Is Studying Still Worth It in the Age of AI?

For all those many years, students had been told that education was the answer that would lead to a better future. We learned mathematics, languages, science, computer skills, and business and others for the purpose of working and problem solving. However, the times are up-changing fast.

With Artificial Intelligence today you can write an article, solve a math problem, make a poster, translate a document, write computer code, summarize a book and much more within seconds. This brings to mind an important question:

 Since AI can do so many things that a well-educated person can do, why study? Yes, but maybe the lesson we must learn is the importance of studying.

 AI Can Do Things We Never Studied

 The thing about AI is that people can do things that they haven't learned explicitly.

 For instance, a user without design expertise can use an AI tool to design a poster. I can tell the AI about the poster I want, and it can create one for me in a matter of moments.

 The same applies to writing. AI can help anyone who is not a seasoned writer brainstorm ideas, edit for grammar mistakes, or even generate a preliminary draft.

 AI can also create code for those unfamiliar with coding. It's a significant shift.

 A lot of times, you'd have to invest months and years of time to learn a specific skill and then have something ready to go for yourself. AI has reduced the amount of time needed to perform some tasks.

 But it is not to say that learning is worthless.

 Doing can be different from understanding.

 Suppose the AI generates a poster for you. While the poster may be appealing, know what is working in the design? Can you identify a poor colour combination? Are you able to identify when the text is challenging to read? Able to determine if the information presented in the poster is correct?

 There is still a need for basics.

 This applies to maths as well. AI can go to work for you and provide a solution, but you have to know what you're trying to solve and whether the answer is correct.

 AI can generate an article, but one still needs to determine whether the information is accurate.

 AI can create computer code, but it requires a degree of understanding to detect errors and provide explanations for the code's functionality.

 That's why education is still relevant today even with the advent of more powerful technology.

Memorizing information is not studying

 There is a common misconception that studying is about memorizing facts. Educating is also a way to make an educated person think.

 As you study, you learn to comprehend information, to compare, to solve problems, to communicate and to make decisions. These skills are especially crucial when working with AI.

For instance, AI can provide you with 10 options to a question. Which answer is correct?

Critical thinking is required in order to compare the answers; to check the evidence; and to make decisions about what is useful.

 As AI is increasingly integrated into education and society, human skills,  including critical thinking, creativity and judgement, are being emphasized by UNESCO.

 AI and big data are also among the skills that are growing in number at the fastest rate, alongside analytical thinking being among the major core skills needed among employers surveyed, according to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025.

 This implies that AI isn't making human skills redundant. In certain regions, it can be increasing its significance.

 The Way We Study may need to Change

 The most important question might not be whether or not to study. Rather, let's ask:

 What should be learned in an AI world?

 Students don't always have to memorize information that is readily available via technology.

 They should also be taught how to use information. Students can learn how to research, form their own points, assess resources and effectively utilize AI to refine their writing instead of simply writing an essay.

Students can learn about the concept of mathematics without just concentrating on how to use the calculator for calculating; they can also learn the concept of mathematics and use the calculator to check their calculations.

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Rather than mastering and learning how to make a poster by hand, students can get a grasp of design basics, and then let AI generate the design for them in a fast and convenient manner.

The aim of the mission ought to be to blend human knowledge with technology.

With AI, education becomes more accessible

AI can help make education more accessible. AI can also generate income chances for individuals who are not able to access specific abilities.

 A student can seek the help of AI to have a complicated subject explained and understood in simple terms. AI can be a helpful tool for someone learning English to practice their writing skills. AI can make simple marketing content for a small business. It can be used as a source of ideas for activities in the classroom by a teacher.

 But there's a danger.

When humans rely on AI for all their needs, they may be inclined to forgo developing their own skills. If a student uses AI to complete all homework assignments, they could get the correct answers, but not learn anything.

 AI use should not be a substitute for learning. It should refer to the use of technology for learning and productivity.

 Will Degrees Become Useless?

 While AI may shift jobs' requirements, it's not going to replace degrees or traditional education.

There are different levels of knowledge and training needed for various careers. An AI cannot be relied on by a doctor, teacher, engineer, lawyer, other professional without having an understanding in their profession. Meanwhile, a qualification alone might not be sufficient.

 A new breed of employee equipped with a mix of learning and working skills, digital skills, communication, creativity, and AI work experience will likely be required in greater numbers.There will be greater demand for a new class of employees who have a combination of learning and working skills, digital skills, communication, creativity and experience of interacting with AI.

 That is, those who can learn throughout their lives may be rewarded, whereas those who stop learning after they earn a certificate may not be.

 Then, is studying still of any value?

 Yes, however, in the age of AI, studying shouldn't be about doing everything against AI.

 AI can solve problems quicker than you. It can write faster than you can. It can be faster at creating a design than you.

That is not necessarily the point.

Your strength is to comprehend contexts, ask intelligent questions, take sound decisions, interact with individuals and determine if an AI-generated output is useful.

AI can provide a response, but it's crucial to comprehend the query.

AI can come up with a design, but it's still up to you to determine if that design is the appropriate message.

AI can create a paragraph, but it's crucial to determine whether the information is accurate or not.

Finally, the definition of skilled is evolving with AI.

The educational objective is not just to train individuals for functions that machines can't fulfill. It should also develop the ability to think, learn, adapt and wisely use technology.

But, why bother with studying with AI when you can study without it? “So what should I learn so I can better use AI than someone who does not know what they are doing?” Education provides you with knowledge and judgement; that is how you will use the AI.

Studying is still worth it. But in the age of AI, knowing how to think could be as critical as knowing what to know..