- A study tracked 26,811 Chinese students aged 12 to 18 from January 2023 to June 2025 to assess the impact of generative AI on learning.
- Approximately 80% of students used AI models like Doubao and DeepSeek, while 20% who did not use them served as the control group.
- After 6 months, the homework scores of the AI-using group increased by an average of 18% compared to before.
- The time spent completing homework decreased from an average of 64 minutes to 45 minutes.
- However, the exam scores of the AI-using group were about 20% lower than those of the non-using group.
- The traditional link between homework scores and exam scores was reversed, as many students with high homework scores achieved lower exam results.
- The negative impact was mainly concentrated among students who used AI to complete assignments faster.
- Students who still spent an amount of time on assignments equivalent to the non-AI group saw almost no decrease in exam scores.
- This indicates that how AI is used is more important than whether it is used at all.
- The group that maintained their performance often used AI as a personal tutor to explain concepts or support problem-solving step-by-step.
- Another study from Middlebury College had students learn a new topic with or without a chatbot.
- Students using AI achieved higher test scores, and this advantage was maintained after one week.
- Researchers believe that AI can enhance learning efficiency if used correctly.
- Students should avoid relying on AI-generated answers before thinking and solving problems themselves.
- Current evidence is limited but shows that AI brings both opportunities for increased learning productivity and the potential risk of undermining the thinking process if abused.
📌 AI does not automatically reduce learning ability; the impact depends on how learners use it. Data from over 26,000 students shows that AI helps increase homework scores by 18% and reduces completion time from 64 to 45 minutes, but exam scores are 20% lower if students use AI to replace thinking. Conversely, when AI is used as a tutor to explain knowledge, learning benefits are maintained and can even last over time.
