It’s been almost two years since ChatGPT burst onto the scene in late 2022. Since then, educators worldwide have been grappling with what generative artificial intelligence might mean for classrooms and learning. This emerging technology has not only changed how students learn but also posed new challenges to teaching methods.

In this process, many schools and teachers have started experimenting with integrating AI tools into their daily routines. For example, some teachers have nicknamed ChatGPT “Eddy” and use it as a teaching aid. Eddy can help students answer questions, provide learning resources, and even participate in class discussions. This not only reduces the workload of teachers but also enhances student learning efficiency. However, this approach has also sparked some controversy. Some worry that over-reliance on AI might weaken students’ independent learning skills and even impact their creativity and critical thinking.

To better understand this phenomenon, I interviewed several frontline teachers. A secondary school teacher from the UK told me, “Eddy has been a great help, especially during the pandemic. It can quickly answer students’ questions and save a lot of time.” Another teacher from the US said, “While Eddy is very useful, we must use it cautiously. We need to ensure that students don’t become completely dependent on it but learn to think and solve problems on their own.”