Artificial intelligence (AI) has been around since the 1950s, but its everyday use in education has expanded rapidly in recent years.
We often hear about unauthorized student use of AI. But there's far more going on in our universities.
Interactive lessons, personalized learning experiences and adaptive learning experiences might sound a bit inflated—but AI can seriously enhance teaching and learning.
AI tools are becoming a regular part of education. If you are interested in AI use cases, especially when it comes to enhancing student engagement, read on.
The prevalence of AI and large language models
The first time I became interested in artificial intelligence was in middle and high school. I was fascinated by how an IBM® machine could take the commands I typed and use them to perform specific tasks. This experience inspired me to join my school’s computer magnet program, where I took my first programming class using a language called BASIC.
One thing I quickly learned was the importance of detail and critical thinking. If I missed a symbol or left out a command, the program wouldn’t run correctly, and I had to debug it to find the issue. It was challenging but also exciting to see how code could turn into something useful.
Now, more than 30 years later, I can use a tool like ChatGPT and simply type a request in plain language. The AI interprets it and gives me results – no coding required. This shift shows how far AI technology has come and how much more accessible it is for students and educational professionals alike.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the use of computers to complete tasks that normally require human intelligence. AI applies machine learning, which involves programs that analyze large amounts of data to recognize patterns. In this way, machine learning produces insights from complex data sets that would be time-consuming for people to do on their own.
Many people know what AI stands for – artificial intelligence – but they may not realize how much it already shapes our daily lives. AI technology allows machines and software to complete tasks that humans would normally do, from data analysis to decision-making. Behind the scenes, these tools rely on machine learning algorithms to process information, recognize patterns and produce results.
How educators use Generative AI in the classroom
Integrating AI into classroom management may enhance learning experiences and save teachers’ time. Teachers may use AI for lots of different applications.1 AI use cases in education may include:
Lesson planning
Educators can use AI technology to draft initial lesson plans based on learning objectives and other information. For example, how can you adapt lesson plans for students with different levels of language proficiency and from different backgrounds and skill levels?2
Providing student feedback
AI tools can provide initial feedback on students' assignments. Teachers can incorporate this feedback into their student assessments.
Adapting to different learning styles
AI can help with personalizing lesson materials based on students' different learning levels, styles and needs. In this way, technology can enhance student learning without adding to the teacher’s workload.
Supporting multiple languages
Some sophisticated AI platforms can help with some translation tasks to enhance the learning environment for students in their native language.3 However, it’s important to be cautious and always run the content by someone well versed in the students’ native language to ensure it’s being translated properly.
In some cases, the AI application can start a draft but there are nuances that need to be addressed in the language. Students for whom English is a second language will continue to need the support of experienced educators in this field, but AI powered systems are a tool that may be worth investigating.
AI in higher education
AI is becoming a helpful part of the learning process for many college students. These tools support student engagement, organization and independent learning by giving students more control over how they manage their time and assignments. AI supports student progress across subjects and learning styles.
Here are some practical ways students are using AI in their daily coursework:
To organize class notes and study guides
AI tools can help students get organized by grouping together similar ideas, summarizing large sections of text or highlighting key points for exams.4
To plan weekly study time
Students can use AI to set reminders, create task lists or suggest time blocks for efficient studying.
To create flashcards, quizzes and other study tools
These tools help reinforce learning and support tailored learning paths based on what the student still needs to review.
To help with writing papers
AI in writing doesn’t have to mean students typing a prompt into ChatGPT and calling it done. Students can utilize aspects of AI and still do the writing work themselves.
From grammar checks to citation assistance and research suggestions, AI can help with lesson planning and essay development while still encouraging students to write in their own voice.
To design presentations
AI can generate outlines, organize content or assist with visuals, helping students feel more prepared and confident when presenting.
To keep group projects on track
A great deal of today’s higher education involves collaboration with fellow students. Generative AI can be used to objectively choose team members and track their progress.
Real-world applications of AI in student learning
Students are finding many ways to integrate AI platforms into their academic and professional lives. Generative AI may help save time on routine tasks, freeing students to focus on higher value work such as professional development.
To streamline administrative tasks
Let’s say Steven, a recent college graduate, was hired for an entry-level HR position. One of his first tasks was to recruit 20 salespeople in just two weeks. Thanks to what he learned in college, Steven knew how to apply AI tools to manage this fast-paced process.
He researched AI based platforms and decided to use ChatGPT to help him write a clear and effective job description for the sales position. He also asked the AI to review the posting and suggest ways to improve it. For the visual side of his job ad, Steven turned to Canva to create a professional and eye-catching layout. These tools allowed him to focus more on recruiting and less on formatting content, skills he developed during his college coursework.
To screen and interview candidates
With the job posting ready, Steven used AI technology again, this time to help with the next phase of the hiring process. He asked ChatGPT to generate sample pre-screening questions based on the job description. This helped him prepare for interviews faster and more efficiently.
Some companies have specific interview styles that reflect their values or company culture. Steven used the AI algorithms to help tailor his questions to match what the company was looking for. This adaptive learning tool didn’t do all the work for him. He still reviewed and edited the final questions, but using AI tools gave him a strong starting point.
To organize the hiring process with AI
Filling 20 open roles in a short time required strong organization. Steven used AI tools to help him manage multiple administrative tasks. He created an interview schedule, a candidate pipeline and a goal tracker to monitor how many positions had been filled.
Instead of spending hours building these tools from scratch, Steven let the AI handle the setup. This allowed him to focus on sourcing candidates and holding interviews. The ability to streamline administrative tasks improved his workflow and helped him meet the hiring deadline – an example of how student performance in college can directly translate to career success.
AI in education and the job search
There are now hundreds of AI tools available – some for writing, others for productivity, tutoring or even acting as virtual assistants.
These generative AI tools are becoming more common in everyday life and across industries. From business to healthcare to education, nearly every education sector or career field is starting to use AI in education or operations in some way.
For students, learning how to use generative AI tools isn’t just about keeping up with trends. It’s about preparing for the workplace.5 These tools can help with time management, task organization and even making informed decisions. When used correctly, AI can save time and reduce stress, letting students focus their energy where it matters most.
But using AI responsibly is important. Student learning still depends on effort, practice and personal growth. AI can help students be more productive, but it should never replace the thinking, planning or creativity that’s needed to truly understand a subject.
Employers today want graduates who know how to use AI tools wisely.
They’re looking for candidates who can boost productivity, work efficiently and contribute to business success without depending too heavily on automation. Knowing how to integrate AI without losing your voice or values is becoming a must-have skill.
Ethical use of AI in education
Even though AI is powerful, it should be used the right way. Part of today’s educational experience should include teaching students how to use emerging technology in a responsible way.
For AI, students need to understand that it’s a tool, not a crutch and not a replacement for critical thinking. AI is meant to support learning, not replace it. This is one of the most important ethical considerations when using new tools in the education process.
If a student is writing a paper, they still need to use their own words and ideas. AI can help with research, grammar or organizing thoughts, but the final work should show the student’s own thinking and style. Taking content directly from AI has serious legal implications not to mention the obvious ethical considerations. Critical thinking and a student’s voice still matter, especially when it comes to writing and personal expression.
Academic integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. It might feel easy to copy and paste something from an AI tool, but that doesn’t make it right. A pattern of using AI dishonestly can lead to serious consequences like poor grades or even expulsion. In the long run, students miss out on learning the skills they’ll need in their careers and may not be able to retain employment where they are expected to think critically or communicate.
The bottom line? Students are responsible for their own success. AI can support that journey, but it can’t take the journey for them.
As for educators using AI, other ethical considerations and guidance includes:
- Refraining from sharing students' personal information with AI systems
- Using AI as a starting point but verifying the information it produces
- Consulting with your legal department before integrating AI into the classroom
How AI Is shaping the future of education and work
As the use of AI in education continues to grow, students must stay ready for what’s next. Both higher education and the workplace are using AI more than ever, which means learners need to keep building their skills.
Educational institutions play a key role in helping students understand how AI can be used to support learning and careers.
One of the best ways students can prepare is by using AI to research trends in their future field. AI tools can sort through large amounts of information quickly, helping students stay current with new developments. Whether it’s hiring practices, health care updates or marketing strategies, AI can support smart planning and decisions.
AI also supports personalized learning. Students can ask AI to explain complex ideas in a way that matches their learning style. This makes it easier to connect schoolwork to real-world applications and goals.
In the same way that educators and students have learned to adapt to things like the Internet and online learning, we are also adapting to use AI in ways that help us grow and learn.
With all of this, you might be curious how online learning modules look these days. Check out How Do Online Classes Work? 11 Things to Know Before You Enroll.
1AI in the Classroom, New Tech Network website, accessed 8/13/25 https://newtechnetwork.org/resources/ai-in-the-classroom-enhancing-education-with-artificial-intelligence/
2Lindsey Braisted, Natalie Beach, et. al., The Power of Artificial Intelligence in Supporting Multilingual Learners, International Literacy Association website, accessed 7/10/25 https://www.literacyworldwide.org/blog/literacy-now/2024/11/12/the-power-of-artificial-intelligence-in-supporting-multilingual-learners
3Ileana Najarro, A Teacher Makes the Case for Using AI with English Learners, EducationWeek website, accessed 7/10/25 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/a-teacher-makes-the-case-for-using-ai-with-english-learners/2024/10
4Organization tips for college students, Rasmussen University website, accessed 8/13/25
https://www.rasmussen.edu/student-experience/college-life/organization-tips-for-college-students/
5What Is Upskilling? Appreciating the Importance of Lifelong Learning, Rasmussen University website, accessed 08/13/25
https://www.rasmussen.edu/student-experience/college-life/what-is-upskilling/
6IBM® is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
