Alpha School Students Discuss the Role of AI in Learning

Everest Neblaumont, an 11-year-old student at Alpha School, recently participated in a segment where she shared her insights about attending the State of the Union and how AI is being utilized to enhance learning experiences at her school.

In 2024, U.S. schools made an eye-popping investment in educational technology, significantly outstripping traditional textbook costs. However, instead of fostering cognitive growth, this approach seems to correlate with a worrying decline in Generation Z’s cognitive abilities. Some studies suggest that they’re facing challenges with fundamental skills like attention and literacy.

Neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath highlighted this concerning trend during his testimony before the Senate, indicating that Generation Z is experiencing the first decline in standardized test scores seen in modern history. Data from various countries reflects similar outcomes, showing drops in IQ and creativity since digital tools increasingly invaded classrooms around 2010.

This issue is further complicated by a cumbersome educational system that funneled resources into flashy gadgets rather than addressing its own shortcomings. Administrators often chase the latest trends without focus on meaningful innovation or accountability, purchasing devices under the guise of “modernization” without a clear strategy for effective integration into teaching practices.

Students are often left with little choice but to engage with screens for extended periods, frequently scrolling through simplistic applications instead of engaging in hands-on, enriching learning experiences. Consequently, vital skills like critical thinking and problem-solving, which education aims to cultivate, suffer as a result.

Yet, technology has undeniable potential when applied thoughtfully. Personalized learning apps can adapt to each student’s pace, and online resources can connect isolated students with experts. The challenge arises when technology is treated as an easy fix for challenges in education rather than a genuine enhancement.

Teachers’ unions may be unintentionally complicating matters by advocating for increased spending on educational technology without pushing for improved results. The push for easier grading and lesson planning tools can feel like a form of babysitting rather than facilitating true learning. This approach often results in reliance on low-effort teaching methods while protecting underperforming educators.

In July 2025, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) announced a partnership with OpenAI, along with Microsoft and Anthropic, to launch a significant initiative aimed at providing free AI training and curriculum development. This development raises concerns, as unions could shape AI deployment in ways that serve their interests rather than those of students.

Leaving education policies in the hands of influential organizations can lead to standardized approaches that overlook input from parents and local communities. This trend may further embed biased narratives into educational tools, disguised as innovative practices, all funded by taxpayer dollars.

This heavy reliance on technology has tangible effects on children. Increasingly, teens are spending substantial amounts of time on screens, which can impair their cognitive abilities. In-person interactions and immersive learning experiences are essential for effective learning, while excessive screen time detracts from this process, weakening authentic engagement.

Despite these challenges, unions are defending the existing framework, resisting initiatives that aim to link pay and performance or streamline teacher accountability. In this context, technology risks becoming a simplistic remedy for deeper systemic issues, reducing valuable teaching time and stunting growth.

To genuinely improve education, a shift toward school choice is essential. By fostering competition, educational providers would be encouraged to innovate responsibly. Charter schools and private options demonstrate how thoughtful integration of technology can lead to better outcomes.

States that prioritize educational choice, such as Arizona and Florida, see a shift in expectations. Schools must earn families’ trust, consequently enhancing performance. If market dynamics guide education, there’s potential for discovery and personalization that addresses current inefficiencies.

Imagine a scenario where parents can choose schools that combine effective teaching methods with appropriate technology use. Teachers could navigate away from administrative burdens and focus on quality instruction, while struggling schools could be improved or replaced based on performance metrics, aligning incentives with student achievement.

The current system’s inefficiencies and waste of resources are detrimental, and the implications for Generation Z’s scores highlight the urgent need for change. School choice can break this cycle, allowing parents to select environments where qualified educators and technology contribute positively to cognitive development. Funding should prioritize students over systems, promoting an atmosphere where genuine innovation is possible.