Dr Ayesha Khanna warns AI use in schools weakens critical thinking

Technology expert Dr. Ayesha Khanna has cautioned that the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) to complete school assignments could significantly undermine students' critical-thinking skills. Speaking at the "IMF Inspired" session during the 2026 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Dr. Khanna highlighted the potential long-term academic consequences of over-dependence on automated tools. She argued that while technology offers efficiency, it should not replace the foundational cognitive processes required for deep learning and analysis.

During her address, Dr. Khanna noted that students who lean too heavily on AI risk losing the ability to formulate independent arguments. She expressed concern that the convenience of generated text might bypass the rigorous mental exercise of researching, synthesizing information, and constructing a logical narrative. This lack of engagement with the material, she warned, often leads to poor knowledge retention, as students become mere conduits for AI-generated outputs rather than active learners.

The warning comes as educational institutions globally grapple with the integration of generative AI into the classroom. The session at the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings provided a platform for global experts to discuss the intersection of emerging technologies and human capital development. Dr. Khanna’s insights suggest a need for educators to reconsider how assignments are structured to ensure that students continue to develop the essential analytical skills required in a rapidly evolving global economy.