We surveyed teachers about how they're using AI and ed tech
The results were illuminating
We can reflect on the teacher experience until we’re blue in the gullet: nothing compares to talking directly to educators about their experience.
That is why iLearnNH conducted a recent survey called Teaching in a Digital Age: Educator Insights on Ed Tech and AI. The results were illuminating and instructive, helping to give a more nuanced understanding of the voices and expertise shaping digital literacy in the classroom today.
All told, over 40 educators participated the survey, 33 of whom identify as K-12 classroom teachers. Educators from four states participated, predominantly from our home state of New Hampshire.
Here are our three biggest takeaways:
📚 TAKEAWAY #1: Educators are Already Tech-Savvy—AI Is Just One More Tool in the Toolbox
The best (most unsurprising) news? Teachers are already confidently using educational technology. Over 65% of classroom teachers reported feeling very or extremely comfortable with ed tech, and over 70% reported using ed tech tools weekly or even daily to deliver instruction, support learners, and extend opportunities beyond the classroom.
It’s worth celebrating, although not at all surprising: educators are already navigating digital tools with professionalism, creativity, and care.
🤖 TAKEAWAY #2: Curious about AI… But Cautious
When it comes to AI, the tone is hopeful but measured. Nearly two-thirds of educators described themselves as “excited and curious” or “hopeful but cautious.” At the same time, nearly half reported using AI only rarely or not at all.
Whether skeptical or hopeful or somewhere in between, teachers are asking the right questions:
How do I use these tools responsibly?
What’s helpful for my students?
What does AI mean for my continued learning?
And there are still some noticeable, valid concerns and reasons for resistance:
“[AI has been] most useful is drafting emails. However, I am extremely concerned about both the environmental impacts of AI, adults and young people's dependence on it, and the theft of intellectual property, especially art and writing, to train AI.”
“I'm not sure [AI] has a place in school settings.
“When I have literally no time to plan, this is the only time I use AI (to create discussion questions when all I have time to do is pick something to read — I feed it the article and have it generate questions). I do not use it otherwise. I do not see others using it because my colleagues are also concerned, skeptical, and angry.”
“On the backend I have seen teachers use it for curriculum planning. I have not really seen how to properly implement it in class.”
“I have not heard a single argument or example that has made me feel anything positive about AI in education. I believe using it is going to turn us all into morons.”
We see you, we hear you, and we respect you.
Far from jumping in blindly, educators are approaching AI with the same care they bring to any classroom decision. Not every teacher needs to use and engage with AI in the same way or on the same timeline. And that is precisely what makes educators trustworthy guides in this evolving space.
🧠 TAKEAWAY #3: AI Isn’t a Replacement—It’s a Resource
Let’s be clear: AI isn’t here to replace teachers. It is simply one more tool that has the potential to support planning, boost creativity, and open doors for student differentiation. As Danny Scuderi of the Formative Assessment Substack reflected in his response to Duolingo’s CEO that education is just for childcare:
End-of-year exhaustion is a reflection of love, of understanding, of connection. If you think your app can do all that, you should sub for one day at the school down the street. Any Friday in May works just fine. - Danny Scuderi, The Formative Assessment
Hear, hear. 👏
Of course, how a teacher uses an ed tech tool is dependent on their unique teaching style, preferences, and student needs. And teachers are already exploring this potential with AI.
Here are a few of the many ways teachers are already using AI to support their work:
🎨 GETTING CREATIVE
Creating a school song to support a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative
Collaborating with a team to design a middle school AI unit that introduces students to a teachable machine learning and data collection model
Having students edit and critique an essay generated by AI
Using AI to simulate a historical figure, allowing students to interview the AI and learn about the person’s perspective and historical role through its responses
“Khanmigo has been so helpful for me and and students! I love the lesson planning help, the newsletter feature, and the help it gives to students during independent lessons.”
“We've been pushing Khanmigo with students, and teachers and love the ‘Chat with a historical figure’ and ‘chat with a literary character.’”
“Our English teacher used [AI] for an awesome mystery unit. It was super helpful in creating short mystery stories that her students could analyze and write about.”
🔀 SUPPORTING DIFFERENTIATION
Turning an article into a podcast using Notebook LM
Having students identify changes to setting, character, or plot in a story, then using AI to rewrite the story to highlight the importance of those elements
Using AI to generate curriculum differentiation ideas to support diverse learning needs
Creating detailed lesson plans designed to effectively support multilingual learners
“Students creating songs with it has been quite fun as part of exploring how to use different AI functionality and generating mock data sets for students to work with.”
“MagicSchoolAI is huge for supporting teachers with differentiating instruction and building high-quality lesson plans and rubrics.”
✏️ WRITING & PLANNING
Producing rubric descriptions in Spanish
Curriculum mapping
Polishing up individualized report card comments
Drafting emails and other parent communications
“[AI has been helping] me write the numerous college recommendations I need to submit every year! I can tailor them to the university or a scholarship if needed.”
“With AI, I cut my lesson planning time by 80%. It's a game change for me. I get to spend more time with my family.”
🌱 Where Do We Go from Here?
The message is clear: Teachers are ready to grow—but they want space, time, and meaningful support. In the survey, educators asked for:
Hands-on training with classroom-ready tools
Time to experiment and collaborate with peers
Foundational learning about how AI works
At iLearnNH, we hear you. We will continue to evolve with the need, and this feedback is vital in helping to shape the next phase of our support—more resources, more collaboration, and more practical guidance to work with educators to use ed tech in a strategic, meaningful way.
In the meantime, check out iLearnNH’s AI Literacy Hub or Training Catalogue to see how we can support educators today!