Excessive dependence on AI could erode higher-order thinking: AI expert-educator Clif Kussmaul

Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert Clif Kussmaul has said that generative AI should be treated as a powerful, but limited tool, and not as a substitute for human thinking. The United States-based computer science educator also cautioned that an unquestioning reliance on the technology could weaken education, research, and professional judgement.

He was delivering the keynote address at the International Conclave of Generative AI and the Future of Education 3.0 organised by the Institute of Human Resources Development (IHRD) here on Friday.

Dr. Kussmaul elaborated on what present generative AI systems do well. While these include summarising content, searching large volumes of information, handling repetitive tasks and assisting with programming, such strengths are accompanied by serious weaknesses, he cautioned. He added that such tools, which are trained largely on older internet data, frequently produce obsolete or incorrect responses while failing to acknowledge uncertainty.

Addressing widespread fears about job losses, the expert opined that history shows new technologies tend to expand human work rather than eliminate it. “Yes, some jobs will go away. But, we will also be able to do many more things that were not possible earlier before.”

Dr. Kussmaul said the real impact of generative AI on education lies in how it reshapes learning priorities. He cautioned that an excessive dependence on AI could erode the foundations needed for higher-level thinking. Using examples from writing, mathematics, research and programming, he maintained that while AI performs well on basic tasks, it struggles with deeper intellectual work.

He added that universities and faculty are scrambling to frame guidelines as AI tools become widely accessible, often through smartphones.

Rather than focusing only on preventing students from using AI, he urged educators to examine what they are actually assessing. “If I am giving an exam and generative AI can answer all the questions on the exam, maybe I need to prevent students from using the tools. But, I should also be pondering on whether this is really what I want to be testing students on,” he said.

Director of Technical Education P. Jayaprakash presided over the inaugural session. APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University Vice-Chancellor Ciza Thomas, Kerala State Higher Education Council vice-chairperson Rajan Gurukkal and IHRD Director V.A. Arun Kumar also spoke.