20th January 2025
Initially cautious about using AI in his work, Krystian explains how he felt that it disrupted his flow of thoughts. Over time, however, his perspective shifted, and he began to view AI as a valuable assistant to help develop his ideas. He shares, "in software development, our thought process is inherently sequential and logical, mirroring the flow of natural language. AI, however, often generates code in isolated blocks, lacking the organic continuity that characterises human problem-solving. While it can produce functional snippets, it frequently misses the overarching logic that ties a complete solution together".
AI is still akin to a recent graduate. It possesses vast knowledge but lacks the experiential wisdom
Krystian emphasises that understanding the foundations of what you're working on, such as when he is creating software, is essential before relying on AI. He says, "I need to have a deep understanding of how things works to then be able to change it." He likens this to industries such as 3D art, where AI has shifted the role of artists from creating models to merely fixing AI-generated designs, potentially limiting the development of deep technical skills. For Krystian, AI should complement, not replace, a solid understanding of the subject, ensuring that students remain engaged with the material in a meaningful way.
When it comes to integrating AI into education, Krystian stresses the importance of managing expectations. He makes an interesting comparison: "AI is still akin to a recent graduate with an encyclopedic memory: it possesses vast knowledge but lacks the experiential wisdom to anticipate future challenges or contextualise information within broader strategic frameworks." While AI can provide valuable information, it cannot foresee future needs or consider the broader consequences of decisions the way an experienced professional can. He highlights how a senior colleague may not give you a direct answer but will instead offer guidance on the potential impacts of your choices - something AI still cannot do.
It's like GPS: if you rely too much on it, you lose the ability to navigate on your own
To illustrate the potential dangers of over-reliance on AI, Krystian offers a further analogy to GPS. "AI can be like GPS: it helps you get to your destination, but if you rely too much on it, you lose the ability to navigate on your own," he says. Krystian further notes that AI, like GPS, isn't always accurate - it can provide outdated or incorrect information. "There have been times when GPS told me to turn right, but the road was blocked," he says, underlining the importance of not blindly following AI's suggestions. For Krystian, the key to using AI effectively is to engage with it thoughtfully, rather than simply accepting its answers.
Krystian is particularly concerned about how over-reliance on AI might affect students' ability to think critically. As Krystian explains, "Human creativity is fundamentally a process of novel association – synthesising disparate pieces of information to generate unique insights and solutions. This cognitive flexibility is what sets human intelligence apart from current AI capabilities." While some AI tools right now provide answers quickly, Krystian worries that they could encourage passive learning, where students no longer actively engage with the material. He points out, "active recall is crucial for cognitive development and long-term retention. By bypassing this process and relying solely on AI for answers, we risk weakening our neural pathways and diminishing our capacity for independent critical thinking and problem-solving."
At Tutello, the focus is on ensuring students receive relevant, accurate material that is tailored to their specific courses, allowing them to engage more thoughtfully and interrogate the material. "If you have AI that you can ask for an answer to solve your homework, you'll naturally be tempted to use it," Krystian observes, noting that this can hinder active learning. Drawing from his own experience, he reflects, "it's not school that makes you interested in science, it's the teachers." Ultimately, Krystian envisions AI as a tool that complements traditional learning methods, helping students become active participants in their educational journey.
I finish by asking Krystian if he has any advice for institutions looking to implement AI into their digital strategies. Stressing the importance of creating environments where AI enhances the teaching and learning experience, Krystian suggests institutions should use this period to self-reflect. "The goal," Krystian emphasises, "is to harness AI as a powerful educational tool while nurturing the uniquely human skills of creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. By striking this balance, we can prepare students not just for the jobs of tomorrow, but for lifelong learning in an AI-augmented world."