Tailoring education with AI: balancing personalized learning and critical thinking.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly reshaping higher education by offering new ways to support learning and teaching. In particular, AI has been celebrated for its capacity to personalise education, allowing students to engage with content in formats that align with their preferred learning styles. Yet, alongside these opportunities, concerns persist that over-reliance on AI may undermine the cultivation of critical thinking, a cornerstone of higher education. This paper draws on survey data from students across disciplines and academic levels to explore how AI is perceived as a tool for learning. The findings highlight both the potential and the limitations of AI in tailoring education while raising important considerations about maintaining intellectual autonomy and reflective practice.