Peer-reviewed research from Frontiers in Psychology explores whether AI technologies like ChatGPT should be embraced or banned in education. Discover evidence-based insights on educational goals, assessment methods, and digital transformation strategies.
A comprehensive research paper published in Frontiers in Psychology tackles one of education's most pressing questions: Should AI technologies like ChatGPT be embraced as educational allies or banned as threats to learning?
The study by Hong Yu provides a balanced analysis of both perspectives, ultimately arguing for thoughtful integration rather than prohibition—offering practical frameworks for educators navigating the AI revolution.
The research acknowledges legitimate concerns raised by scholars about ChatGPT in education:
| Challenge | Description |
|---|---|
| Data Quality Dependence | ChatGPT's responses are only as good as its training data |
| Knowledge Scope Limitations | AI cannot know everything and may have gaps |
| Ethical Issues | Potential biases and erroneous information in outputs |
| Privacy Concerns | Risk of data leakage and misuse |
| Technical Dependence | Over-reliance may weaken independent thinking |
The paper cites research showing ChatGPT may lead to:
However, the author argues that prohibition is misguided:
"It is not wise to prohibit the use of artificial intelligence technologies such as Chat GPT. As technology advances and artificial intelligence rapidly develops, the AI revolution has arrived."
Key reasons for embracing AI in education:
Before debating AI, the research examines fundamental problems in modern education that AI might help address:
1. Unequal Distribution of Resources
"The unequal distribution of educational resources manifests as a significant gap in educational resources between urban and rural areas or regions."
2. Unstable Education Quality
3. Insufficient and Outdated Content
4. Excessive Student Workload
5. Imperfect Assessment Systems
The research cites the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) findings:
"US fourth-grade students perform well globally; but when they reach eighth grade, their performance falls below the global average."
Why? US textbooks cover too many topics without depth. With stakeholders wanting their favorite content included, few consider what's truly important. ChatGPT makes this problem more visible—if AI can answer most textbook questions, what's the value of memorizing that content?
The research synthesizes multiple frameworks for 21st-century competencies:
US Department of Labor's Five Core Competencies (1991):
Tony Wagner's Seven Survival Skills:
Bernie Trilling and Charles Fadel's Three Skill Categories:
With AI's rise, education should cultivate students with:
| Competency Area | Key Skills |
|---|---|
| Core Competencies | Critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity |
| Self-Reliance Needs | Adaptability, self-direction, emotional intelligence |
| Future Career Skills | Digital literacy, collaboration, communication |
| Scientific & Social Survival | Data analysis, technology mastery, ethical reasoning |
The research argues that in the ChatGPT era, educational focus should shift:
From → To:
| Traditional Goal | AI-Era Goal |
|---|---|
| Imparting knowledge | Adaptive learning |
| Cultivating basic skills | Critical thinking development |
| Providing employment training | Problem analysis capabilities |
| Standardized learning | Personalized learning paths |
Students should learn to:
The teacher remains essential—but the role must transform:
| Traditional Role | Modern Role |
|---|---|
| Transmitter of knowledge | Facilitator of learning |
| Source of information | Learning partner and mentor |
| Normative assessor | Comprehensive evaluator |
| Rigorous instructor | Creative and innovative guide |
| Using media as objects | Using media as tools |
The research recommends diverse approaches that leverage AI while developing human capabilities:
Project-Based Learning
Experiential Learning
Inquiry-Based Learning
Cooperative Learning
Gamified Learning
Problem-Based Learning
Current assessment systems face fundamental limitations:
"The design concept of such exams is to objectively evaluate students' understanding of knowledge but it has also led to widespread cheating and the phenomenon of test-oriented education."
Issues with conventional assessment:
The research argues for prioritizing learning process evaluation:
"The learning process has profound influences on students' thinking styles, habits, and attitudes, which form the foundation for future development."
Why process matters:
A key recommendation is evaluating critical thinking as an essential indicator:
"Critical thinking is a unique core factor of human beings. It not only helps learners better understand and apply knowledge but also enables them to acquire information from the external environment and construct their own mental systems."
Why it's crucial in the AI era:
The research recommends diverse assessment methods:
| Assessment Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Classroom Performance | Observe engagement and participation |
| Homework | Evaluate independent learning |
| Exams | Measure knowledge comprehension |
| Project Practice | Assess applied skills |
| Process Documentation | Track learning journey |
Key principles:
The research notes different approaches may be appropriate:
K-12 Education:
"Some schools may limit the use of Chat GPT during the K-12 stage... this restriction is understandable since students are at a crucial stage of their cognitive and skill development."
Higher Education:
"For higher education students, they should learn to use available resources and tools to complete tasks efficiently and gain better development opportunities."
The research challenges educators:
"If Chat GPT can perfectly complete assignments assigned by university professors, the latter should reconsider the design of these assignments and evaluate if they could bring substantial improvement to students."
Assignment Design Principles:
While embracing AI, the research emphasizes:
The research offers a philosophical perspective:
"The development of technology has always been focused on improving human productivity and quality of life, not destroying the value of technology itself. Humans should cherish the technological achievements created by their predecessors."
Key insights:
The ultimate goal is synergy:
"Only when humans and technology complement each other can more efficient and convenient solutions be built to meet the needs of learning and social work."
Students need to develop:
At Archiv, we've designed our AI learning platform to embody the principles this research recommends.
| Research Recommendation | Archiv Implementation |
|---|---|
| Shift from knowledge transmission to adaptive learning | AI that guides discovery rather than delivering answers |
| Focus on critical thinking and problem analysis | Socratic dialogue that develops reasoning skills |
| Develop ability to identify and judge AI outputs | Learning experiences that require active evaluation |
| Cultivate problem discovery and solving abilities | Challenges that engage genuine thinking |
Our approach aligns with process-based evaluation:
Archiv helps educators transition to facilitative roles:
This Frontiers in Psychology research provides essential guidance for navigating AI in education:
"While leveraging its advantages, humans must recognize its potential risks and challenges and take appropriate measures to regulate and manage them, ensuring that AI technology can continue to contribute to education."
Understanding these dynamics empowers students to:
At Archiv, we're committed to AI learning that develops rather than diminishes human potential—supporting the critical thinking, creativity, and adaptive learning that this research shows are essential for the AI era.
Yu, H. (2023). Reflection on whether Chat GPT should be banned by academia from the perspective of education and teaching. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1181712. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1181712
Ready to experience AI-assisted learning designed for the future of education? Start your journey with Archiv and discover how thoughtful AI integration can develop your critical thinking while preparing you for success in the AI era.