Penstripe Student Planner Catalogue 24-25 - Flipbook - Page 120
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AI DELIBERATION STATION
WORD OF CAUTION
Word of caution
Is the AI tool I’m considering aligned with
my learning goals?
Copyright © 2026 Eblana Learning
Do I already know or can I access the
answer without AI?
Yes. ?
Not really. ?
No. ?
I really need this and
AI is the best way to
find it.
Yes. ?
I already have the info
somewhere.
Could I figure it out on my own?
The AI is critical to
achieve the goals.
I would be fine
without. ?
Am I confident that the AI tool is reliable
and accurate for the content I am learning?
The AI has been
vetted and approved
by the school.
Not sure how I would
know that.
Am I aware of the ethical implications of
using this AI tool, especially around bias,
data privacy and student security?
Yes, I am fully
confident of this. ?
Sorry, what now?
Am I prepared to explain how and why I’m
using AI to my peers or teachers?
Yes. ?
I don’t want them to
think less of me / this
use is not allowed.
Will it reduce my human interaction?
No. ?
I am using it
collaboratively.
Possibly. ?
Will it enhance my learning?
Probably. ?
It is a timesaver /
shortcut. ⏰
Will it make me lazier? More dependent?
No. ?
Maybe.
Am I mindful of the amount of screen time
and/or frequency of my use of AI tools?
Yes.
I am mindful of this. I
don’t want to become
AI dependent.
I haven’t considered
it. ?
Probably not. ?
Will using AI help me save time, allowing
more time for deeper learning? Will I use
that saved time wisely?
Hopefully. ?
Have I checked it aligns with my school’s
policies on academic integrity?
Yes. ?
Nope. ?
Will I still be proud of my work?
Probably.
Possibly not. ?
No. ?
I really need this and
AI is the best way to
find it.
I probably should or
could do it myself. ?
USE AI ✅
DON’T USE AI ⛔
Could I save the energy consumption (and
my cognitive abilities from decaying) by
doing it myself?
Description
AI Deliberation Station
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When we rely heavily on AI tools, we outsource our brain work. This is called...
Cognitive Outsourcing
Put simply, there is a price we pay for heavy dependence on AI tools,
including:
■ A reduction in our ability to think for ourselves;
■ Being less able to actively recall information and problem solve, and;
■ A lower self confidence in our own learning and intellectual abilities.
The Research: Cognitive Outsourcing and Critical Thinking
Research explored the impact of AI tools on critical thinking skills (Gerlich,
2025). Participants were organized into three age groups - 17-25
years/young, 26-45 years/middle-aged and 46+ years/older. The research
found that:
■ The use of AI tools was associated with lower critical thinking skills.
■ As cognitive outsourcing increases, critical thinking decreases.
■ Higher AI use led to greater cognitive offloading.
In interviews, the young group (17-25 years) appreciated the convenience
and speed of AI. But, they often relied on AI to remember information,
solve problems or make decisions, rather than thinking for themselves.
One member of this group said: “It’s great to have all this information at my
fingertips, but I sometimes worry that I’m not really learning or retaining
anything” (Participant 411, cited in Gerlich, 2025: 22).
Copyright © 2026 Inspire Education
AI Deliberation Station
These questions are designed to help students engage in a thoughtful and
ethical decision making process when considering whether and how to use AI for
their learning, and to critically evaluate how AI supports their educational goals.
Description
Word of caution
USING AI ONLY AVAILABLE AS A COMPLETE 8 PAGE SECTION
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