Across Europe, a growing number of teachers are worried about how artificial intelligence (AI) is affecting education. A recent survey by Epson, a technology company, found that 80% of teachers believe AI is already making a noticeable impact on learning. Some students are using AI tools heavily to complete basic tasks like spelling and math, which has raised concerns among educators. The survey, which included 3,360 people across six European countries—France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Poland, and the UK—also found that 76% of students expect to use AI in their learning, while 81% of teachers believe students think AI can do their spelling and math for them.
The study revealed that over two-thirds (68%) of teachers feel that AI use in homework has a negative effect on learning. They worry that students may become overly reliant on AI tools, which could hinder their ability to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In contrast, over three quarters of students expect to be able to use AI in their studies, with nearly 90% already using it once a week for schoolwork. This gap in perception between teachers and students highlights the need for better understanding and management of AI in education.
Epson Europe’s Educate to Empower 2026 Research highlighted that with 76% of students expecting to use AI and 87% already doing so, the focus should shift to teaching skills that AI cannot easily replace. Dr. Sarah Henkelmann-Hillebrand, who leads education initiatives at Epson Europe, stressed the importance of managing AI use effectively through proper governance, guidelines, and training. She emphasized that schools need to prepare students and teachers to use AI responsibly and productively.
The survey also showed that 82% of teachers want more training to monitor how students use AI, and 78% want guidance on how to incorporate AI into their own teaching. These findings suggest that while teachers are concerned about the impact of AI on students’ learning and comprehension, they are also looking for support to integrate AI into their classrooms in a meaningful way. As the EU AI Act comes into effect, schools are being urged to provide AI literacy training to ensure students and educators can navigate the changing educational landscape.
European Teachers Express Concerns Over AI's Growing Role in Education
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