A turning point in Learning and Teaching

The term Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to a range of models that include sys-tems that carry out “smart” tasks, which mimic human behavior. A branch of Arti-ficial Intelligence called “Generative” is designed to create original content and artistic outputs in a variety of media, such as sound, images, and audio. Educa-tion, technology, communication, design, architecture, research, medicine, and art are just a few of the sectors that use Artificial Intelligence, a fast-developing tool. The growth of AI, including Generative AI, in education over time, from K-12 classrooms to university lecture halls – as well as the potentials and challenges it poses- are the main topics of this article 
     AI fever grips education (2024-2025)
   Artificial Intelligence is no longer a peripheral innovation – it has rapidly become a central part in the educational field, capturing a prominent role in learning and assessment, playing an integral part in the daily lives of students and teachers. The most addicted country to the use of AI globally is Australia, with Singapore, Switzerland, Ukraine, Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, Denmark, Canada, France, and New Zealand completing the top ten.
  Countries across the globe are joining forces to keep up with the ever–evolving intrusion of AI, implementing new programs to enhance their courses. 
With required curricula and AI literacy initiatives, the US, China, and South Korea are integrating AI extensively into their educational system. Education Daily 
50 public schools in Australia are planning on integrating an AI application for students 5-12, developed by the NSW Department of Education, aiming at fostering AI literacy NSW Government 
Similarly, the Punjab government of India is implementing a comprehensive curriculum for students from 6th to 12th grade, covering subfields such as data, ethics, robotics, and coding literacy, The Times of India, 
Estonia, following the same steps, plans to provide 58,000 students and 5,000 teachers with AI tools, including software, apps, and platforms, to improve writing, drawing, and data analysis projects, The Guardian.
Remarkably, public entities are not remaining passive. Recently, the Greek Government finalized an important agreement with OpenAI to implement ChatGPT Edu in high schools and foster AI innovation in educational institutions and small enterprises, Reuters
Experts sound the alarm considering the risks of this approach with respect to equity, data protection, and the likely consequences on students’ critical thinking.  
 Broad use of AI in    
academic institutions 
  Meanwhile, AI is growing in universities at a rate never seen before. According to research, 86% of university and college students utilize AI tools regularly, with ChatGPT being the most popular (66%). The usage of Generative AI in assessments has grown from 53% to 88%, and AI integration has expanded from 66% in 2024 to 92% in 2025. This surge is clearly reflected in the market value. This rise indicates not only students’ engagement with AI tools but also a prospering market. The AI field in education is expected to grow from around $7.57 billion in 2025 to $112 billion by 2034 engageli 
 The following diagram clearly illustrates the significant increase in the use of generative AI. Thenceforward, in 2025, approximately 86% of students use at least one AI educational tool daily, with 66% profiting mostly from ChatGPT, demand sage
•  The ‘’frustration’’ gap
According to a report by Cengage Group (2025), 65% of university and college students report that they are more knowledgeable about the use of AI than their professors. Furthermore, 45% of students wish their instructors would implement AI tools into their courses. Clearly, professors are now required to integrate more AI tools and skills in their classes to bridge the gap and leverage AI’s capabilities into learning, Cengage Group 
Pros and cons of AI in education
  AI provides significant benefits in educational settings - Personalized learning and content adaptation for each student, teachers’ support through task automation (grading - data management), and increased accessibility for students with disabilities or language barriers are some of the most significant advantages that can be gained through AI use. 
  However, educators are concerned about academic integrity and risks such as intellectual decline, shallow analysis, the replacement of expedient learning with handiness, reduction of brain connectivity, poor retention, long-term learning, and critical thinking skills San Francisco Chronicle The Australian Taking into consideration that AI was regarded as a ‘’shortcut’’ for cheating on assignments and exams, AI models are now more commonly used to generate ideas (51%) and gather information (53%), Campbell University In 2025, the prevalence of cheating in schools remained high, ranging from 60% to 80%. Yet, the introduction of AI has not necessarily raised the overall rate; instead, it has altered the methods in which cheating occurs. A mere 11% to 15% of students utilize AI to finish their assignments, whereas a larger number rely on it for generating ideas or refining their work Vox Another pitfall of AI is the training programs – the majority of schools continue to be without AI training programs- 57% of educational institutions and districts still have not offered any AI training, with merely 43% offering such training in 2025, an increase from 24% in 2024, Carnegie Learning 
What comes next? A conscientious way ahead
  Unquestionably, Artificial Intelligence is playing an increasingly vital role in education; nevertheless, the focus must shift from excitement to responsible management. Four key components emerge: 
1. To bridge the gap between knowledge and application and promote AI literacy among educators and students 
2. Clearly define acceptable AI usage guidelines that align with principles of equity and academic honesty
3. Support a balanced integration where AI enhances, rather than replaces, mental effort and self-reflection
4. Foster mentorship models that emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability- skills that are amplified by AI rather than diminished.
  Ultimately, people, not algorithms, will be the true test of AI in education. To find the ideal balance, educators, learners, and legislators must collaborate. This balance should be one in which innovation fosters curiosity, creativity, and the human connection that lies at the core of all learning.