AI in Education: How Technology is Shaping the Future of Learning

Posted by Laura Amendola on February 4, 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept found in science fiction novels and films. It’s officially a reality, one that’s seeping into most aspects of life, including education. But is that a good thing? According to Pew Research Center, only 6% of educators think the inclusion of AI tools in education will be more beneficial than harmful. That being said, with Gen Alpha being the main generation in schools, embracing technological advances and innovation is the best way to meet learners where they’re at. Despite being controversial, AI has the potential to revolutionize high school education by creating personalized, effective, and scalable learning experiences.

The growing role of AI in education

Despite hesitation among educators, AI tools are increasingly being adopted in classrooms. Things like adaptive learning platforms, virtual tutors, and grading tools are becoming more normalized. To put it in perspective, 92% of organizations are expected to increase their investment in EdTech by 2025. It is becoming increasingly unavoidable to utilize these platforms for learners.

Benefits of AI in high school education

While the concerns many educators have are valid, the truth is there are undeniable benefits to using AI programs in education. AI can help adapt content to individual students’ learning speeds and styles to create personalized learning. It can also increase student engagement with interactive tools and simulations.

For teachers, AI tools can help automate time-consuming tasks like grading, scheduling, and attendance tracking. In a world where teachers’ work day doesn’t end at the last bell, these tools can make a huge difference in helping them achieve a better work/life balance. For students, they now have access to virtual tutors and 24/7 support with AI without burdening teachers during their personal time.

Whether AI tools are being promoted by educators or not, students are finding ways to use them. Research by Internet Matters indicates that more than half of children using generative AI are using it for their schoolwork. It’s part of modern education whether we like it or not.

Key AI applications shaping high school learning

There are several types of AI applications revolutionizing high school learning currently. These include:

Adaptive Learning Platforms: Tools that tailor lessons based on student progress.
Virtual Tutoring and Chatbots: AI-powered tutors that provide 24/7 assistance.
Predictive Analytics: AI that identifies at-risk students and suggests interventions.
Content Creation and Accessibility: AI-generated quizzes, notes, and accessible materials for diverse learners.

Challenges and considerations

There are of course concerns surrounding AI’s inclusion in education, and they’re not unfounded. An over-reliance on AI tools by students may result in a decrease in genuine learning. There are also data privacy concerns. The increase in advancement and usage of technology has resulted in more and more security breaches, making the safety of student data a worry.

Access is another concern. If the education system is going to include more AI powered tools there must be equal access to these tools. Whether government or school funded, the burden of supplying these tools should not fall on the students or their families.

Another important factor is digital literacy among educators. Learners are more digitally literate than ever, but not all educators have been able to keep up. This means that there should be a continued emphasis on professional development for educators to effectively use AI. These professional development opportunities should be supplied in order to enhance staff’s ability to work with these tools to the best of their ability in order to achieve student success.

The future of AI in high school education

AI does not appear to be going anywhere. In fact, the use of AI tools in education settings seems to only be increasing. With upcoming trends such as AI-driven virtual reality and augmented reality, it will likely be incorporated in more innovative ways. This doesn’t and shouldn’t mean it’s a replacement for human expertise, however. Students should not rely on AI to do all of their work for them and educators should not expect AI tools to teach for them. The responsibility to learn and teach still belongs to students and educators, but they can aid themselves with AI tools for optimal results.

Embrace the future with an education partner

The rise and evolution of AI has the potential to transform high school education. It can help foster collaboration and create global learning communities. Advancements in technology have made it necessary to meet learners where they’re at, including personalized learning experiences when possible. AI aids educators in making this a reality. By integrating AI thoughtfully and equitably, schools can prepare the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the future workforce and contribute meaningfully to society.

Consider collaborating with an online learning partner like Penn Foster to further enhance AI implementation in the classroom. Dr. Andy Shean, Chief Learning Officer at Penn Foster Group, shares in this op-ed why this can be beneficial:

“Equipped with real-world data and the massive potential of technological advancements such as AI, we now possess the tools to drive actionable change in how we educate our learners. By combining the transformative power of AI with the accessibility of flexible, self-paced online learning models, we can open doors for historically disenfranchised learners.”

Request more info or reach out to our training experts to see if a partnership is right for your organization.