Throughout history, new technologies have generated controversies in the classroom. In 1986, math teachers opposed the use of calculators in elementary schools. Decades later, AI tutors, like Easy-task.AI, are facing similar criticism. Why is history repeating itself and what can we learn from these debates?
1986: The Calculator Debate in the Classroom
During the congress of the National Council of Mathematics Teachers, a group of educators protested against the inclusion of calculators in primary education. They argued that these devices would facilitate “shortcuts” and that students would not develop mental calculation skills.
“The button is nothing until the brain is trained.” – Protesters in 1986.
However, proponents such as John A. Dossey, a university professor of mathematics, argued that learning to use modern tools was essential for a technological society, as long as the mathematical foundations were clear.
2023: The Fear of AI Tutors
Today, tools such as Easy-task.ai generate fear among teachers. They allege that these platforms encourage plagiarism, superficial learning and could replace them. But, as with calculators, the problem isn’t the technology, but how it’s used.
“Knowing how to use an AI tutor doesn’t mean students stop learning to think critically.”
A Recurrent Fear in the History of Education
Protests against new technologies are not an isolated phenomenon:
- 1440: Gutenberg’s printing press sparked criticism, with academics fearing that printed books would reduce memorization and critical thinking.
- 1980: The advent of the pencil eraser was seen as an incentive to make mistakes and a threat to careful writing.
- 1986: Protests against the use of calculators, arguing that students would forget how to do mental calculations.
- 2000: Criticism of internet access in classrooms, for fear of misinformation.
- 2010: Resistance to the use of smartphones and tablets in the classroom, with concerns about distractions and decreased social interaction among students.
- 2025: Resistance to AI tutors as easy-task.ai.
Benefits of AI Tutors: An Ally for Teachers
Instead of fearing them, AI tutors can be tools to transform teaching:
- Greater personalized assistance: They allow teachers to serve more students, focusing on complex questions (10-20% of cases) and leaving the basic ones to AI.
- Improved time: Reduction of repetitive effort and optimization of classes.
- Raising the academic level: They increase overall class performance with individualized reinforcement.
- Teaching merit: Teachers continue to be the guides of learning and classroom success. It is not a substitute but a complement.
Technology as a Companion, Not a Substitute
After all, calculators did not replace mathematicians just as AI tutors will not replace teachers. Like any tool, its impact depends on how it is used. Adopting them judiciously can mean more dynamic, efficient, and student-centered classes.
As a final thought, I would like to emphasize that shortcuts in learning have always existed. I remember that many of my classmates cheated on exams using “cheat sheets”, so those comments that claim that these applications will make us more “dumb” as students of the future do not seem to me to be a valid argument. In the end, the responsibility for using the tools properly falls on each one.
You can just copy the solution as it is, or you can review it, reflect on it, understand it, study it and ask the teacher any doubts that arise or look for them in books, as has always been done. What is clear is that AI tutors offer a significant advantage in time and performance over those who do not use them.
Yes, it’s an expensive technology, as it requires a lot of computing power, but in the end you’re investing in something essential: your time. What is the value of your time? For me, it’s incalculable. It is the most valuable and finite resource we have, and we must make the best use of it. For students and teachers alike, easy-task.ai is a smart investment.
Ready to explore how AI tutors can transform education? Learn more about Easy-task.ai and try it now!