Student AI use doubles while confidence amongst university educators slips

New research suggests a widening gap between how UK university students and academic staff view the growing influence of artificial intelligence in higher education. The annual Coursera study reports a sharp rise in student use and approval of AI tools, contrasted with declining confidence among educators. The findings indicate that students now use AI for almost half of their study activities, up from a quarter last year. They also report strong benefits: four in five say their grades have improved since adopting the technology, and most believe it is enhancing the overall quality of higher education. Confidence has risen markedly since 2024, with 85 percent now saying the technology has a positive impact, compared with 67 percent a year ago.

Educators take a more cautious view. Positivity has fallen from 85 percent to 69 percent over the past year, with fewer staff convinced that artificial intelligence is improving academic standards. Only around a quarter feel confident they can detect AI-generated work, down from 42 percent in 2024, and concerns about potential negative effects have increased sharply.

Students report using AI most commonly for time management, writing tasks and exam preparation, though its use for research has declined. Staff estimates of student reliance on AI are now more closely aligned with student behaviour than in previous years. Despite a fall in optimism, educator usage of the technology remains steady, with two-thirds saying they use AI frequently in their work. However, fewer believe they have the skills needed to use the tools effectively.

Both groups are becoming less likely to say the higher education system is unprepared for rapid adoption of AI, and support for tighter regulation has softened. Even so, confidence in governance appears to be weakening. Fewer educators say their institution has a policy covering the use of AI, falling from 48 percent last year to 30 percent.

Coursera says the results point to growing acceptance among students, set against persistent concerns within faculties about oversight, capability and academic integrity as AI tools become more embedded in university life.

Main Image: Keele University