69ý

Artificial Intelligence From Our Research Center

Most Teachers Are Not Using AI. Here’s Why

By Lauraine Langreo — January 08, 2024 3 min read
Illustration of a female teacher juggling many tasks in front of blackboard, while an A.I. Bot looks from distance.
  • Save to favorites
  • Print
Email Copy URL

While the hype around ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence tools in K-12 has made it seem like most educators have tried them, new survey results from the EdWeek Research Center suggest that’s not the case.

Two of every three educators said they haven’t used AI-driven tools in their classrooms, according to the survey, which included 498 teachers and was conducted between Nov. 30 and Dec. 6.

When broken down, 37 percent said they’ve never used them and don’t plan to start, 29 percent say they haven’t used them but plan to start this school year or in the near future, according to the survey results.

ChatGPT and other generative AI tools entered the K-12 scene last year, and AI experts believe the technology has the potential to transform education and how people do their jobs. Still, many teachers are unfamiliar and uncomfortable with the technology.

The survey asked teachers why they’re not currently using AI tools in the classroom. Here’s what they said:

1. Teachers have other, more pressing priorities

Teachers have many responsibilities on their plates and do not have the time to learn more about and experiment with AI, which experts say is crucial to getting teachers comfortable with the technology.

Nearly half of teachers (46 percent) haven’t explored these tools because they have other priorities that are more important, according to the survey results.

“I would like to learn more about AI in the classroom, but with four preps and a new curriculum, I have a hard time finding more time to do so,” a high school foreign language teacher in South Dakota said in an open-ended response to the survey.

A middle school health teacher in Nevada wrote, “We are just trying to keep the kids from fighting all day. No time for teaching.”

2. They lack the knowledge and support

The next most popular reason is that teachers don’t know how to use AI tools, and the other reasons that round out the top five are also related to teachers’ lack of knowledge and support for how to use AI tools effectively and appropriately, the survey found.

I was asking for a district policy for student use of AI last spring and was brushed off. I am on the digital learning community for my building and they won't take a firm stand either. Teachers shouldn't be left out in the wind on this issue.

In open-ended responses, many educators noted that they haven’t been trained on the technology, they don’t know if using or teaching about AI is compatible with state standards, and they haven’t received guidance from district or school leaders.

“I was asking for a district policy for student use of AI last spring and was brushed off,” a high school social studies teacher in Minnesota wrote in an open-ended response. “I am on the digital learning community for my building and they won’t take a firm stand either. Teachers shouldn’t be left out in the wind on this issue.”

3. Teachers are concerned about students learning to think for themselves and do original work

Some teachers have big concerns that students could use AI tools to cheat. Nearly 1 in 5 teachers said they don’t believe the technology is appropriate for a K-12 setting because of its potential to be used for cheating, the survey found.

See Also

Photo collage of teacher working at desk with laptop computer.
F. Sheehan for Education Week / Getty

Some teachers wrote in open-ended responses that they’re concerned that allowing student use of AI could make students more “lazy” and “lead to further degradation of critical thinking skills.”

Teachers also said students should learn to be creative, generate their own ideas and focus on human interaction and hands-on learning.

“Technology should have its place in school, but it shouldn’t replace a student’s ability to think and complete tasks on their own,” a high school math teacher in Georgia wrote.

Others believe human thinking should trump machine learning: “Why rely on artificial intelligence when you have the real deal?” a middle school social studies teacher wrote.

A version of this article appeared in the January 31, 2024 edition of Education Week as Most Teachers Are Not Using AI. Here’s Why

Events

This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Artificial Intelligence Webinar
AI and Educational Leadership: Driving Innovation and Equity
Discover how to leverage AI to transform teaching, leadership, and administration. Network with experts and learn practical strategies.
Content provided by 
This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
School Climate & Safety Webinar
Investing in Success: Leading a Culture of Safety and Support
Content provided by 
Assessment K-12 Essentials Forum Making Competency-Based Learning a Reality
Join this free virtual event to hear from educators and experts working to implement competency-based education.

EdWeek Top School Jobs

Teacher Jobs
Search over ten thousand teaching jobs nationwide — elementary, middle, high school and more.
Principal Jobs
Find hundreds of jobs for principals, assistant principals, and other school leadership roles.
Administrator Jobs
Over a thousand district-level jobs: superintendents, directors, more.
Support Staff Jobs
Search thousands of jobs, from paraprofessionals to counselors and more.

Read Next

Artificial Intelligence From Our Research Center 'We're at a Disadvantage,' and Other Teacher Sentiments on AI
Teachers say they have other, more pressing priorities.
3 min read
3D illustration of AI button of keyboard of a modern computer. Light blue button. 3D rendering on blue background. Training.
Bo Feng/iStock + Education Week
Artificial Intelligence Opinion What Makes 69ý (and the Rest of Us) Fall for AI Misinformation?
Researchers Sam Wineburg and Nadav Ziv explain how to turn your students into savvy online fact-checkers.
Sam Wineburg & Nadav Ziv
4 min read
Trendy pop art collage search concept. Halftone laptop computer with search bar and cut out hands pointing on it.
Cristina Gaidau/iStock
Artificial Intelligence Parents Sue After School Disciplined Student for AI Use: Takeaways for Educators
The Massachusetts lawsuit is one of the first to highlight the benefits and challenges of generative AI use in the classroom.
5 min read
Person using technology smart robot AI, enter command prompt. A.I. Chat concept AI, Artificial Intelligence.
iStock/Getty
Artificial Intelligence Q&A This Counselor Used AI to Help 69ý Apply to College. Here's How
Jeffrey Neill shares his tips on when it makes sense to use AI in the college application process.
6 min read
Jeffrey Neill, director of college counseling at Graded - The American School of São Paulo in Brazil, presents on how to use AI tools in his work at the College Board’s annual forum in Austin, Texas on Oct. 21, 2024.
Jeffrey Neill, director of college counseling at Graded: The American School of São Paulo in Brazil, presents on how to use AI tools in his work at the College Board’s annual forum in Austin, Texas, on Oct. 21, 2024.
Ileana Najarro/Education Week