OECD Report Reveals One In Three Teachers Are Now Using AI Tools In Education

A recent OECD report highlights that a significant number of teachers, one in three, are incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into their daily tasks. However, concerns are rising as 70% of these educators fear this technology could lead to an increase in student plagiarism and cheating.

This revelation comes from the OECD's Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS), which aims to provide insights into the current state and needs of the teaching profession globally.

The survey, which drew responses from approximately 280,000 teachers and school leaders from 17,000 lower secondary schools in 55 educational systems, was conducted to inform policy and decision-making with a goal to enhance the quality of teaching and learning environments.

This extensive study, carried out by the OECD in 2024, sheds light on the pervasive use of AI in educational settings, particularly in countries like Singapore and the UAE where about three-quarters of teachers report using AI tools.

Despite the widespread adoption of AI technologies in education, a considerable gap in professional development remains. About 29% of educators feel they need more training on how to effectively use AI in their work, marking it as the most sought-after area for further professional development among all topics surveyed.

Interestingly, the level of participation in AI training varies significantly across countries, with Singapore leading at 76% and France at the lower end with only 9%, averaging 38% across the OECD.

Teachers who have embraced AI in their work commonly use it for streamlining their workload, such as quickly learning and summarizing topics and creating lesson plans, with 73% and 69% respectively reporting such uses. This indicates a growing trend towards leveraging technology to enhance educational delivery and efficiency.

Additionally, the TALIS report reveals a high level of job satisfaction among teachers across OECD education systems, with nine out of ten educators satisfied with their profession. This satisfaction is further underscored by the 95% of teachers who experience happiness while teaching and who value the opportunity to make a social impact through their work.

OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann emphasised the pivotal role of skilled teachers in the success of education systems. He advocated for ongoing efforts to enhance teacher training and provide educators with advanced tools. Cormann stated, “Skilled teachers are the foundation for high-performing education systems. By continuing to strengthen teacher training and the tools available to them, we can ensure that students are well-prepared for a bright future in our evolving economies and societies.”

The findings from the OECD report underline the dual-edged nature of AI in education, offering opportunities for improvement and efficiency while also posing challenges that need to be addressed. As the educational landscape continues to evolve alongside technological advancements, it becomes imperative for educators to adapt and for policymakers to support them through adequate training and resources.