Written by Maria Frayenta Paput, Fransiska Kabrini Nilgen, Kristiani Edom, Paulinus Etmerson Omas, and Oktavianus Sentosa
MANGGARAI, PENA1NTT.COM – The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the field of education presents a complex dilemma. On the one hand, AI offers extraordinary efficiency and a personalised learning experience.
On the other hand, there are legitimate concerns that this technology may erode the very essence of education—namely, the development of ethical, critically thinking, and empathetic individuals.
The 6th ICHELAC Seminar, themed “Humanising Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Ethical, Cultural, and Linguistic Integration for a Global Learning Ecosystem”, explored the world of education shaped by the presence of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The seminar featured several speakers presenting on AI-related topics, one of whom was RAMIR S. AUSTRIA, Ph.D., from the University of the Cordilleras.
In his presentation titled “Centering Human Dignity and Ethical Framework for AI Use in Learning Environments”, Mr Ramir explained the dangers of AI in the world of education.
He stated that “in everything we do, we will be left behind if we do not embrace AI; we will fall behind if we continue to cling to conventional methods in doing what we have always done.”
This means that in the world of education, AI has become a highly influential factor in the continuity of the learning process; AI acts as an assistant that is always ready to provide answers and complete tasks swiftly.
This will have a detrimental effect on students, as AI makes them increasingly reluctant to learn and their critical thinking skills will also diminish.
AI may be able to explain mathematical concepts faster than any teacher, but it cannot detect when a student is losing motivation, offer genuine moral encouragement, or serve as a role model.
This is where the greatest irony lies. The more advanced AI becomes, the clearer it is that the human role as a teacher is irreplaceable.
A teacher is not merely a conveyor of information; they are guardians of ethics, facilitators of critical thinking, and figures who shape students’ values and character.
These functions cannot be entrusted to algorithms, no matter how intelligent they may be.
However, rejecting AI entirely is not a wise approach either. Teachers who refuse to adapt to technology risk leaving their students ill-prepared for the real world—a world that has been shaped and will continue to be influenced by AI. What is needed is not rejection, but awareness.
The greatest challenge lies not in the technology itself, but in us as its users. Do we use AI to think more deeply, or do we simply stop thinking altogether? Does AI enrich learning interactions, or does it replace them with cold, unempathetic screens?
The future of education requires teachers who are not only tech-savvy but also strongly committed to upholding human values amidst the wave of digitalisation. AI is a tool—and like all tools, its value depends entirely on the wisdom of the hand that wields it.
Furthermore, AI must be viewed as a collaborative partner, not a threat to education. When used responsibly, AI can assist teachers in preparing learning materials, analysing student progress, and providing additional learning support outside the classroom.
This allows educators to spend more time on meaningful interactions with students, such as guiding, motivating, and fostering social and emotional development.
However, the growing reliance on AI also demands stronger digital literacy and ethical awareness among teachers and students.
Educational institutions must ensure that AI is used to support creativity, critical thinking, and independent learning, rather than to encourage shortcuts or academic dishonesty.
