AI in Tanzanian Classrooms Sparks Debate Over Critical Thinking and Student Independence

The AI Dilemma in Tanzanian Classrooms

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing education worldwide, and Tanzania now faces critical decisions about integrating AI in classrooms. The key challenge is balancing AI’s benefits with the need to preserve students’ critical thinking skills.

A recent nationwide survey highlights a growing debate among educators and policymakers. While many welcome AI for its potential to improve learning, others worry about students becoming overly dependent on AI tools, which could weaken their ability to think independently. Questions arise: What happens when AI does the thinking for students? How can learning remain engaging and mentally stimulating?

Striking the Right Balance

Ms Lilian Mkumbo, an education technology researcher at the University of Dar es Salaam, stresses the urgency of setting clear boundaries. “AI can enhance learning, but without proper guidance, it might stunt essential cognitive skills,” she explains. The concern is not AI itself, but how students use it. There is a real risk of raising learners who can follow instructions but lack the ability to innovate.

To address this, Tanzania’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology recently introduced the National Guidelines for Artificial Intelligence in Education. These guidelines form part of the broader National Digital Education Strategy 2024/25 – 2029/30. Their goal is to promote responsible AI use while protecting traditional learning values.

• All educational institutions must create their own AI use frameworks.
• Frameworks should cover privacy, security, ethics, and student well-being.
• Regular reviews will ensure alignment with evolving technology.

Benefits and Concerns

AI offers clear advantages. It supports personalised learning, automates assessments, reduces administrative tasks, and provides assistive tools for students with disabilities, such as text-to-speech and translation features. Globally, countries like the United States and China have integrated AI into education to improve accessibility and adaptability.

In Tanzania, AI is gradually entering classrooms, helping to bridge the teacher-student ratio gap and improve learning outcomes. However, education psychologist Dr Jonas Mbele warns against overreliance. “When students skip the struggle to understand concepts because AI provides quick answers, they lose a crucial part of learning — developing reasoning skills.”

Preparing for an AI-Enhanced Education

Tanzania aims to become a knowledge-driven economy, making the responsible use of AI in education vital. The government is prioritising AI literacy in school curricula to ensure both teachers and students grasp not only how to utilise AI but also its ethical, social, and cognitive implications.

The guidelines encourage a blended learning model where AI supports human teaching rather than replacing it. Teachers are receiving professional development to integrate AI effectively while nurturing originality and critical thinking.

“These tools should enhance education, not diminish it,” says Prof Carolyne Nombo, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education. She highlights the importance of inclusive access, ensuring that learners in remote and underserved areas benefit equally.

Additional Measures and Looking Ahead

• Public awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars promote responsible AI use.
• Data protection is a priority, with strict transparency on how student information is collected and handled.

As AI becomes a permanent fixture in Tanzania’s education system, the key will be maintaining a balance. Used well, AI can level the learning field and improve education for all. Misused or unchecked, it risks producing students who rely on machines instead of developing their own thinking skills.

For educators seeking to deepen their understanding of AI’s role in education and develop skills for responsible AI integration, resources are available through platforms like Complete AI Training, which offers courses tailored for education professionals.