'They're eager to integrate them into classrooms… and help to free up time for more personalised feedback and group collaboration'
In today’s classroom, the youngest generation of educators is significantly outpacing older peers in adopting artificial intelligence (AI), according to a new report.
A recent survey from global learning technology company D2L found that 88% of Gen Z educators report using AI during the 2024–25 academic year—compared to 48% of Gen X educators and just 19% of Baby Boomers.
Additionally, 63% of Gen Z and Millennial educators believe AI will become “important or essential” to teaching by 2030, while fewer than half (48%) of Gen X and Boomer educators share that view.
The survey also revealed that educators are three times more likely to say AI has enhanced, rather than worsened, classroom engagement. While 44% believe AI has improved efficiency, fewer feel it has significantly enhanced engagement or personalisation—a view mirrored by the general public.
“AI may be revolutionising education, but human connections remain at the heart of the learning experience. Educators and leaders seek tools that can help save time and enhance learning without compromising the personal bonds that can drive success,” says John Baker, founder, president and CEO of D2L. “As younger educators begin to embrace AI-native tools, they’re eager to integrate them into classrooms while maintaining strong ties with students and help to free up time for more personalised feedback and group collaboration.”
In light of the growing AI adoption, Ottawa earlier this year called on stakeholders to submit proposals under the Community Workforce Development Program, which supports communities through workforce planning and skills training.
D2L notes that AI use is expected to continue expanding in education. More than half (54%) of educators reported using AI tools in the 2024–25 academic year, with a modest increase to 56% projected for 2025–26. These findings come from a May 2025 survey of 1,200 U.S. respondents, evenly split between the general public and education professionals.
Key growth areas for AI adoption in education include supporting students with accessibility needs, detecting plagiarism, and aiding lesson planning, according to the report.
With most employers (74%) believing AI will solve their productivity problems, many appear to be skipping a necessary step to make that happen—providing the necessary training for workers, according to a previous KPMG report.
To ensure long-term AI adoption, employers should cultivate an AI learning culture, according to SmartHR. The companies notes that this can be done by:
“Employers must take proactive steps to provide AI training, from assessing current skill levels to offering hands-on learning experiences,” says SmartHR. “By fostering an AI learning culture, addressing resistance, and measuring impact, businesses can ensure their workforce is AI-ready and capable of leveraging AI for maximum productivity. Investing in AI training today will lead to a smarter, more efficient, and competitive workforce in the future.”
Canadian businesses could face an uphill battle harnessing AI as one research from KPMG reveals the country’s workforce trails much of the world in both confidence and literacy related to AI systems.
