By Oluwatoyin Hawal Momolosho

In this 21st century, people have become more aware and enlightened than our forefathers. We no longer have to travel long distances to show kindness to friends and family. Our perspectives have shifted from the darkness of the past to a brighter, more illuminated understanding. Nobody is willing to go through the same hardships that our ancestors faced. Civilization and technology have continually advanced, making tasks easier and more efficient. However, this has led to a sense of complacency among the youth, who are less motivated to work hard because they can achieve in a few hours what took their elders days or weeks to accomplish. As a result, the youth of today are less serious and less driven than they were 20 years ago.

However, Artificial intelligence (AI) means the ability of machines or computer programs to teach and predict like humans. It involves creating intelligent systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as:

Learning from experience, Reasoning and problem-solving, Recognizing images and speech, Understanding language, and Making decisions and predictions.

AI systems use algorithms, data, and sensors to make decisions and interact with the world around them. They can be applied in various fields, including:

Virtual assistants, Image and speech recognition, Natural language processing, Robotics, Predictive analytics, Autonomous vehicles, Healthcare, and Education.

While the goals of AI include: Automation, Efficiency, Accuracy, Enhanced decision-making, and Improved customer experience.

Moreover, AI has the potential to revolutionize many industries and transform the way we live and work.

Over the past weeks, Oluwatoyin Hawal Momolosho had the opportunity to engage students from various higher institutions in Nigeria in a discussion series, exploring the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their educational journey. The students shared numerous thoughts and questions, which inspired this story. In an interview with one of the students, he shared how AI has both helped and hindered his academic pursuits, and he elaborated on his experiences.

According to him, “Artificial intelligence has touched my academic pursuit in both ways. On the positive side, it has helped me with research and data analysis, making it easier for me to access relevant information and produce high-quality work. On the negative side, I find myself relying too heavily on AI-powered tools, which can lead to a lack of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It’s a double-edged sword, and I’m still learning to balance the benefits and drawbacks.”

Advantage: What Students Stand to Gain Using Ai?

Abdul Majeed Ibrahim , a student of federal university kastina claimed that, “AI has transformed the way I learn. With personalized learning tools, I can now grasp concepts at my own pace. It’s like having a dedicated tutor always available. AI has boosted my confidence and improved my grades significantly. For instance, I struggled with math last year, but with AI-powered adaptive learning software, I’m now exceling in the subject. It’s amazing how AI can tailor education to individual needs, making learning more effective and enjoyable. I feel more prepared for my future academic and professional endeavors.”

David Samuel said, “AI-powered career guidance has been a game-changer for me. I was initially unsure about my career path, but the AI system helped me identify my strengths and interests, and suggested relevant career paths. It even provided me with information on job market trends, salary ranges, and required skills. I now have a clear direction and motivation to pursue my dreams. AI has opened up new opportunities for me, and I’m excited to pursue a career in data science. The guidance AI provided has saved me time and stress, and I feel more confident in my future prospects.”

While having a conversation with Ahmad Kadijah, she joyfully appreciating what Artificial intelligence has done her education progress. In her statement, she stated, “it has made learning more engaging and fun. Interactive simulations and virtual labs have helped me understand complex concepts in a more practical way. I can now visualize and interact with 3D models, which has improved my understanding of subjects like biology and chemistry. AI has also assisted me in developing valuable skills like data analysis and problem-solving, which I know will benefit me in my future career. Additionally, AI-powered tools have helped me streamline my study process, allowing me to focus on areas where I need improvement. Overall, AI has transformed my learning experience, making it more enjoyable, effective, and relevant to my future goals.”

Disadvantage: Does AI Hinder students performance?

“While AI has improved learning in some ways, it’s also made me reliant on technology. I find myself struggling with basic math calculations and writing skills because AI does everything for me. I’m worried that I’ll lose these essential skills altogether. For instance, I was working on a math problem, and the AI tool kept giving me the answers without explaining the steps. I felt like I was cheating, but also concerned that I’m not actually learning. I wish there was a balance between using AI as a tool and developing my own skills and knowledge,” Yusuf Mariam lamented.

According to lukaman Ridwan , “AI-powered grading systems have been a nightmare for me. They often misgrade my assignments, and I have to spend hours appealing the decisions. It’s frustrating and stressful, and I feel like I’m being judged by a machine rather than a human teacher who understands context and nuance. Last week, I submitted an essay that explored both sides of a complex issue, but the AI grader marked me down for not taking a clear stance. It didn’t understand that I was trying to showcase my critical thinking skills. I’m worried that these AI systems will become the norm, and we’ll lose the personal touch that makes learning meaningful.”

Expert Reaction

Abel Onabanjo, a Screenwriter and researcher shared that, “The issue is not the use of AI, but the conscience. When we do something, our conscience interplay compelling us to feel as either bad or good depending on what’s done.

AI is a mechanism developed to help out. To make writing stress-free and add to creativity. From the simple auto-corrections on our keyboard when we miss-typed a word or sentence to Siri on our phone to more sophisticated technology that can write a whole book, AI pervades our lives.

Some budding writers are often caught between self-lashing, self-criticism or fear of using it. “Oh, will I not lose my creativity for using AI” or “Will people not see me as a phoney for using AI” hence the build of negative or unnecessary tension.

As I have said, this is a mechanism to make life better. So many people use it. Not limited to professionals.

The only ‘But’ is overdependency. The obsession to use AI for any form of writing can create more self-criticism and the fear of losing one’s creativity. For professionals whose skills have already been sharpened before the invention of AI, AI becomes ‘just’ a tool (writing or research tool) to make his/her writing fast, more enticing, accurate, precise and error-free. For novices, It is not advisable to become obsessed with using AI. It can be used to a considerable degree, but manual writing should be prioritized for self-confidence.”

Efosa Taiwo, a writer, Author, and researcher claimed, “In my opinion, it’s essential to avoid overreliance on AI. While AI is a valuable tool, it’s important to remember that it’s merely a complement to human knowledge and understanding. AI is similar to Google – a useful resource, but not a comprehensive one. For students currently in school, it’s crucial to strike a balance between leveraging AI and utilizing traditional learning methods, such as classroom instruction, textbook reading, and relationships with lecturers and peers. AI and Google should supplement, not replace, these essential learning experiences. By recognizing the value of both technology and human learning, students can maximize their educational growth and development.”

Oluwatoyin Hawal Momolosho is a dedicated journalist working with Confidence News Ng, he is committed to shedding light on pressing issues affecting communities and nationwide.