GenAI in Higher Education - Positive Sentiment Builds with Rapid Transformation

The global demand for generative AI (GenAI) continues growing across all facets of business, with the World Economic Forum projecting that AI will contribute a net growth of 78 million jobs globally by 2030.  

And just four months into 2025, the education sector is experiencing similar demand and optimism for GenAI use. 

The latest data from our ongoing “GenAI in Education” report series found that 45% of higher education (HED) instructors have a positive perception about GenAI, a substantial increase from just 28% in 2023. In fact, nearly half (49%) of HED instructors are using GenAI (up from 44% in 2024 and just 24% in 2023). 

Along with greater GenAI use and positive perceptions, instructors and students are realizing the important role AI literacy plays in students’ employability. Almost all HED instructors (92%) and students (83%) say it’s important to include AI literacy in courses because AI skills proficiency is important for getting a job (students 84%). This aligns with current workforce skills gaps that, if left unaddressed, could result in 40% of the workforce needing to reskill over the next three years to meet businesses’ AI talent demand. 

When it comes to supporting learners and building our future workforce, Cengage Group understands the important role that AI plays in education. And we’re committed to helping the education community embrace and harness the true power of AI.  

Over the last year, we’ve made tremendous progress supporting the education sector through the launch of tools like Student Assistant, which puts the power of GenAI directly in the hands of students to personalize their learning paths. We’re encouraged by educators’ and students’ response to Student Assistant and the impact it's already having on learning – and we are just getting started. 

We’ve also been vocal about the importance of upholding pedagogical standards and taking a careful approach to introducing GenAI tools into the classroom; it’s never been more important to continue taking a thoughtful approach to edtech innovation. Next week, at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit, Cengage Group executives will be continuing these important conversations on stage at the following AI-focused sessions: 

• “Our New Reality: XR, Gaming and AI as New Computing Paradigms,” Tuesday, April 8 at 10:10 am PT: Chief Technology Officer Jim Chilton will participate in a panel discussion on AI-powered mixed reality learning to impact student engagement and accessibility. 

• “Education Operating System: Updates Ready to be Installed,” Tuesday, April 8 at 11:00 am PT: Chief Digital Officer Darren Person will be part of a panel discussing how GenAI can be integrated into higher education for personalized learning, while preserving uniquely human skills. 

• “Evolve or Become Obsolete,” Tuesday, April 8 at 3:30 pm PT: CEO Michael Hansen will join a discussion on the need for higher education to evolve or become obsolete.  

• “Transforming Educational Materials: Platforms, Personalization, and the Future of Learning Content,” Wednesday, April 9 at 11:00 am PT: SVP of Product Cheryl Costantini will speak as part of a panel on how to approach the right blend of technology and pedagogy in the age of AI. 

This is an incredibly exciting time in education, and we’ve just begun to uncover the full potential of GenAI and its profound impact on the future of education and the workforce. We look forward to continuing to build on this momentum through thoughtful innovation and ongoing conversations with industry leaders on how best to enhance, not replace, the learning experience.