{"id":224319,"date":"2026-03-16T15:09:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T19:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news-you-need.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/16\/almost-80-of-australian-uni-students-now-use-ai-this-is-creating-an-illusion-of-competence\/"},"modified":"2026-03-16T15:25:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T19:25:10","slug":"almost-80-of-australian-uni-students-now-use-ai-this-is-creating-an-illusion-of-competence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news-you-need.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/16\/almost-80-of-australian-uni-students-now-use-ai-this-is-creating-an-illusion-of-competence\/","title":{"rendered":"Almost 80% of Australian uni students now use AI. This is creating an \u2018illusion of competence\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

Almost 80% of Australian uni students now use AI. This is creating an \u2018illusion of competence\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/theconversation.com\/almost-80-of-australian-uni-students-now-use-ai-this-is-creating-an-illusion-of-competence-278413<\/a><\/p>\n

Publish Date: 2026-03-16 15:09:00<\/a><\/p>\n

Source Domain: theconversation.com<\/a><\/p>\n

In Australia, artificial intelligence is becoming a near-universal feature of education. <\/p>\n

As of 2025, nearly 80% of university students reported using AI in their studies. Overseas, reports are even higher. This year, a UK survey of undergraduates found 94% were using it to help with assessed work. <\/p>\n

This has ushered in widespread concerns about students using AI to cheat on their work and exams. But in a new report with colleague Leslie Loble, we argue there is a far greater risk. <\/p>\n

There is a growing body of evidence that suggests using AI can undermine the effort required for sustainable, deep learning. This so-called \u201ccognitive offloading\u201d from human to AI is especially risky for younger students as they are still building their basic knowledge and skills. <\/p>\n

The \u2018performance paradox\u2019<\/h2>\n

Our report highlights a phenomenon known as the \u201cperformance paradox\u201d. This is where students\u2019 short-term performance on tasks may improve with AI. But their long-term learning is being harmed. <\/p>\n

An example of this is seen in a 2025 randomised experiment with high school students in Turkey using an AI assistant (that could tutor them through answers). In classroom tasks, they appeared to solve maths problems more effectively using AI. However, their actual learning fell off a cliff as soon as the AI was removed in an assessment. <\/p>\n

These findings suggest while AI can boost immediate results, it can simultaneously diminish the durable knowledge that is the true goal of education. In the meantime, students can overestimate how much they have learned. AI gives them the illusion of competence. <\/p>\n

AI is so easy to use<\/h2>\n

Generative AI can certainly provide clear, polished responses to students. Research tells us this can signal to the learner that deep mental engagement is no longer necessary.<\/p>\n

This same research also shows students are then less likely to plan, monitor and revise their work. This is because the tool is doing this for them.<\/p>\n

This situation creates a…<\/p>\n

Source<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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