RELYING ON AI TO STUDY
Smart strategy or academic shortcut?
Kamil Kaderka
The Department of Information and Library Studies
Masaryk University
June 2025
MY STORY: WHY THIS TOPIC?
Return to studying after many years.
Overwhelmed with too much information.
Complex theories and scholarly language created confusion.
Source: Generated by ChatGPT
AI tools seemed like a perfect solution to help me learn.
But I quickly realized that not all use of AI is appropriate.
THE MAIN QUESTION
Is AI our personal
Socrates
, a wise guide who leads
Or is it more like a tempting
Siren
, whose beautiful song
Is it a smart strategy, or just an academic shortcut?
Source: Generated by ChatGPT
us to deeper knowledge?
lures us into the shallow waters of lazy thinking?
HOW TO USE AI?
The Curious Partner
• AI as a dialogue partner
• Smart questions:
"Why?"
,
"What if?"
,
"Explain this differently"
• Stays in control, like a captain of their ship
→ Builds a bridge to knowledge
The Passive Copier
• Treats AI like a machine that gives answers
• Commands:
"Write this for me"
,
"Give me the answer"
• Gives up control and just hopes for the best
→ Digs a pit of misunderstanding
Source: Generated by ChatGPT
JOIN THE POLL!
Scan with phone
Go to
Menti.com
5768 3681
OR
THE BRIGHT SIDE: AI AS A PARTNER
Research shows AI can be a
powerful ally
when used actively.
It can help us understand complex topics, structure our arguments, and
build confidence
.
"Generative AI can support the development of academic skills... but only when it's used as a learning partner, not as a shortcut."
researcher Ph.D. Kangwa, Daniel et al., 2025
Source: Generated by ChatGPT
Based on an analysis of 158 studies , 94% reported a significant improvement in cognitive skills, including critical thinking.
Universities should teach students how to think with AI, not just how to use it.
THE DARK SIDE: THE RISK OF „DIGITAL DARKNESS“
But there's a
DARK SIDE
When we use AI uncritically, we risk losing our ability to think independently.
"Students who rely heavily on AI without developing critical evaluation skills may experience a form of 'digital blindness' – accepting AI-generated content without question."
researcher doc. Dr. Ravselj, Dejan et al. 2024
Source: Generated by ChatGPT
.
64% of 2,073 students across 12 countries use generative AI tools for studying.
Most students don’t verify AI outputs or check them against other sources.
This leads to shallow understanding and unintentional plagiarism.
MY VICTORIES AND MY FAILURES
MY VICTORY
Question: "Help me understand the main arguments against this theory. What would critics say?„
Result: Deep analysis, original insights.
MY FAILURE
Order: "Write a 500-word essay about digital literacy for my assignment.„
Result: Generic text, zero learning.
.
The difference? In one case, I stayed
curious and critical
. In the other, I was just
lazy
.
Source: Generated by ChatGPT
HOW TO USE AI RESPONSIBLY
Ask, don't just take
Use it to clarify, not to replace your thinking
Verify, don't just believe
Always double-check facts and sources
Be the director, not the audience
Treat it as a study partner, not a perfect teacher
Cite, don't hide
Always give credit for its ideas and contributions
Source: Generated by ChatGPT
FINAL TAKEAWAY
AI is not a good servant
or a bad master.
AI is a like a mirror.
The question isn't what AI will do to us.
The question is, what will
we
do with
it
?
Source: Generated by ChatGPT
THANK YOU
Kamil Kaderka
555246@muni.cz
Source: Generated by ChatGPT
REFERENCES
Kangwa, Daniel, et al. (2025). Can Generative AI Revolutionise Academic Skills Development in Higher Education? A Systematic Literature Review. European Journal of Education, 60(1). https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.70036
Ravšelj, Dejan, et al. (2025). Higher education students’ perceptions of ChatGPT: A global study of early reactions. Plos One, 20(2). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0315011