AI use among UK teachers doubles, but working hours still don't come down

A recent YouGov survey reveals that around 80 percent of UK teachers now regularly utilize AI in their work, although only a minority claim it has decreased their working hours. Research indicates that AI use among teachers has doubled within the past year. While 51 percent of those using AI report a reduction in their workload, only 35 percent assert they are working fewer hours as a result.

A third of 1,033 surveyed teachers indicated their working hours remain the same, with 4 percent stating they have increased their hours. Despite the UK government launching a £23 million trial program in April aimed at boosting results and reducing teachers' workloads, the survey funded by education technology exhibition Bett found that increased AI usage does not always lead to reduced working hours.

Teachers utilize AI for various tasks, such as building lesson plans (76 percent) and drafting letters/email to parents or writing pupil reports (39 percent). However, only 8 percent use AI for marking or grading pupils' work. The survey also highlights concerns regarding AI's impact on academic integrity, with 71 percent of secondary school teachers (ages 11-16) stating AI has made it easier for students to cheat.

Furthermore, 57 percent of secondary teachers suspect at least one pupil has submitted AI-assisted work without permission in the past four weeks. Despite concerns about AI's productivity impact in some tech companies, an Atlanta Federal Reserve study found that 90 percent of executives believe AI has not yet improved productivity in their organizations.