From Hesitation to Adoption: The Growing Role of GenAI in the Classroom

In recent years, the integration of generative AI (GenAI) in both higher education (HED) and K12 settings has personalized learning, improved educational experiences, increased student engagement and supported faculty in new ways.  

At Cengage Group, we see the immense opportunity GenAI presents to enhance learning and drive outcomes. Since the introduction of ChatGPT in late 2022, we have sought to understand GenAI’s impact on the education ecosystem. Our goal is always to take a thoughtful, research-driven approach to understand what administrators, instructors and students want from new technology. Research and customer insight are crucial to make sure we’re effectively leveraging GenAI and building tools that truly benefit the teaching and learning experience. 

Our second annual Cengage State and Future of GenAI in Education Report – which for the first time captures perspectives from both HED and K12 educators – continues this exploration, evaluating AI usage, case studies and insight to give us a foundational understanding of how GenAI is currently being used, concerns and barriers to using GenAI and ways to improve future GenAI use in the classroom. This insight has been instrumental in shaping our GenAI approach and creating new tools for educators and learners, like our GenAI-powered Student Assistant.  

 

AI Usage is on the Rise  

Within this study – and perhaps some of the most compelling insight uncovered – we found an uptick in AI usage in teaching applications and more positive perceptions of using this technology in learning settings.  

Compared to the 2023 GenAI Report, GenAI use among HED has significantly increased – nearly doubling to 45% in 2024 from 24% in 2023. Additionally, by adding K12 perspectives in this year’s report, data revealed slightly more K12 teachers (51%) than HED educators are using GenAI.  

For both HED and K12, the five most common use cases among educators include lesson planning, administrative tasks, supporting lectures, student activities and creating assessments.

Beyond those already using GenAI today, 2 in 5 HED instructors (41%) and K12 teachers (38%) are planning to use GenAI compared to less than 1 in 5 HED instructors (15%) and K12 teachers (11%) who have no plans to use GenAI. Uncertainty of how to use AI and a lack of information about the technology are the primary reasons educators are reluctant to adopt GenAI. This insight exposes an opportunity for edtech providers to teach and train educators on potential use cases and learning outcomes that GenAI can support.  

In addition to increased GenAI adoption, there is also a notable shift in HED educators’ perception of AI. In 2023, just 28% of instructors had a positive view of AI and, in 2024, this figure increased to 49%.  

Both HED instructors and K12 teachers perceive GenAI’s potential to positively impact education by: 

• Becoming a pillar of education: 90% of HED instructors & 84% of K12 teachers believe GenAI will play an increasingly important role in education in the coming years. 

• Supporting lifelong learning: 71% of HED instructors & 65% of K12 teachers say GenAI can play a role in supporting lifelong learning. 

• Improving student engagement: 63% of HED instructors & 62% of K12 teachers believe GenAI can improve student engagement in the learning process.  
   

While Perceptions Improve, Some Fears Remain  

While educators have more positive perceptions about using GenAI in education, there are concerns and perceived risks in adopting this technology, including the ability to: 

• Maintain academic integrity: 82% of HED instructors and 84% of K12 teachers are concerned about academic integrity. 

• Mitigate bias: 40% of HED instructors and 35% of K12 teachers are worried about the potential for bias in AI systems. 

• Ensure accuracy of outcomes: 50% of HED instructors and 40% of K12 teachers are concerned about the accuracy of AI-generated outcomes. 

• Receive training and support: 23% of HED instructors and 38% of K12 teachers say there is a need for more training and support. 
   

The AI Journey Is Just Beginning  

GenAI is becoming prevalent in life, work and everything in between. While benefits are starting to dispel previous negative perceptions, concerns remain and will continue to challenge the education ecosystem’s rate of adoption. But as educators, there’s a responsibility to ensure future generations are prepared to work alongside this technology, or they risk being left behind. Our 2024 Employability Report found more than half (55%) of post-secondary graduates said their programs did not prepare them to use GenAI tools, leaving more than a third (39%) fearing that GenAI could replace them in the workforce entirely.  

At Cengage Group, getting GenAI right is a priority; we're committed to helping educators navigate and wield the full potential of GenAI to enhance learning and improve outcomes. For more information about our GenAI approach and how we’re supporting the education ecosystem, learn more about our Student Assistant here.