Since the earthquake caused by the arrival of generative artificial intelligence in late 2022, the world of education has been navigating between fascination and concern. In this 2024 school year, the observation is clear: tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini are no longer technical curiosities, but omnipresent study companions. This massive adoption imposes a profound transformation of the French pedagogical model.
The end of traditional homework
The first pillar to falter is that of classic evaluation. The traditional “presentation” or the essay written at home have lost their value as proof of competence. In a few seconds, a student can generate a structured plan, a fine analysis, and a complete bibliography. For teachers, detecting fraud becomes a losing battle, as anti-plagiarism software struggles to keep up with the evolution of language models.
Faced with this impasse, a strong trend is emerging: the return to full in-person for critical tasks. Many institutions and universities are now prioritizing:
- Strengthening on-site exams without internet connection.
- Developing oral exams to verify real mastery of the subject.
- Continuous evaluation based on practical work carried out in class.
AI as a tutor, not a replacement
However, banning AI would be a strategic error. The current challenge for the Ministry of National Education and EdTech stakeholders is to integrate these tools as “personalized tutors.” French platforms are starting to deploy AIs capable of helping the student without giving the direct answer, guiding them through Socratic questioning. The goal is to offer each learner tailor-made support, thus filling some gaps in the lecture system.
The awakening of critical thinking
The human added value is shifting. If the machine can produce content, it possesses neither consciousness nor absolute verification capacity. The priority of school programs is therefore moving towards digital literacy and critical thinking. It is no longer just about learning facts, but about knowing how to query a machine, verify its sources, and understand algorithmic biases.
Some teachers are innovating by asking students to generate a text via an AI and then critique, correct, and enrich it. This method transforms the student into an “editor,” a skill increasingly sought after in the modern professional world.
A booming business
The economic sector of education is not left behind. Investments in generative AI applied to learning (EdTech) have surged. Companies are developing data analysis tools to help teachers identify students at risk of dropping out earlier. By analyzing the time spent on a concept or the types of errors made, AI becomes a valuable dashboard for classroom management.
In conclusion, while AI disrupts habits, it forces schools to refocus on their primary mission: learning how to think rather than learning how to recite. A huge challenge, but necessary to prepare future generations for a job market where human intelligence must imperatively know how to dialogue with artificial intelligence.
