The influence of artificial intelligence on the development of critical reflective thinking of high school students

La influencia de la inteligencia artificial en el desarrollo del pensamiento crítico reflexivo de estudiantes de Bachillerato

Abstract

The incorporation of technology is increasingly present in our lives and is transforming the way we teach and learn. The present study analyzed the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the development of critical reflective thinking of third-year high school students of the “Jama” Educational Unit, located in the Jama Canton, and its impact on the learning process; Potential benefits and risks were discussed, including concerns about potential abuse of the technology. This mixed study with the application of a survey to third-year high school students, the results of which show a wide acceptance of Artificial Intelligence in education, with most students using Artificial Intelligence applications mainly to complement learning and obtain information, especially in subjects with high factual content such as History and Biology. However, there is a moderate perception about the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the development of critical reflective thinking, with most students considering that these applications have a limited effect on this skill. Although the value of Artificial Intelligence for academic development is recognized, it is also warned about the risks of over-reliance on technology, which could compromise students' ability to think critically and make informed decisions in the future. A balanced approach is suggested in the integration of Artificial Intelligence in education, which encourages both access to personalized information and the development of analytical and critical thinking skills.

KEYWORDS: Artificial Intelligence; Critical Thinking; Development of thinking.