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

In the UK, the use of AI among teachers has more than doubled in the past year, according to a YouGov survey of 1,033 educators. While 80 percent of teachers now regularly employ AI in their work, the majority claim it has not reduced their working hours. Research indicates that while AI has streamlined certain tasks, teachers are still working the same hours as before.

Around half of AI-using teachers (51 percent) reported a decreased workload, but only a third (35 percent) noted a reduction in hours. The remaining 55 percent maintain the same working hours, and a small 4 percent even work longer hours. The UK government launched a £23 million trial program in April, aiming to leverage AI and educational technology to enhance results and lighten teachers' workloads.

However, the survey findings suggest that increased AI usage does not always translate to reduced working hours. Teachers employ AI in various tasks, with 76 percent using it to create lesson plans and worksheets, and 39 percent to draft letters and emails. Yet, only 8 percent leverage AI for marking or grading pupils' work. Beyond teachers, students are also leveraging AI, with 71 percent of secondary school educators (ages 11-16) expressing concern that AI facilitates cheating.

Additionally, 57 percent of secondary teachers suspect at least one student has submitted AI-assisted work without permission in the previous four weeks. The research underscores broader concerns about AI's impact on productivity, as a study by the Atlanta Federal Reserve discovered that approximately 90 percent of executives believe AI has yet to boost productivity in their organizations.