AI in student life: Better results do not yet mean lasting learning

Marta Pinto and Sónia Ferreira’s ENESET report reviews international literature published between January 2022 and April 2026 on students’ use of generative AI. Prepared for the European Commission, it reflects the authors’ views. [1][2]

In everyday study, AI supports information searches and concept clarification, drafting and revising texts, brainstorming, summarisation, translation and programming. Students increasingly move between their own work and AI feedback. For students with disabilities or neurodivergent learning needs, these tools can also reduce access barriers. Meanwhile, costs, language and disciplinary context create inequalities. [2]

The report describes an engagement paradox: students may feel supported and motivated while investing less deeply in thinking when AI substitutes for their cognitive effort. Better performance on AI-assisted tasks therefore does not necessarily indicate durable learning or independent performance without AI. The conditions of use matter. [2]

The authors’ six recommendations:

• Prioritise pedagogical integration: Combine learning goals, appropriate challenges, scaffolding and structured feedback.
• Redesign assessment: Include independent tasks without AI, alongside drafts, reflective logs and oral assessments.
• Develop clear policies: Define acceptable use and disclosure for each disciplinary context, involving students.
• Embed AI literacy: Teach critical evaluation, limitations, biases, ethics and academic integrity; support staff development.
• Ensure equity and inclusion: Address cost, language and access barriers and differing support needs.
• Strengthen research: Fund longitudinal and comparative European studies across disciplines and student groups. [2]

The evidence remains limited: many studies rely on self-reports, while longitudinal and European research is scarce. [2]

Read as an indication, AI also changes the standards by which higher education is judged: alongside finished work, it must become visible what students themselves understand, retain and can apply.