Cognitive Offloading in the Classroom: What Are Students Losing When AI Does the Thinking?
As tools like ChatGPT become more common in classrooms, it’s important to look beyond the buzz and really understand how they’re affecting student learning. This interactive session explores a fascinating MIT study that used brain imaging to compare how students write essays using AI, search engines, or just their own thinking. The results raised some big questions. Students using AI showed less brain activity, lower memory recall, and felt less ownership over their writing.
In this workshop, you’ll:
- Explore the idea of cognitive offloading and what it means for student learning
- Try out mini writing tasks using different tools to experience the shift yourself
- Look at how AI use affects things like focus, critical thinking, and memory
- Reflect on how we can help students use AI in ways that build, not replace, deep learning
This session is designed for teachers, tech coaches, and ed tech leaders who want to make thoughtful, evidence-informed choices about using AI in schools. You’ll leave with practical ideas and talking points you can take back to your team, classroom, or community.
Facilitated By
Nick Soentgerath
Technology Learning Coach, Yokohama International School
Nick Soentgerath is the Technology Learning Coach at Yokohama International School and a advocate for ethical, responsible, and impactful AI use in K–12 education. He leads staff training and student learning initiatives that integrate emerging technologies into classroom practice. Nick is also a graduate student in Educational Technology at the University of British Columbia, where his research focuses on the intersection of AI, literacy, and cognition. A frequent presenter at international conferences, Nick blends pedagogical insight with hands-on experience to empower educators in navigating the future of learning.
