Personalisation is not Guaranteed: The Challenges of Using Generative AI for Personalised Learning

Personalised learning promises to free learners from the shackles of traditional one-size-fits-all classrooms and fulfil the potential of every child. Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is seen as the solution that will bring personalised learning to all learners. Here, we argue that GenAI may not only fall short of this expectation but also hinder the development of the competencies necessary to unlock learners’ potential. Our first argument posits that although personalised learning aims to diversify instruction to meet the needs of individual learners, the indiscriminate use of GenAI risks homogenising learners’ performance and creativity, limiting the discovery of their potential. We argue that effective use of GenAI requires curiosity, critical thinking, self-regulation and metacognition. Our second argument is that these skills are not enhanced by GenAI but rather might suffer from its unregulated use. Thus, while GenAI has considerable potential to enhance learning, learners will not reap these benefits by default. Instead, to make the most of the opportunities GenAI offers, the education system must invest more in developing human skills rather than technology.