Research: Student and Teacher AI Use Jumps Nearly 30% in One Year
In a survey from learning platform Quizlet, 85% of high school and college students and teachers said they use AI technology, compared to 66% in 2024 — a 29% increase year over year. The survey polled 2,003 respondents across the United States: 1,002 students aged 14-22, 500 teachers at either the high school or college level, and 501 parents of high school or college students, to get their perspectives on AI implementation, digital learning and engagement, student success, and more.
Teachers outpaced students in AI adoption, at 87% vs. 84%, respectively. This too represented a change from 2024 findings, when students' AI use was slightly higher than teachers'. Teachers' top reported uses for AI were:
- Research (cited by 54% of teacher respondents);
- Summarizing or synthesizing information (47%); and
- Generating classroom materials like tests and assignments (45%).
On the student side, top AI uses were similar:
- Summarizing or synthesizing information (56%);
- Research (46%); and
- Generating study guides or materials (45%).
In general, positive attitudes on AI and education outpaced negative attitudes, at 43% vs. 37%, respectively. And across the board, 40% of respondents said they believe AI is used ethically and effectively in the classroom. However, Quizlet noted that students are less likely to feel this way (29%) compared to parents (46%) and teachers (57%), suggesting that there is a need for more education and guidelines on responsible use of AI technology for learning.
"Like any new technology, AI brings incredible opportunities, but also a responsibility to use it thoughtfully," commented Maureen Lamb, AI Task Force chair and Language Department chair at Miss Porter's School in Farmington, CT. "As adoption in education grows, we need clear guidelines that help mitigate risk and unlock the full potential of AI. Everyone — students, educators, and parents — has a role to play in understanding not just how to use AI, but when and why it should be used."
For the full report, visit the Quizlet site.
About the Author
Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].