Muscat – Artificial intelligence is everywhere. Do you think AI threatens students’ skills or helps develop them? Why? Here’s what Muscat Daily readers said –

Hariharan KV, IT professional

Artificial intelligence helps develop students’ skills. AI is the future of all activities related to professional growth. Students should be encouraged to use AI as a tool to enhance their knowledge and skills.  It’s not a replacement or substitute for human intelligence.  If properly guided and used, students can become smart users, managers and leaders to steer Oman’s economy to greater growth. 

Binoy Koshy, Public sector employee

I believe AI can help develop students’ skills when used wisely. It can provide quick guidance, encourage creative thinking and help students understand difficult topics. However, relying on it too much may weaken critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The key is to use AI as a learning tool, not a replacement for learning.

Dr Santhanakrishnan Sarangapani, Public sector employee

AI can both challenge and develop students’ skills. Overdependence on AI may reduce critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving abilities. However, when used responsibly, AI can provide personalised learning, improve research, encourage creativity and help students understand difficult concepts. Therefore, AI should support learning, not replace students’ own thinking. 

Hamad al Balushi, Businessman

I think AI can develop students’ skills if it is used as a learning tool rather than a shortcut. It can help students research, understand difficult concepts and explore different ideas. However, if students depend on it to complete every assignment, they may lose important skills such as critical thinking, writing and problem-solving.

Trupti Pawar, Homemaker

I think AI can help students develop their skills when used wisely. AI can explain difficult topics, provide practice, encourage creativity and make learning more interesting. However, using AI for every answer can weaken our thinking and problem-solving skills. We should use AI as a learning partner, not as a replacement for our own thinking.

Reem al Harthy, Homemaker

AI is not necessarily a threat; the way students use it is what matters. Teachers should guide students to question AI-generated information, improve their own ideas and use technology responsibly. If used correctly, AI can make learning more interactive and personalized, while still keeping human creativity and judgement at the centre.

Khalid al Maawali, Government employee

I see both advantages and risks. AI can give students access to information and help them learn at their own pace, but excessive dependence could make them less independent. Schools should teach students how to use AI without allowing it to replace their own thinking, creativity and effort.

Supriyo Chowdhary, Private sector employee

AI will become part of students’ future careers, so banning it is not realistic. Instead, students should learn to work alongside it. They need to understand its limitations, verify information and add their own ideas. Used responsibly, AI can strengthen research, creativity and problem-solving rather than weaken those abilities.