As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the educational landscape, educators are grappling with how to ensure students develop critical thinking skills while responsibly leveraging AI tools, according to K-12 Dive. Rather than avoiding the technology, experts argue that the focus should be on guiding students to use AI effectively and ethically.
In a recent article published on March 12, 2025, by Lauren Barack, Danny Liu, a professor at The University of Sydney in Australia, emphasized the importance of embracing AI in education. Liu, who is also a member of the university’s Educational Innovation Team, believes that the concept of “AI-proofing” assignments is no longer viable. Instead, educators should focus on integrating AI into the curriculum in ways that enhance learning and personal growth.
The rapid proliferation of AI tools like ChatGPT has raised concerns about students relying too heavily on technology to complete assignments. A study from Carnegie Mellon University and Microsoft Research highlighted the risks to critical thinking skills when AI is overused. However, Liu argues that avoiding AI is not the solution.
“Students are already using AI,” Liu said. “It’s our job as educators to help them use it better, in ways that will help them learn and develop as individuals and leaders — not to replace this.”
Liu suggests that assessment design needs to evolve. Traditional exams and tests can be supplemented with one-on-one conversations between students and educators, fostering deeper engagement and understanding. At The University of Sydney, Liu co-authored a guide to help educators develop assessments that acknowledge AI as a permanent tool in the learning process.
Rather than viewing AI as a threat, Liu encourages educators to see it as a collaborative tool. “AI will be as ubiquitous in the future as much as electricity is part of our present reality,” he said. This means that educators should focus on teaching students how to use AI responsibly and productively. “Educators should be encouraging students to responsibly and productively engage with AI in thoughtful ways as part of lessons and the curriculum,” Liu added.
In a recent article published on March 12, 2025, by Lauren Barack, Danny Liu, a professor at The University of Sydney in Australia, emphasized the importance of embracing AI in education. Liu, who is also a member of the university’s Educational Innovation Team, believes that the concept of “AI-proofing” assignments is no longer viable. Instead, educators should focus on integrating AI into the curriculum in ways that enhance learning and personal growth.
The rapid proliferation of AI tools like ChatGPT has raised concerns about students relying too heavily on technology to complete assignments. A study from Carnegie Mellon University and Microsoft Research highlighted the risks to critical thinking skills when AI is overused. However, Liu argues that avoiding AI is not the solution.
“Students are already using AI,” Liu said. “It’s our job as educators to help them use it better, in ways that will help them learn and develop as individuals and leaders — not to replace this.”
Liu suggests that assessment design needs to evolve. Traditional exams and tests can be supplemented with one-on-one conversations between students and educators, fostering deeper engagement and understanding. At The University of Sydney, Liu co-authored a guide to help educators develop assessments that acknowledge AI as a permanent tool in the learning process.
Rather than viewing AI as a threat, Liu encourages educators to see it as a collaborative tool. “AI will be as ubiquitous in the future as much as electricity is part of our present reality,” he said. This means that educators should focus on teaching students how to use AI responsibly and productively. “Educators should be encouraging students to responsibly and productively engage with AI in thoughtful ways as part of lessons and the curriculum,” Liu added.
Practical Steps for Educators
Liu’s guide provides practical steps for educators to incorporate AI into their teaching methods. This includes designing assessments that require critical thinking and creativity, which AI cannot replicate on its own. By doing so, educators can ensure that students are not only using AI but also developing essential skills that will serve them in the future.
The integration of AI into education is inevitable, and Liu believes that the sooner educators accept this reality, the better. By working with students to explore different approaches to using AI, educators can create a learning environment that prepares students for a future where AI is an integral part of everyday life.
As Liu aptly puts it, “The sooner those in the educational sphere accept that fact, the more quickly people can start engaging with how to use AI rather than thinking of ways to avoid the technology.”
The key to creating ‘AI-proof’ assignments lies not in resisting the technology but in embracing it thoughtfully. Educators have a responsibility to guide students in using AI as a tool for learning and growth, ensuring that critical thinking and creativity remain at the forefront of education.
By integrating AI into the curriculum and fostering responsible use, educators can prepare students for a future where AI is as commonplace as electricity. Let’s embrace the change and use it to empower the next generation of learners.
The integration of AI into education is inevitable, and Liu believes that the sooner educators accept this reality, the better. By working with students to explore different approaches to using AI, educators can create a learning environment that prepares students for a future where AI is an integral part of everyday life.
As Liu aptly puts it, “The sooner those in the educational sphere accept that fact, the more quickly people can start engaging with how to use AI rather than thinking of ways to avoid the technology.”
The key to creating ‘AI-proof’ assignments lies not in resisting the technology but in embracing it thoughtfully. Educators have a responsibility to guide students in using AI as a tool for learning and growth, ensuring that critical thinking and creativity remain at the forefront of education.
By integrating AI into the curriculum and fostering responsible use, educators can prepare students for a future where AI is as commonplace as electricity. Let’s embrace the change and use it to empower the next generation of learners.