AI is changing the way we work, learn, and solve problems. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are designed to create responses that sound remarkably like expert knowledge on almost any topic. This raises an interesting question: can AI genuinely support human expertise?
For both novices and experts, the implications of AI are significant. While it has the potential to enhance learning and decision-making, the way individuals interact with it varies based on their level of experience. A recent study explored how AI impacts users differently depending on their expertise.
Read on to learn more about:
- The challenges of using AI in education
- What research says about how experts use AI
- How novices can take advantage of AI tools
How experts leverage AI
In short, experts have a deep understanding of their fields, which allows them to use AI more effectively as a tool rather than relying on it as a definitive source of truth. This recent study found that instead of accepting AI-generated responses at face value, experts treat AI as a co-intelligence – an assistant that helps refine ideas and streamline workflows to enhance productivity.
The researchers reported that one of AI’s biggest advantages for experts is efficiency. Repetitive tasks can take up a lot of time. AI tools help professionals by completing these lower-level tasks for them. This support can be particularly valuable in reducing teacher burnout, which is often linked to overwhelming workloads. Recent studies suggest that AI can help save 30% of time spent on lesson plans, for example.
How novices interact with AI
On the other hand, the aforementioned study found that novices benefit more from using AI as a stepping stone into complex subjects. Without as much prior knowledge to draw from, students often don’t have a clear strategy for solving new problems and may resort to trial-and-error. This can place a heavy cognitive burden on learners.
AI can help reduce this cognitive load by offering structured support through scaffolding, by breaking down complex topics into smaller, more manageable steps. This gradual learning process allows novices to build understanding at a comfortable pace, helping them develop problem-solving strategies without feeling overwhelmed.
AI can also serve as a model for expert-like behaviour, guiding learners toward best practices in different domains. Because generative AI is trained on vast amounts of data, it can mimic structured reasoning and expert thinking. This allows learners to observe and adopt these patterns in their own problem-solving processes.
Challenges of using AI
While AI offers numerous benefits, it also comes with challenges that experts and novices alike must navigate carefully.
1. Inaccurate information
AI-generated content isn’t always accurate; AI can produce misleading, outdated, or even completely incorrect information. Experts are usually better at catching these mistakes, but even they can sometimes be misled. For novices, the challenge is even greater – they may lack the background knowledge needed to recognise when AI outputs are flawed. This makes it essential for all users to fact-check AI-generated responses and supplement them with trusted sources.
2. Limitations in skill development
While AI can help develop certain learning abilities, it falls short when it comes to fostering interpersonal skills. For example, in education, great teachers don’t just deliver content – they build relationships with students, understand their unique needs, and adapt their teaching accordingly. AI can help with instructional planning, but it can’t replicate the human connection that fosters student success. Strong teacher-student relationships play a critical role in learning outcomes, and no AI tool can replace that level of emotional intelligence and adaptability.
3. The risks of offloading lower-level tasks
AI can handle lower-level tasks efficiently, but there’s a risk in offloading too much. Becoming an expert in any field requires hands-on practice and engagement in all aspects of the work. If teachers, for instance, depend entirely on AI to create lesson plans, they miss opportunities to refine their own instructional techniques. Likewise, students relying on AI to generate test questions miss out on the benefits of making their own.
Think of AI as a collaborator rather than a replacement. The best approach is to start with an idea, use AI to enhance it, and then refine the output with your own expertise, knowledge, and personal touch. To learn more about how to do this, check out our blog on 8 principles for effective AI use.
Final thoughts
AI has the potential to transform both expert and novice workflows, but its effectiveness depends on how it is used. Experts can leverage AI to automate repetitive tasks, and novices can use AI as a learning aid. But in both cases, we must also be mindful of the risks associated with over-reliance on AI-generated content.
Ultimately, the most effective use of AI in education involves a balance between technology and human expertise. AI should always act as a support system, not a substitute for critical thinking and skill acquisition.
