Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming part of everyday life in higher education. It helps students write, supports teachers in preparing materials, and promises to make learning more efficient. But what if AI is more than just a helpful tool?
In her paper “AI is not a tool”, Nataliia Laba (2025) challenges this common assumption and invites us to think more critically about how AI shapes creativity, knowledge, and learning. For the INFINITE project, this perspective is especially important, not just how we use AI, but how we understand it.
The story behind AI
AI is often introduced with a familiar promise. It will make things faster, easier, and more creative. But this promise is built on a powerful narrative. First, human effort or creativity is framed as limited. Then, AI is presented as the solution. Finally, concerns are dismissed as resistance to inevitable progress.
This way of thinking makes AI feel essential, but also leaves little room for critical reflection.
When creativity changes
Traditionally, creativity in education is about exploration, effort, and learning through doing. AI, however, can shortcut this progress. With just a few prompts, students can generate results instantly.
While this can be useful, it raises an important question: if we remove the effort from learning, what happens to the learning itself?
The risk is not that AI replaces creativity, but that it reshapes how we value it.
AI is not neutral
AI systems are not simply tools. They reflect the data, assumptions, and priorities of those who build them. This means they shape how knowledge is produced and presented.
In higher education, this matters. AI can influence what perspectives are visible, how ideas are formed, and how students engage with knowledge. Recognising this is essential for using AI responsibly.
Looking beyond the future
AI is often framed as the future of education, constantly improving and full of potential. But focusing only on the future can distract from present challenges, such as bias, environmental impact, and the changing nature of academic work.
For universities, the key is to engage with AI critically now, not later.
The role of INFINITE
This is where INFINITE plays an important role. The project goes beyond simply promoting the use of AI. It encourages a deeper understanding of what AI means for education.
By supporting educators and students to think critically about AI, INFINITE helps shift the focus:
– From efficiency to meaningful learning
– From adoption to reflection
– From tools to systems that shape knowledge
A more thoughtful way forward
Seeing AI as “just a tool” is easy, but incomplete. AI is influencing how we learn, create, and think.
By recognising this, higher education can take a more thoughtful approach. This means balancing innovation with critical awareness.
Projects like INFINITE are key to this process, helping ensure that AI supports learning without redefining its core values.
Reference:
Laba, N. (2025). AI is not a tool. AI & Society. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-025-02784-y