Am I saying I’m as knowledgeable or capable as a Ph.D right now? Absolutely not. There’s just not really a terminology that correctly describes accelerated learning and iteration by use of AI since the technology is so new. I can’t speak for others but as someone who’s a senior in my physics degree, I’ve been actually learning faster by using AI. It’s either a mental crutch or mental accelerator. The difference is in if you want it to completely do work for you or if you try to learn and follow along.
It’s a very under explored and new area right now, how higher learning is effected by using AI as a tool instead of as a cheating device, but historically, new tools like the calculator or computer have done a lot to accelerate learning once new rules are in place.