Vibe Schooling—the idea that students can use AI to 10x their education—sounds like an exciting revolution. Imagine having a personal tutor available 24/7, customized lesson plans generated in seconds, and instant feedback on assignments. AI is making this possible, transforming education at an unprecedented pace. However, while AI can significantly improve the quality of instruction, its impact on cognitive load is more complicated. In some ways, it makes learning easier—but that’s not always a good thing.
The Promise of AI in Education
AI is already proving its ability to enhance instruction. It can analyze student performance and provide tailored feedback, helping learners grasp difficult concepts more efficiently. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, AI can adjust explanations and problem sets to match each student’s level, giving them the right challenge at the right time.
For educators, AI reduces administrative burdens, automates grading, and even generates lesson plans, freeing up more time for meaningful interactions with students. These improvements create an environment where students receive higher-quality instruction and more personalized learning experiences.
The Problem of Reduced Cognitive Load
However, one of AI’s greatest strengths is also its biggest educational pitfall. AI tools are designed to make learning more convenient, reducing the cognitive effort required to complete assignments, understand concepts, and solve problems. While this might seem beneficial, research in cognitive psychology suggests that effortful learning—where students struggle, make mistakes, and actively engage with material—is crucial for deep understanding and long-term retention.
When AI does too much of the thinking for students, it can limit the mental effort required for genuine learning. Consider tools that instantly summarize readings or auto-generate essays. They save time, but they also remove the critical thinking and synthesis skills that are essential for mastery. If students become overly reliant on AI, they may complete assignments faster but learn less in the process.
Finding the Right Balance
The key to leveraging Vibe Schooling effectively is intentionality. AI should be used to enhance learning, not replace it. Here’s how students and educators can strike the right balance:
Use AI as a Guide, Not a Crutch – Encourage students to use AI to check their reasoning or get hints, rather than relying on it for complete answers.
Prioritize Active Learning – Assignments should still require students to engage in deep thinking, problem-solving, and application, even if AI assists in the background.
Foster Metacognition – Teach students to reflect on their learning process and ensure they’re not just passively absorbing AI-generated content.
Emphasize Creativity and Critical Thinking – AI is great at optimizing existing knowledge but struggles with originality. Students should be challenged to think beyond AI-generated responses.
The Future of Learning
Vibe Schooling has the potential to revolutionize education, but its true value lies not in making learning effortless, but in making it more effective. AI should be a partner in education—not a replacement for cognitive effort. If used wisely, it can provide students with better instruction while ensuring they still engage in the challenging mental work necessary for true learning.
The future of education isn’t about doing less thinking—it’s about thinking better. Or in the words of Andrew Yang, “Make America Think Harder”. AI enhanced education, when used correctly, can help students do just that.
