Teaching and learning with AI: Experts say technology should support learning, not replace it

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday life for children and teenagers, showing up in classrooms, homework assignments and even social interactions.

While experts say AI can be a valuable educational tool, they also caution parents to make sure it enhances learning rather than replaces critical thinking.

Dr. Katy Hopkins, executive medical director of pediatric behavioral health for Norton Children’s and a clinical child and adolescent psychologist, said AI has rapidly become a normal part of many young people’s lives.

“It’s gone from a novelty to normal for kids,” Hopkins said. “Most teenagers have used some form of generative AI, and many use AI companion apps regularly. It’s showing up in homework help, brainstorming, tutoring and increasingly conversation and companionship.”

Hopkins said one of AI’s greatest strengths is its ability to provide personalized learning support.

Research has shown that AI-assisted tutoring, when paired with guidance from a teacher or another adult, can help students learn more efficiently while keeping them engaged. It can also provide additional support for students who may be struggling academically.

Despite those benefits, Hopkins said parents and educators should be mindful of how children use the technology.

“The biggest concern is that AI can quietly do the mental work that a child’s brain still needs to practice,” Hopkins said.

She explained that adolescence is a critical period for brain development, when young people are strengthening the skills needed for problem-solving, decision-making and critical thinking.

Hopkins pointed to early research suggesting that heavy reliance on AI may reduce critical thinking if students allow the technology to generate answers instead of working through problems themselves. However, she emphasized that AI is not inherently harmful.

“When kids actively direct AI as a tool rather than handing over their thinking, some studies are actually showing higher engagement and creativity,” Hopkins said. “The difference is whether AI is doing the thinking for our kids or helping build upon their own ideas.”

For parents wondering whether AI is helping or hindering their child’s learning, Hopkins recommends a simple test.

Ask children to explain how they arrived at an answer without looking at the AI tool.

“If they can walk you through their reasoning, then AI likely helped scaffold their learning,” she said. “If they can produce the answer but can’t explain how they got there, then it’s avoiding learning rather than supporting it.”

Hopkins also said AI can affect students’ confidence. While it can encourage struggling learners by providing immediate feedback, over-reliance may leave children doubting their own abilities.

“Some teenagers say they no longer trust themselves to make a decision without checking AI first,” Hopkins said. “We really need to be careful about that.”

She encourages parents to keep conversations about AI open and judgment-free instead of trying to secretly monitor their children’s technology use.

Rather than banning AI altogether, Hopkins recommends learning about it alongside children and asking them to demonstrate how they use it.

“One of the best ways to find out what your child knows is to have them teach you,” Hopkins said. “Use that as an opportunity to connect with your child and start conversations about how they’re using AI.”

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, Hopkins said parents play an important role in helping children develop healthy habits that allow technology to support learning while ensuring they continue building the thinking and problem-solving skills they’ll need throughout life.