AI in Education: A Generational Shift Toward Digital Learning

Artificial intelligence is becoming a powerful force in education, transforming how teachers work, how students learn, and how schools operate. But not all educators are approaching it the same way. A new national survey from D2L reveals a generational divide in how AI is being used in classrooms—and what educators want for the future.

Gen Z Leads the Way in AI Adoption

According to the AI in Education survey, 88% of Gen Z educators used AI tools like ChatGPT during the 2024–25 school year. That’s twice the rate of Gen X educators (48%) and four times that of Baby Boomers (19%). For younger teachers, AI isn’t a novelty—it’s a daily tool for lesson planning, student engagement, and managing classroom tasks.

What’s more, 63% of Gen Z and Millennial educators say AI will be “important or essential” to teaching by 2030, compared to just 48% of their Gen X and Boomer counterparts. These younger professionals are already integrating AI into workflows to enhance learning and save time, but they’re also asking important questions.

The Human Element Still Matters

Despite their enthusiasm, Gen Z teachers aren’t blindly adopting technology. They want guidance. The report shows a strong desire among all educators—young and experienced—for clear policies on AI use in schools. The top priority? Protecting the human connection between teacher and student.

Educators said their top concerns include a loss of human connection and student over-reliance on AI tools. Privacy, academic integrity, and equity were also cited as major issues. In fact, only 9% of respondents said they had no concerns about AI in education.

AI Enhances Engagement, But with Limits

Interestingly, educators are three times more likely to say that AI has enhanced, rather than hurt, classroom engagement. Many see it as a way to free up time for more personalized feedback, small group work, or one-on-one student support. Still, 44% said AI made learning more efficient—but not more engaging or personalized.

When it comes to who should be in charge of deciding how AI is used in classrooms, 65% believe educators themselves—not government agencies—should take the lead.

Privacy and Trust Remain Big Questions

Nearly a quarter of educators say they’re concerned that using AI tools provided by their institution could be monitored or misinterpreted. There’s a subtle but growing worry that embracing AI too publicly could be seen as “cutting corners.”

ChatGPT remains the most used tool among educators, followed by Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot.

The Future of AI in Schools: Integration with Integrity

Looking ahead to the 2025–2026 academic year, over half of educators (56%) plan to use AI in some form. The top three projected uses include:

• Supporting students with accessibility needs
• Detecting plagiarism
• Creating dynamic, customized lesson plans

Regardless of age or philosophy, it’s clear that AI is here to stay in education. But the educators driving its adoption—especially Gen Z—want it to be used responsibly, with thoughtful training, strong oversight, and a deep respect for the human heart of learning.

Conclusion

As Gen Z educators champion AI tools in the classroom, they’re not looking to replace human teaching—they’re seeking smarter ways to enhance it. The future of education lies not just in technology, but in how we use it to preserve human connection, uphold academic integrity, and empower educators to lead the way. This generation isn’t waiting for permission—they’re already shaping tomorrow’s classrooms with purpose, innovation, and care.