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AI in Schools: The New Calculator Debate

  • Writer: Taly Cotler
    Taly Cotler
  • 6 days ago
  • 2 min read

Back in the 1970s, a simple device caused a major stir in classrooms: the calculator.


Parents and teachers worried:“If students can just push buttons for answers, how will they ever really learn math?”


Sound familiar?


Fast forward to today—and Artificial Intelligence is the new tech under fire.Apps like ChatGPT are sparking similar questions:


👉 Will students stop thinking critically?

👉 Does it make cheating easier?

👉 Could AI take the place of teachers?


These concerns are valid—but they’re not new.


Calculators didn’t ruin math education. They transformed it. By automating basic calculations, students could focus on understanding the why behind the math—not just the how.


AI has the potential to do the same.


Used responsibly, AI won’t replace student thinking—it’ll enhance it.It can help brainstorm ideas, structure essays, and give instant feedback. It can free up teachers from grading stacks of papers, giving them more time to connect with students.It can adapt learning to each student’s needs—supporting them where they’re stuck and challenging them where they’re strong.


But here's the bottom line: AI is a tool—not a shortcut.


Just like a calculator is useless without understanding the problem, AI is ineffective if students don’t engage with their own ideas.


So the real question isn’t:“Should we ban AI in schools?”

It’s:“How do we teach students to use it thoughtfully and ethically?”


Because the reality is—AI isn’t going away. It’ll be part of the world students graduate into—whether that’s college, the workforce, or beyond.


Every new technology in education starts with fear.But with the right approach, that fear turns into opportunity.


The schools that succeed won’t be the ones that shut the door on innovation.They’ll be the ones that open the door—and show students how to walk through it wisely.


Need support navigating that future?


Whether you're preparing for standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT, need tutoring across subject areas, or are seeking expert guidance through the college or graduate application process—we’re here to help.

Achieve your academic excellence—call us today at 561-235-3677 or message us at www.academy4achievement.com





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