AI IN EDUCATION
Artificial intelligence (AI) in education: Reshaping the future of learning
Artificial intelligence (AI) in education: Reshaping the future of learning
From adaptive learning platforms and virtual tutors to automatic grading systems and skill-gap analyses, the use of AI in education is transforming learning and teaching for educators and students alike.
What is artificial intelligence (AI) in education?
What is artificial intelligence (AI) in education?
Artificial intelligence (AI) employs machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as reasoning, learning, and problem-solving. In educational contexts, AI can be used to facilitate student learning, to assist instructors, and to support institutions. Reactive and predictive AI tools can help teachers and administrators automate routine tasks and perform detailed data analyses, while generative AI can be used to produce novel content for lesson planning, personalized learning, and more.
As AI becomes more prevalent in industry and society, interest in developing responsible uses of AI in education has grown. Recent research indicates that as many as 60% of K-12 educators in the US and 54% of higher education students worldwide use AI weekly. Many educators recognize AI’s potential to streamline administrative tasks, improve learning outcomes, and even enhance student engagement. Incorporating AI in education—both as a tool for learning and as a tool to learn about—may better prepare students to effectively use AI in their future careers.
With many parts of the world facing teacher shortages and many industries facing skills gaps, AI tools hold potential for increasing educational access and reaching underserved groups through remote learning, virtual tutoring, and adaptations for disability and learning differences.
The role of AI in higher education
The role of AI in higher education
Many higher education institutions are exploring AI applications to streamline operations, promote student success, and facilitate research. At the administration level, AI can perform data analysis and automate scheduling, communication, and resourcing. Faculty can use AI to analyze data in support of curriculum design, to automate grading, to prepare course materials, and to provide personalized learning opportunities. AI can also accelerate academic research by performing complex analyses, running simulations, and identifying areas for further study.
Adopting AI in higher education carries risk as well as potential. Most higher education institutions are approaching AI—particularly generative AI—cautiously due to concerns about academic integrity and ethical usage, AI’s potential for bias and inaccuracy, and data privacy and security. Many in the higher education community recognize the need for bringing AI literacy into the curriculum and developing frameworks for both teaching and learning about AI to ensure safety, guard against misuse, and prepare students to be responsible users and developers of AI in their future careers.
Since the introduction of ChatGPT and other generative AI models, higher education students have proactively used generative AI for help with research, understanding complex topics, generating first drafts, or improving writing. A recent survey of undergraduates in 15 countries found that 80% had used generative AI to support their studies, with 29% turning to it first when seeking help on a concept or assignment. On that same survey, 69% of student respondents expressed a desire for their curriculum to include training on AI tools relevant to their future careers.
How can AI be used in education?
How can AI be used in education?
The many potential uses of AI for school can be broadly categorized as either student-focused or instructor-focused.
Student-focused AI tools include AI tutoring and adaptive learning platforms that can personalize instruction based on individual student data, such as past performance and feedback, learning preferences or disabilities, and educational goals. Other student-focused AI tools offer accessibility features like text-to-speech, visual recognition, speech-to-text, and language translation. In addition, students can use AI tools for writing support, creative-thinking prompts, self-assessment, and independent research.
Instructor-focused AI includes tools that assist with curriculum design and the creation of instructional content, such as study guides, activities, testing materials, visual aids, and lecture scripts. Instructors can also use AI to automate administrative tasks like grading, scheduling, and managing student records.
AI has the potential to free up more instructor time for direct student interaction. It can also improve assessment capabilities, providing instructors with analyses of students’ performance and aptitude on both an individual and aggregate level. Instructors can use this information to refine their teaching approach and provide additional support and remediation.
Benefits of AI in education
Personalizing learning
AI tutoring and adaptive learning platforms can provide real-time feedback and instruction tailored to a student’s skill, pace, learning style, and individual abilities.
Supporting teachers
AI tools that automate administrative tasks and streamline course planning and prep can free up teachers’ time to focus on direct interaction with students.
Promoting digital literacy
Using AI in education creates opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience with AI technology and develop an understanding of the ethics of AI use.
Bridging educational gaps
The use of AI can help address global educational gaps, including teacher shortages, administrative overload, access inequality, and the need for digital skills training.
Reducing skills gaps
Using AI in the classroom helps students develop technical skills and competencies that align with industry demands, increasing their competitiveness in the job market.
Demystifying AI for engineering educators
What is AI for engineering educators?
AI basics, key terminology, and the role it can play in the day-to-day life of an engineer.
AI basics, key terminology, and the role it can play in the day-to-day life of an engineer.
AI resources for teachers
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Skills in the Age of AI Spotlight Report
Skills in the Age of AI Spotlight Report
Autodesk’s Spotlight on Skills in the Age of AI report is a special edition of the 2025 State of Design & Make report examining the role of AI in the changing skills landscape. Featuring data from business leaders across the Design and Make industries, the report highlights the increasing importance of being able to use AI effectively. It also identifies soft skills that are becoming more valued in the context of advancing technology. For educators and education decision-makers, the report offers valuable insights into the training and experience students need to develop skills that will help them succeed in the workforce.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about AI in education
AI tools can enhance teaching by aiding instructors in creating educational materials and developing curricula. They can also automate grading and analyze student performance to help teachers identify students who need additional support.
AI tools can enhance learning experiences through personalized and adaptive learning systems that tailor learning to meet students where they are. They can also increase the accessibility of learning materials through speech recognition, text-to-speech, language translation, and by offering content in alternative formats for students with neurocognitive differences.
Adaptive learning platforms like Top Hat, Knewton Alta, and Smart Sparrow are actively used at many higher education institutions. These platforms offer a suite of AI-enabled tools that help educators develop interactive classroom experiences and personalized learning. Many schools have also adopted programs like Turnitin to streamline assessment, feedback, and grading.
On a larger scale, Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) has adopted a nationwide Student Learning Space (SLS) platform that incorporates several AI-enabled tools for adaptive learning, lesson planning, student feedback, and assessments.
Using AI in schools and universities can improve student learning outcomes by providing personalized, accessible instruction. When AI is used to streamline administrative tasks, it can free up teachers’ time and energy to focus on more meaningful and educational interactions with students. AI analytics can refine assessments, offering real-time feedback, evaluating nonstandardized tests, and providing educators with detailed analyses of student performance. Finally, incorporating AI into classrooms increases students’ digital literacy and prepares them to use AI effectively and responsibly in their future careers.