Number of Students Using AI for Schoolwork Surges by Double-Digits

Newsweek

a day ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in U.S. classrooms has accelerated rapidly over the past year, with double-digit growth in the number of students using AI tools for schoolwork, according to a new report from Quizlet.
"With the support of AI tools, students can reclaim time and streamline tasks, making their value immediately clear, Quizlet's CEO told Newsweek in part.
Why It Matters
Artificial intelligence has surged in popularity across the United States and worldwide.
While some companies are integrating the tools to improve productivity, students are using the technology to their own advantage, whether by helping them conduct research for papers, creating baseline drafts for essays or as a tutor-like service on an unclear topic.
What to Know
Quizlet's 2025 How America Learns report revealed that 85 percent of teachers and students (age 14-22) now use AI in some capacity, marking a substantial increase from 66 percent in 2024. Among students, 89 percent reported using AI for schoolwork, compared to just 77 percent in the previous year.
"We also know that students today are juggling more than ever. In particular, college students are significantly more likely than high school students (82 percent vs. 73 percent) to have sacrificed sleep, personal time, or extracurricular activities because of homework," Kurt Beidler, CEO of Quizlet, told Newsweek. "With the support of AI tools, students can reclaim time and streamline tasks, making their value immediately clear."
The Pew Research Center's January 2025 survey echoes this trend, finding that 26 percent of U.S. teens had used ChatGPT for schoolwork—double the 13 percent observed in 2023. Usage is highest among older students, Black and Hispanic teens, and those most familiar with AI tools.
Students are leveraging AI for a variety of academic tasks. Quizlet's survey found the most common uses are:
Summarizing or synthesizing information (56 percent)
Conducting research (46 percent)
Generating study guides or materials (45 percent)
Teens support using AI tools like ChatGPT primarily for researching new topics (54 percent find it acceptable), though fewer approve of its use for math problems (29 percent) or essay writing (18 percent), according to Pew.
Stock image of a child using a smartphone while doing homework.
Stock image of a child using a smartphone while doing homework."The growing adoption of AI in education signals a lasting trend toward greater use of these new technologies to enhance the learning journey by making it more efficient and effective," Beidler said.
"Just as the adoption of AI continues to increase, we anticipate the future of education to become more personalized. We're already seeing how AI can adapt in real time—identifying knowledge gaps, adjusting difficulty levels, and delivering the right content at the right moment to help students master material more efficiently."
Despite rapid adoption, opinion on AI's impact on education remains mixed. According to Quizlet's findings, only 40 percent of respondents believe AI is used ethically and effectively in classrooms, with students less likely to agree (29 percent) compared to parents (46 percent) and teachers (57 percent).
"While privacy and security are vital concerns, we also need to address the deeper cognitive and developmental risks posed by AI in education," Leyla Bilge, Global Head of Scam Research for Norton, told Newsweek.
"Easy access to instant answers and AI-generated content can lead to intellectual passivity—undermining curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Overreliance on AI shortcuts means students may miss essential learning processes, weakening foundational skills like reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and writing."
Demographic differences also persist: Pew's data shows awareness and usage of ChatGPT is higher among white teens and those from wealthier households, while Black and Hispanic teens are more likely than their white peers to use it for schoolwork.
K-12 educators remain cautious. A 2023 Pew survey reported that 25 percent of public K-12 teachers believe AI tools do more harm than good, with more pessimism among high school staff. Still, many see benefits—especially in supporting research and personalized learning—if managed responsibly.
What People Are Saying
Kurt Beidler, CEO of Quizlet, said in the release: "As we drive the next era of AI-powered learning, it's our mission to give every student and lifelong learner the tools and confidence to succeed, no matter their motivation or what they're striving to achieve. As we've seen in the data, there's immense opportunity when it comes to career-connected learning, from life skills development to improving job readiness, that goes well beyond the classroom and addresses what we're hearing from students and teachers alike."
Leyla Bilge, Global Head of Scam Research for Norton, told Newsweek: "The sharp rise in AI adoption across classrooms tells us that what was once considered cutting-edge is now becoming second nature. This isn't just students experimenting, but it's educators and parents recognizing AI as a legitimate tool for learning and support. Whether it's drafting essays, solving math problems, or translating concepts into simpler terms, AI is making education more accessible and adaptive."
What Happens Next
As digital learning expands, Quizlet's report notes that over 60 percent of respondents want digital methods to be equal to or greater than traditional learning, citing flexibility and accessibility. However, gaps persist: only 43 percent affirm equal access for students with learning differences.
Looking ahead, the top skills students, parents, and educators want schools to develop include critical thinking, financial literacy, mental health management, and creativity—areas where AI-powered tools could play a growing role.
"Digital literacy must evolve. Students need to critically evaluate AI outputs, understand their limitations, and learn how to protect their personal data. Most importantly, children should engage with developmentally appropriate AI tools, those that encourage exploration and responsible use, not just efficiency," Bilge said.
"Like age-appropriate books, AI systems for kids should align with educational and cognitive developmental goals."