LEARNING IN THE AGE OF AI

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education, shifting it from rote learning to a dynamic process of self-discovery.
Smart systems now anticipate and adapt to learners’ needs, offering personalised learning experiences. But experts warn: balancing technology with human guidance is vital to preserve creativity, empathy and critical thinking.
Eng Yousef bin Abdullah al Maawali, an AI specialist, explains that AI enables customised learning environments by analysing individual strengths and adapting instruction accordingly.
“AI tools are mirrors reflecting human potential, but they also raise questions about limits to freedom and imagination in education,” he says. He stresses that teachers remain indispensable as mentors guiding students to think independently, while AI acts as a supportive tool rather than a substitute.
Some of the key insights from experts include: Personalised Learning: AI can design tailored lessons and interactive platforms, helping students learn in diverse ways suited to their skills.
Risk of over reliance: Over-dependence on AI could limit exploration and critical thinking, making education a pre-planned process.
Teacher’s role: Teachers must remain central, fostering dialogue, creativity and resilience in students.
Khalid bin Al Safi al Huraibi highlights a historical perspective: the word 'algorithm' comes from the Arab scholar Muhammad ibn Musa al Khwarizmi, whose work shaped mathematics and science. “We are inheritors of a legacy of innovation,” he says. He stresses teaching AI early, as seen in initiatives like iSchool in the Arab region, and cites Finland and Singapore for integrating AI into curricula to boost problem solving and creativity rather than rote memorisation.
At the national level, the Ministry of Education promotes programming, robotics, and AI in schools, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among youth. Al Huraibi emphasises that AI should inspire curiosity, not replace human insight.
Dr Kamal al Sabbahi warns about risks to privacy and the deeper challenge of preserving intellectual independence. “AI must be used wisely,” he says, calling for policies that protect children’s data while encouraging critical thinking. Teachers should guide students to learn with AI, not passively through it.
Saad bin Rabie al Araimi adds that AI’s ability to personalise learning comes with a trade-off: reduced human interaction may affect empathy and emotional intelligence. “Education must integrate AI without losing the human connection that shapes self-awareness,” he notes.
As AI becomes inseparable from education, experts agree: the future lies in harmonising algorithms with human guidance — ensuring technology enriches learning while safeguarding the human spirit. — ONA