Morocco Education Council warns AI may undermine students’ critical thinking

Morocco’s Higher Council for Education, Training and Scientific Research has warned that the growing use of artificial intelligence among students could weaken essential thinking and learning skills if not properly regulated.

In a recent recommendation, the council called for the urgent development of a national framework to govern the use of AI in schools, universities and research institutions, noting that the technology is spreading faster than policies to manage it.

The council said students are increasingly relying on AI-powered tools to search for information, write assignments and complete schoolwork, while teachers are also using the technology to prepare lessons and educational materials.

However, it warned that excessive dependence on AI could affect how students learn, particularly in areas such as analysis, problem-solving, logical reasoning and learning through trial and error.

The council described AI as more than a conventional digital tool, saying it is already reshaping how students engage with knowledge. Many young people interact with AI daily through smartphones, educational applications and generative platforms, often without fully understanding how the technology works or its limitations.

Rather than banning AI, the council recommended establishing clear guidelines to ensure the technology enhances learning rather than replaces intellectual effort.

The warning comes as education systems worldwide grapple with the rapid expansion of generative AI tools capable of producing essays, answering questions and generating content within seconds.

The council said AI could offer significant benefits if used effectively, including personalized learning, improved educational resources, enhanced student support and more efficient assessment systems.

However, it cautioned that these benefits are not guaranteed. Without proper oversight, AI could deepen inequalities between students and institutions, particularly where access to digital infrastructure remains uneven.

Among its recommendations, the council called for the creation of a national body to oversee AI use in education and coordinate implementation across institutions.