
Education Research Reading Room ERRR #102. Benjamin Riley on the dangers of AI in Education
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May 7, 2025 Benjamin Riley, founder of Cognitive Resonance and former head of Deans for Impact, dives deep into the perils of AI in education. He highlights the necessity for caution in applying AI technologies, discussing their unpredictable nature and ethical implications. Riley contrasts the evolution of educational systems in Australia and England, emphasizing the role of cognitive science and collaborative efforts. The conversation also touches on the societal risks of AI, including its potential to undermine traditional teaching and its connection to authoritarianism.
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Skepticism on AI in Education
- AI's educational benefits are heavily promoted but may be overstated or premature.
- Ben Riley hesitates to endorse AI integration due to its unproven educational value and broader risks.
AI Undermines Student Thinking
- AI threatens learning by enabling students to outsource thinking and writing.
- Writing and thinking are intertwined; avoiding this process harms knowledge building.
AI Reinforces Bias and Issues
- AI reproduces and reinforces societal biases embedded in training data.
- It also raises environmental, ethical, and intellectual property concerns globally.



