Artificial intelligence (AI) is making its way into education, but its integration has been slow and uneven. The release of the federal government’s “Empowering Education Leaders” toolkit in late 2024 signaled a growing interest in AI’s role in schools. However, while the conversation has started, actionable steps are still lacking. Educators and administrators are cautiously exploring how AI can support teaching and improve school systems.
As 2025 approaches, AI is gradually becoming a part of classrooms and administrative offices. Teachers are finding creative ways to use the technology, and schools are testing its potential for safety and efficiency. Here are some of the key ways AI is influencing education today.
One major challenge is the complexity of AI technology and its rapid evolution. Instead of creating detailed policies for every possible use, schools are establishing general guidelines, or “guardrails.” These guardrails aim to protect students, maintain privacy, and encourage ethical use while giving educators the flexibility to adapt AI tools to their needs.
Some teachers are already experimenting with AI to make lessons more personalized and engaging. For instance, custom AI tools, such as chatbots trained on specific student data, are being tested to support learning. These tools can tailor educational experiences to individual students, helping them better understand lessons and stay motivated. Teachers are also exploring how AI can address different learning styles and make education more accessible to all.
Beyond the classroom, AI is improving school safety and operations. In Utah, the Canyons School District uses AI to monitor school bus safety and optimize routes. The technology has helped reduce costs, improve driver behavior, and make transportation more efficient. By applying AI to practical problems like bus schedules, schools can save time and resources while ensuring students get to and from school safely.
However, AI is not just helping schools; it’s also being used by cybercriminals to create more advanced attacks. To counter this, schools are turning to AI-powered cybersecurity tools. These tools can automatically detect threats, monitor networks, and secure sensitive information. Experts stress the importance of using AI to stay ahead in the fight against cybercrime, as the technology is expected to play a significant role in cybersecurity for years to come.
AI is also proving valuable in school administration. Cloud-based systems powered by AI can analyze large amounts of data, giving school leaders better insights into student performance and resource allocation. By securely integrating AI with existing databases, schools can make data-driven decisions to improve learning outcomes and streamline operations.
Despite its benefits, AI in education raises important ethical questions. Educators must ensure that AI is used responsibly and doesn’t harm students or widen educational gaps. Collaboration between teachers, administrators, and policymakers is essential to develop guidelines that promote fairness and trust. Additionally, schools must focus on teaching students critical thinking skills so they can use AI tools effectively and responsibly.
As AI continues to evolve, its role in education is expected to grow. From personalized learning to safer schools and smarter administration, AI offers exciting opportunities to improve how students learn and how schools operate. However, its success depends on thoughtful implementation and a commitment to addressing challenges. By embracing AI responsibly, educators can create a better future for students and ensure that technology enhances, rather than disrupts, the learning experience.
