During this week, I explored perplexity which is a generative Artificial Intelligent (AI) tool. TechTarget defines perplexity as “an artificial intelligence-powered web search tool that can generate answers to user queries and complete other content-generation tasks “. After signing up I noticed it has similar interface like chat GPT and what came in mind was remix, all that I said to myself was nothing new truly exists because I was expecting different interface all together. One feature on perplexity that got me wowed was how you can choose your source for search, which is the web, academic or social. As curious that I am, I tried it, and I loved the feedback I got since it used scholarly based articles to generate the results, and it provided the articles used in the results. it can be used by students and educators, and I like the fact that it allows you to ask a follow up question on a topic or subject you are learning. It has the premium offers which uses variety of models in providing feedback.
As educators I think perplexity can be a great tool to enhance teaching. This is because educators can use Perplexity AI to improve lesson plans. With this, educators can have a deep research on topics with real world examples that students will be able to resonate with. This will enable educators to have effective and current lesson plans which will aid teaching in the classroom. Considering subjects with that require an extensive reading and information, educators can use perplexity AI to summarize the key themes and provide examples if needed to be able to understand the subject. This will save some time for educators when planning their lessons. With this, educators will be able to design an engaging lesson plans which will improve learning experiences of students.
While navigating through perplexity and how easy is it to use, I thought of the challenges it may pose due to overreliance use of it. This is because students and educators may depend on it for fast answers which they may not be thoroughly analyze and this posses a challenge of critical thinking abilities and problem-solving skills by students. A student may feel that why should I sit for hours to read and figure out something difficult I do not even understand while I can get an AI too to work around thing for me very quickly meanwhile perplexity is a tool which can provide incorrect information or even an outdated information which may not be relevant in the work the student is doing. Personally, I feel the use of AI tools can gradually lead to addiction where it can get to a stage that a student will not be able to do any work on their own unless they are helped with AI too.
Regarding my personal perspectives on integrating AI in education and its role in the future, I think Perplexity and other AI tools like Chat GPT has some potential transformative power in the education sector. Activities like personalized learning, automated gradings which may be useful to educators, and debates on AI generated feedback can enhance students’ engagement in the classroom. I also believe AI tools should complement and not to replace the essence of learning and that educators should guide students on how to use AI tools by critiquing AI feedback, identify biases, and analyzing them. I my own speculation, in 5–10 years, AI can become a learning tool in the classroom by offering real-time teaching. How ever, its role will only be a complementary to human educators as educators would ensure the emotional support of students, guide students to be creative and ethical guidance. I think the biggest challenge will be culture, how we are going to accept and balance AI tools and the value of human abilities.
Your exploration of Perplexity AI is insightful, and I appreciate your balanced perspective on both its potential and its challenges in education. The ability to choose sources for searches is definitely a valuable feature, especially for academic research. I agree that AI tools like Perplexity can enhance teaching by streamlining lesson planning and providing real-world examples, but your concerns about overreliance are valid. Critical thinking and problem-solving are essential skills, and students must learn to engage deeply with content rather than just accept AI-generated answers. Your point about AI as a complement rather than a replacement for human educators is key—technology should enhance learning, not diminish the value of human connection and creativity in education. The cultural shift in accepting and balancing AI’s role will be an interesting challenge in the years ahead!
Karissa 🙂
Georgina, I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on Perplexity!
You made such a great point about balance. I share your concern about overreliance on AI. It’s so tempting to lean on these tools for quick answers, but I agree that true learning still comes from wrestling with the material ourselves. I think you said it perfectly: AI should complement, not replace. Thanks for sharing your honest reflections—I always leave your posts with something to think about!