Author: Ben Buckland
How AI is Transforming the Way We Learn
One of the most fascinating transformations I’ve witnessed in my lifetime is how we acquire knowledge. Over the years, we’ve moved from textbooks to laptops, from classroom lectures to learning almost anything on YouTube. And now, we stand at the threshold of a new era: the age of artificial intelligence. With AI tools at our fingertips, learning has become more interactive, accessible, and personalised than ever before. Learning has evolved into an interactive dialogue where anyone can have a digital mentor ready to guide them, explain concepts, and adapt to their unique needs. This new era feels less like consuming content and more like having a personal tutor, a tutor who, while imperfect, is available 24/7 and endlessly patient.
The Power of Asking Why
If there’s one thing I’ve rediscovered in my journey with AI, it’s the importance of curiosity. As someone who has little nephews and nieces, I have found that little children ask the best questions. Their insatiable curiosity often begins with “why.” “Why is the sky blue?” “Why do we have seasons?” And just when you think you’ve answered them, they follow up with, “But why is that?”
As adults, it’s easy to lose this sense of wonder, but my journey with AI has rekindled it. When I dive into a topic using AI, I’ve found myself chasing these “why” questions to their roots, peeling back the layers until I truly grasp the subject. For instance, when learning new concepts in Python, I’m no longer satisfied with knowing what code works; I want to know why it works. And if the answer isn’t clear? I ask “why” repeatedly if needed, until I get to the bottom of it.
This ability to explore topics interactively, guided by my curiosity, has transformed the way I learn. It’s no longer about passively consuming information but actively engaging with it, breaking down complex ideas into manageable steps, and uncovering deeper insights.
This journey has reminded me that learning isn’t just about acquiring knowledge, it’s about scratching that mental itch, delving deeper to truly understand, and asking the why questions to get to the bottom of something.
AI has become more than a tool for me; it’s a partner that encourages exploration, supports my questions, and helps me uncover deeper understanding. It’s like having a patient mentor who doesn’t tire of my relentless “why” questions and guides me toward clarity one step at a time.
True Learning Requires Critical Thinking
That said, it’s important to remember that while AI is a fantastic resource, it’s not infallible. Its responses must be cross-checked and verified, just like any other source of information. True learning requires critical thinking, a discerning eye, and a commitment to ensuring accuracy. AI can guide and assist, but the responsibility of understanding ultimately rests with us.
As I look ahead, I’m inspired by the possibilities this new era of learning offers. With AI, learning isn’t confined to the pages of a textbook or the boundaries of a classroom, it’s an ongoing dialogue, available whenever curiosity strikes. AI has reignited my sense of wonder and reminded me that no matter how much we think we know, there’s always more to discover.
