Once a futuristic concept, artificial intelligence (AI) is now a familiar presence in education.
Just one click gives you everything. From math solutions, science project ideas, essay paragraphs, and even a full breakdown of Newton’s Laws. Everything can be done with AI.
Yet behind this convenience lies a growing concern: are students truly learning, or simply retrieving answers?
Sure, AI lets students complete tasks almost instantly. But true learning shows when they have to think and apply the ideas themselves.
According to Amirul Mohamad Khairi Mannan, the issue is not a lack of ability, but an over-reliance on AI as a shortcut rather than a learning aid.
With no proper guidance, AI risks nerfing our critical thinking, deep understanding, and academic integrity. See, this is why ethics matter in AI-supported learning.
Clearly, teaching students to use AI the right way isn’t easy, especially in subjects that demand strong reasoning and problem-solving skills.
AiSTEMeX to the Rescue! A New Chapter of STEM Learning
Just in time, Universiti Malaya rolled out a smart idea to help educators navigate this challenge. Best of all, there’s simply no room for boredom in the classroom.
Dear students, get ready to explore the world of STEM with AiSTEMeX (Artificial Intelligence, STEM, and Exploration)!
Thanks to Universiti Malaya, students can now bring AI into STEM learning through fun explorace activities.
This is how AiSTEMeX works in case you’re wondering:
- Active learning that actually keeps students hooked (no boring lectures here)
- Learn how AI works and where it stops so you can use it smartly
- Team up and tackle challenges across multiple stations
- Know the good stuff and the tricky bits of AI
- A handy guide to using AI tools for simple creative tasks
AI can support understanding, but it cannot replace thinking.
Amirul Mohamad Khairi Mannan, Foundation Lecturer (Mathematics) at the Centre for Foundation Studies in Science, Universiti Malaya.
It’s Time to Ally with AI
The AiSTEMeX programme concluded with a positive reflection session. Students shared what surprised them most about AI and what responsible use meant to them.
They are more confident now to collaborate with AI–not in letting AI think for them, but in thinking alongside AI.
In this AI-driven era, there’s no way we could resist the presence of artificial intelligence around us.
Instead of fighting AI, we should focus on using it responsibly–making AI our learning ally, not a replacement for completing our assignments.
At the end of the day, AiSTEMeX demonstrates that ethical AI use and a passion for learning can go hand in hand as long as you own the pride to treasure integrity.
