Empowering Minds in the Age of AI: The ACE Framework for Cognitive Immunity and Pedagogical Intervention

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed the landscape of higher education, reshaping how knowledge is accessed, produced, and evaluated. Generative AI systems such as ChatGPT, Midjourney, and other large-scale models now play a central role in students’ learning environments. While these technologies create unprecedented opportunities for personalized feedback, multimodal learning, and creative exploration, they also pose new risks. Students may become dependent on automated outputs, fall into the trap of “automation bias,” or develop an illusion of understanding without genuine critical engagement. These challenges raise pressing questions: how can educators ensure that students remain active, reflective, and critical learners in an age where AI can both amplify and undermine human cognition? Our poster introduces the ACE Framework—a triadic model integrating AI, Cognition, and Education—as both a diagnostic and pedagogical tool to address these challenges. The framework is built on the concept of cognitive immunity, defined as the capacity of learners to critically evaluate, filter, and adapt to AI-generated content without surrendering their agency. Drawing inspiration from cognitive science, metacognition research, and pedagogical theory, the ACE Framework provides a systematic pathway for fostering resilient learners who can harness AI’s affordances while guarding against its cognitive risks.