El cerebro como territorio activo Por qué la memoria es el motor oculto del aprendizaje en tiempos de IA generativa
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Abstract
This study analyzes the role of internal memory as the hidden driver of learning in a context of increasing use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) in higher engineering education. From a neurocognitive perspective, the brain is conceived as an active territory where engrams are consolidated through practice, active retrieval, prediction error, and rest. Within the MatemáTICa Laboratory, hybrid activities were implemented combining problem-solving, guided use of GAI, and metacognitive reflection.
Subsequently, an exploratory and descriptive study was conducted with 132 first-year engineering students from all engineering programs. A neurodidactic survey was administered to assess cognitive dependence, illusion of understanding, internal memory, and cognitive effort. The results show a high level of dependence on GAI, weakened free recall, and a strong presence of illusion of understanding among students who use AI more than one hour per day.
The findings highlight the need to integrate GAI as a cognitive scaffold rather than as a substitute for mental effort.
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