Artificial Intelligence in Schools: Every second teacher uses technology

Almost all students use chatbots like ChatGPT and other AI tools for homework or exam preparation. Many teachers are now also discovering new technology.

AI applications are increasingly being used by teachers in schools in Germany. According to a survey conducted by the digital association Bitkom among 502 teachers at the first and second secondary levels, 51 percent have already gained concrete experience with AI tools such as ChatGPT or SchulKI. For the survey according to Bitcom Representatively, teachers from several types of schools such as secondary schools, secondary schools, grammar schools and comprehensive schools were surveyed.

However, the use of artificial intelligence has not yet convinced all teachers. 28% of respondents said they would like to continue using AI tools in the future. However, 23% said they do not want to use AI again in the future. 28% have no practical experience with AI yet, but would like to use it soon. The overall group of naysayers is relatively small: 11 percent outright rule out use. Seven percent have so far only tried AI for private purposes.

One in three teachers bans AI in homework

Educators who use AI for school purposes point to a wide range of application areas of study. 81% use it to impart knowledge in class, and 59% use it to explain AI to students. 43% provide individual feedback using AI tools, and 36% use them to prepare lessons. 10% of teachers assign the use of AI as homework, while 37% prevent their students from doing so.

However, the study also reveals contradictory attitudes among teachers on the topic of AI: 80 percent of teachers believe that all students should learn how to use AI. However, at the same time, 39% say technology has no place in school. Against this background, Bernhard Rohleder, Managing Director of Bitkom, called on teachers to actively address this issue: “Schools should introduce children and young people to AI. Where, if not in schools, should they learn how to use AI efficiently?”

The digital charter for schools works

Teachers now view the state of digitalization in schools as consistently positive: 92 percent of teachers reported significant improvements as a result of the Digital Charter for Schools, which has provided several billion euros for the digitalization of schools over the past five years, for example for WiFi, tablets and computers. and network management. Therefore, 90 percent of teachers are demanding rapid follow-up funding. 93% demand that the Digital Charter 2.0 also include money for licenses, educational materials and training.

Nearly two-thirds of teachers (65%) fear that digital devices in their schools will become investment junk without follow-through funding. Only 11% consider the Digital Charter 2.0 unnecessary.

Text: German Press Agency / Editor: J.N