As some teachers start to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools in their work, a majority are uncertain about or see downsides to the general use of AI tools in K-12 education, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in fall 2023.
A quarter of public K-12 teachers say using AI tools in K-12 education does more harm than good. About a third (32%) say there is about an equal mix of benefit and harm, while only 6% say it does more good than harm. Another 35% say they aren’t sure.
High school teachers are more likely than elementary and middle school teachers to hold negative views about AI tools in education.
In a separate survey, U.S. teens were asked about their experience with and views of ChatGPT, a generative AI tool, in their schoolwork.
Among teens who have heard of ChatGPT, 19% say they have used it to help them with schoolwork. This is more common among teens in higher grades. About a quarter of 11th and 12th graders who have heard of ChatGPT (24%) say they have used it in their schoolwork, compared with 17% of 9th and 10th graders and 12% of 7th and 8th graders.
Teens’ views on whether using ChatGPT is acceptable depend on what it’s being used for. Among teens who have heard of ChatGPT:
- 69% say it’s acceptable to use it to research new topics.
- 39% say it’s acceptable to use it to solve math problems.
- 20% say it’s acceptable to use it to write essays.
Pew Research Center
