Imagine walking into a classroom where three teachers embody entirely different visions of education.
Robert, the math teacher, values not just the final answer but the entire journey to reach it. He insists his students break down their thought process, ensuring they truly grasp the reasoning behind every solution.
Martha, the history teacher, moves beyond dates and facts. Instead of requiring rote memorization, she pushes students to analyze historical events, connecting the dots between past and present, sharpening their critical thinking skills.
Then there’s George, who, on the first day of school, administers a single exam. If a student excels, he declares their work done for the year—no need for further effort or assessment.
Which of these represents meaningful learning?
For us, the answer is clear. Robert and Martha foster an educational experience that values process, understanding, and deep engagement—not just performance at a single moment in time. But how does this translate into the world of AI-powered education?
AI's Role in the Future of Learning
The rise of AI in education has opened a world of possibilities, but also significant risks. If we simply introduce AI chatbots that provide quick answers without thought, we risk creating an educational shortcut rather than an educational breakthrough.
A recent Wharton School study at Penn University sheds light on this issue. Researchers divided high school students into three groups:
1️⃣ No AI (Control Group): Students relied solely on traditional study methods.
2️⃣ GPT Chatbot Users: These students used a general AI assistant for learning tasks.
3️⃣ GPT Tutor Users: This group worked with an AI tutor designed to enhance learning, guide thought processes, and foster skill development.
The results were striking. The GPT Chatbot group initially performed 48% better than the control group, yet when the AI was removed, their performance dropped by 17%, worse than students who never used AI! This suggests a dependency effect, where students struggled without AI support.
Meanwhile, students using the GPT Tutor not only performed 127% better than the control group but also retained their learning even after the AI was removed. This confirms that AI, when thoughtfully designed, can enhance deep understanding, meaningful learning rather than replace it.
Beyond Memorization: MentorIA, deep understanding and Bloom’s Taxonomy
AI tutors should do more than just answer questions: they should spark deeper thinking. That’s why we built MentorIA, an AI tutor developed in collaboration with Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab. It aligns with Bloom’s Taxonomy, a framework that encourages students to move beyond memorization and towards higher level skills.
Instead of treating AI as a crutch, MentorIA leverages techniques like:
✅ Socratic Dialogue: Challenging students to reflect and question assumptions.
✅ Formative Assessment: Encouraging students to evaluate their own learning.
✅ Strategic Hinting: Nudging students towards solutions without spoon-feeding them answers.
✅ Growth Mindset Reinforcement: Turning mistakes into stepping stones for success.
A Call to Educators: Shaping AI’s Role in Learning
AI in education is at a crossroads. If used incorrectly, it risks replacing human thinking. But if designed with intention, it can be a powerful tool for learning and self-discovery.
As educators, designers, and innovators, we must ask: How do we harness AI to amplify human intelligence rather than replace it?
At Eidos, we don’t settle for easy answers. We build learning journeys that empower students, helping them engage, analyze, and create. That’s what meaningful learning is all about.
analizar y crear. Eso significa “aprendizaje significativo”.