Flemish education minister calls for pen-and-paper focus as AI use surges among students
Zuhal Demir, Flanders' education minister, is pushing schools to prioritize handwriting and reduce reliance on artificial intelligence tools after a study found 77% of secondary school pupils use AI at least once a week.
The Apenstaartjaren study revealed that roughly two-thirds of students use AI to complete homework. Many concealed the extent of their use from teachers and parents.
Demir said schools need to establish clear boundaries around AI. "AI is already in the classroom, but not always visibly," she said. "Education is about learning to think, not just getting answers."
She emphasized she opposes neither AI nor its use in schools. Her concern centers on heavy reliance weakening students' independent thinking skills.
Writing by hand strengthens understanding, organization, and retention, Demir argued. Research from other countries supports this claim, showing students who spend less time on screens often demonstrate better concentration and comprehension.
The study also tracked effects of Flanders' school smartphone ban, introduced in recent years. Device use among teenagers dropped from 66% to 56% over two years following the policy.
Since the ban took effect, 53% of pupils reported talking more with classmates during breaks. About 37% said they feel less distracted during lessons.
Demir credited the ban with fostering "calm and focus" in schools. However, roughly half of students said the rules are only partially enforced, with some still using phones secretly during the school day.
For educators managing AI use in classrooms, resources like the AI Learning Path for Teachers can help establish effective strategies. Schools may also benefit from exploring AI for Education to understand how to integrate tools responsibly.
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