students learn from their errors.
➤ Support for teachers
AI doesn’t just help students. It saves teachers hours of work—drafting lesson plans, creating differentiated materials, or grading assignments more efficiently.
Let’s be honest: time saved on admin work is time that can be used for real teaching.
Risks of using AI must also be considered
Of course, not everything is perfect. With all the potential of AI comes a serious set of risks. And ignoring them would be irresponsible.
➤ Risk 1: Academic dishonesty
Some students are already using AI to cheat. I’ve seen essays written entirely by ChatGPT or homework submitted without any personal effort. It’s easy, fast, and tempting.
That’s why many schools and universities are creating AI usage guidelines. They’re not banning AI—but they’re drawing clear lines around what’s allowed.
Take Cambridge University, for example. They’ve published principles that encourage transparency when AI is used and stress that AI should support, not replace, original thinking.
➤ Risk 2: Privacy and data safety
Another concern: AI tools often collect personal data. If schools don’t pay attention to how data is stored or shared, this could become a serious issue—especially when dealing with minors.
UNESCO’s 2023 Guidelines on AI in Education call this out clearly: any use of AI in learning environments must prioritize student safety and privacy.
➤ Risk 3: Over-reliance on AI
A big worry is that students might stop thinking for themselves. If you always ask an AI for the answer, when do you actually learn how to solve problems on your own?
It’s important to teach students not just how to use AI—but also when not to use it.
➤ Risk 4: AI is not always right
Finally, let’s remember: AI tools are powerful, but not perfect. They can give wrong information or show biases based on the data they were trained on.
We need to teach students to question AI, double-check sources, and think critically—skills that are more important now than ever.
Beyond ChatGPT: Tools That Are Actually Helping
You probably already know about ChatGPT and Gemini, but here are some less famous tools that I’ve seen work well in real classrooms and study settings:
| Tool | What It Does | Best For |
| Khanmigo | AI tutor from Khan Academy. Explains problems step-by-step. | School students |
| Perplexity AI | AI that helps with research and gives sources. | University research |
| Socratic (by Google) | Uses AI and search to explain homework questions. | High school learners |
| Gradescope | Helps teachers grade assignments faster with AI-assisted rubrics. | Professors, large classes |
| Otter.ai | Transcribes spoken content like lectures or group discussions. | University students, note-takers |
| Quillbot / Grammarly | Help students with writing, grammar, paraphrasing. | Essays, reports, presentations |
The key here is not just using these tools—but knowing what they’re good for and what their limits are.
The AIUSE Framework: A Simple Model for Responsible AI Use
So how can schools and universities make sure AI is used in a meaningful and ethical way?
One helpful guide is the AIUSE model—a simple five-part framework that can support educators and institutions.
Here’s what it stands for:
➤ A – Awareness
Build understanding among students and teachers about what AI is, what it can (and can’t) do.
➤ I – Integration
Use AI tools in a thoughtful way that supports learning—not just because it’s trendy.
➤ U – Use Guidelines
Set clear rules for what’s allowed and what’s not. Avoid confusion or abuse.
➤ S – Skills Development
Teach students how to use AI responsibly—critical thinking, digital literacy, and ethical use.
➤ E – Evaluation
Keep checking what’s working and what’s not. Adapt policies and tools as things evolve.
It’s a flexible model, and I believe it can help schools of all sizes—from small classrooms to big universities—use AI in ways that are safe, fair, and effective.
Final Thoughts
AI is here to stay. But in education, it’s not just about having access to the newest tools—it’s about how we use them.
We need to keep asking questions:
➤ Are we helping students become more independent learners?
➤ Are we protecting their privacy and values?
➤ Are we giving teachers the right support?
When used with care, AI can truly transform education. But like any tool, it needs a thoughtful hand.
Let’s make sure we’re using it to build better learning—not shortcuts.
Hello,
thank you for the interesting article about this very important AI topic. I have also children, which are currently starting with using AI and this post was a good help.
Thank you, Paul, for your feedback. It motivates me to write more AI articles on this topic.
Best Regards
Torben