The AI Learning Paradox: Better Results, Less Learning?

In this episode Ray and Dan explore a whirlwind of AI announcements and research, asking a critical question: Is AI helping students learn, or simply helping them produce better work?

Australian universities are going all-in on AI, with UNSW, Flinders and the University of Sydney announcing major rollouts. Meanwhile, New South Wales schools are being warned not to rely on AI detection tools to identify cheating.

The research raises fascinating questions. Estonia's nationwide AI experiment reveals surprising student resistance to AI tutoring, while OECD PISA data highlights concerning links between frequent AI use and lower assessment scores. New research also explores the Learning Performance Paradox - when AI improves students' work without improving their understanding.

Ray and Dan also discuss screen time in schools, the disappearance of Custom GPTs and Gems, and why much AI education research needs greater rigour.

Plus, Ray announces that his complete AI for Humans course is now available free!

Links and resources

• Uni's go all-in on AI tools - with UNSW, Flinders, The University of Sydney and Western Syndey University all jumping on the AI bus

• NESA say "No way" to AI Detectors

• UNESCO - The Algorithm in the Room

• OECD - PISA research on AI use and student performance

• Estonia - AI Leap programme findings

• NSW research - Dr Jo Orlando's school screen-time study

• Research - In Vino, Veritas, and Vulnerabilities

• Research - Stanford's Understanding the Evidence Base on AI in K-12 Education

• Research - Generative AI in Legal Education: A Two-Year Experiment

• Research - Building AI companions that prioritise learning over performance

And finally, did we mention this enough?

• AI for Humans - Free AI fluency course