Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept, and the AI vs. Textbook debate is just beginning. LLM and AI are already in classrooms, homework, and study sessions. Tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot are changing how students approach assignments, replacing some traditional study habits with instant, technology-driven shortcuts.
This shift has both benefits and risks, which only re-emphasize the importance of building thinking and learning skills without relying on AI.
Is AI Replacing the Textbook?
No, but it’s changing the way students study.
For many decades, textbooks were the cornerstone of learning. Students read, highlighted, and worked through problems step-by-step, reinforcing both knowledge and critical thinking. Later, the internet made it easier for students to research information and access learning resources instantly, and in various formats and media types.
Now, AI tools can:
- Summarize chapters in seconds
- Solve math problems instantly
- Suggest essay outlines and even write them fully
The Trade-Off
While these tools can save time, they often bypass the reasoning process that helps students retain information. Without that process, knowledge can fade quickly. Several studies have even shown cognitive decline in students who heavily rely on MML/AI. Read more about it here.
At Oxford Learning, we focus on rebuilding that process, guiding students through problems using the power of their minds, so they understand why an answer is correct, not just what the answer is.
How Are Teachers Responding to AI in the Classroom?
Teachers are adjusting their strategies to ensure grades reflect genuine work and learning.
Common changes that teachers have made include:
- AI detection tools to flag potential misuse
- In-class assignments that require step-by-step work
- Open-ended questions that can’t be solved with a quick AI answer
- Oral explanations where students defend their reasoning
The shift shows that education is moving toward assessing process over product. That’s why tutoring is vital in helping students master the process that schools now prioritize.
Is Using AI for Schoolwork Ethical?
It depends on how it’s used.
AI can be a legitimate help if students use it for clarification, brainstorming, or practising skills. However, submitting AI-generated work as their own is considered plagiarism. AI tools are known for mass plagiarism and providing improper sources for the information they provide.
Risks of overreliance on AI in learning include:
- Loss of independent thinking skills
- Weaker problem-solving abilities
- Reduced long-term memory retention
- Poor preparation for exams and higher education, where AI use may be restricted
Students learn best when they build knowledge themselves. AI should never be a substitute for effort, practice, and critical thinking.
Why Is Tutoring More Important Than Ever in the AI Era?
Because no technology can replace the value of human connection, guidance, and personalized teaching.
Tutors can:
- Break down concepts in ways AI can’t fully personalize
- Encourage persistence through challenging problems
- Identify learning gaps that a computer program might miss
- Hold students accountable for doing their own work
In today’s learning environment, tutoring isn’t just about improving grades. It’s about protecting the integrity of a student’s education.
AI vs. Textbook in a Nutshell
- AI tools like ChatGPT offer speed but risk undermining deeper learning skills.
- Teachers are adapting assignments to test real understanding.
- Ethical concerns make overreliance risky for students.
- Tutoring builds skills, confidence, and independence that no AI can replace.
Want to learn more about how tutoring can benefit your child? Contact a location near you to see how tutoring can positively impact your child’s life.
