­­Artificial Intelligence in education

During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools were forced to rapidly adopt digital platforms and applications. This shift revealed existing gaps but, more importantly, highlighted the urgent need for a broader digital transformation, including the development of digital skills, tools, applications, and AI technologies.

Currently, Europe is at a critical juncture, as the introduction of the AI Act carries major implications for the education sector. Successfully implementing the Act will be key to balancing the transformative potential of AI with the protection of individual rights. Achieving this will require shifting from broad ethical debates to practical, context-specific strategies at the European level.

This article explores the practical challenges and benefits of AI in education, summarising insights from GoStudent’s Future of Education Report 2025, based on a survey of 5,859 children, parents, and 300 teachers across five European countries and the United Kingdom.

Benefits of AI for students & educational institutions

The study indicates that parents view support for students with special educational needs (SEN) as one of the top benefits of using artificial intelligence in education. In fact, 44% of parents with a child who has either diagnosed or undiagnosed SEN believe AI can provide additional support by delivering personalised tools that enhance learning.

Another research finds that AI offers educational institutions the potential to expand access to learning, boost student success, enhance retention rates, reduce costs, and shorten the time needed to complete studies. Furthermore, it includes scalable solutions for managing applications and admissions, as well as AI-driven support for student counselling and services. AI supports teaching and learning processes, including personalised recommendations for next learning steps and relevant study materials, and ensures the quality of curricula.

Key issues

The report highlights that computer science and mathematics are often taught without real-world relevance, falling behind the demands of an increasingly digital world. In contrast, two emerging subjects, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, were identified as valuable additions to the curriculum. One of the teachers points out in the report that without the integration of AI tools, students risk missing out on essential skills such as data analysis and complex problem-solving. Notably, unequal access to AI tools in schools is an existing issue that could shape future societies, especially if AI is key to tomorrow’s careers, as many parents and teachers believe.

The report also shows that parents, teachers, and students view essays and exams as limited snapshots rather than true measures of progress. As a result, 62% of parents want new assessment and teachers support methods such as simulation-based assessments, which are already common in healthcare through virtual and classroom-based simulations.

Beyond the curriculum, a gap exists between students’ and teachers’ familiarity with AI: 60–62% of students wish their teachers were more knowledgeable, while 74–75% of teachers report having received no AI training.
Based on the report, the lack of teacher training is one major problem. This issue automatically creates a barrier for children learning about AI tools. From the reported five EU countries in total, 75% teachers claim they are not receiving AI training.

A clear message on skills

While AI algorithms rely solely on existing data, teachers remain essential in the education sector. Their creativity and inspiration play a crucial role in motivating students and guiding them to make the most of AI tools. In an AI-powered learning environment, innovative teachers are key to helping students thrive. However, it is crucial that teachers receive proper AI training and develop relevant skills without delay.

Further insights from the report

Children’s use of technology has become a controversial issue, with growing concerns about fake news and smartphone use. However, rather than enforcing bans, a more effective approach is to empower children to use technology safely, responsibly, and productively.

The report documents that a vast majority, 95% of parents and 96% of teachers are actively helping children navigate the internet safely, including guidance on handling misinformation. Additionally, 36% of parents specifically teach their children how to identify fake content online.

Moreover, in a future where people work alongside AI, most parents (64%) agree that soft skills such as communication, critical thinking and stress management will be crucial.

Boosting AI skills across sectors

While education is one example of how AI is transforming a sector, the need for digital and AI-related skills extends far beyond it. In particular, it is crucial for teachers to acquire these skills, as students must learn from educators who are themselves proficient and confident in using digital and AI tools. The ARISA project equips organisations and individuals across different sectors with the skills needed to adopt AI in a responsible, inclusive, and sustainable way—supporting Europe’s wider transition to an AI-ready workforce. 

Sources:

GoStudent. (2025). Future of Education Report 2025. GoStudent Ltd. Retrieved from https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/education-report/2025/

Ifenthaler, D., Majumdar, R., Gorissen, P., Judge, M., Mishra, S., Raffaghelli, J. E., & Shimada, A. (2024). Artificial Intelligence in Education: Implications for Policymakers, Researchers, and Practitioners. Technology, Knowledge and Learning, 29(4), 1693–1710. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-024-09747-0