How are UK students really using AI?


A five-panel mosaic shows diverse UK students interacting with AI. Top row: a Black female student drinks coffee while using a laptop with glowing AI interfaces in a library; a male student studies a book with AI visuals; a male student in a lab coat uses a holographic AI screen with a UK university building in the background. Bottom row: a female student writes while looking at AI data; another male student explains a holographic AI model to a small group of students. The overall image depicts widespread AI integration in student life. Generated by Nano Banana.
From research assistance to code generation and personalised study aids, AI is subtly and overtly reshaping how UK students approach their academic work. This mosaic illustrates the multifaceted ways technology is being integrated into learning, posing questions about its true impact and future trajectory in higher education. Image generated by Nano Banana.

Source

Times Higher Education

Summary

About two-thirds (66 %) of UK undergraduate students report using AI for work or study, with one in three doing so at least weekly. ChatGPT is by far the most popular tool. Universities vary in how they regulate or guide AI use: some discourage it, others provide boundaries but little training, few actively teach ethical AI practice. Most students use AI for understanding concepts, summarising content, or identifying sources, while a smaller but significant share admits to using AI to create or partially create graded work. Many believe AI has helped their grades, though others see little or negative impact. Clearer guidance and teaching around ethical, effective AI use are needed.

Key Points

  • 66% of UK undergrads use AI for degree-related work; 33% use it weekly.
  • The most common applications: explaining difficult concepts (81%), summarising sources (69%), finding sources, and improving existing work.
  • About 14% of AI-using students confess to using AI in graded work in ways that could be cheating (creating or heavily editing), which is ~9% of all students.
  • 47% of AI-using students report frequently encountering “hallucinations” (incorrect or false information) from AI tools.
  • Universities’ policies are mixed: some actively discourage use; many simply warn; only a minority proactively teach students how to use AI well and ethically.

Keywords

URL

https://yougov.co.uk/society/articles/52855-how-are-uk-students-really-using-ai

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5


How to use ChatGPT at university without cheating: ‘Now it’s more like a study partner’


Three university students (two male, one female) are seated at a table with laptops and books, smiling and engaged in discussion. Behind them, a large transparent screen displays a glowing blue humanoid AI figure pointing to various academic data and charts. The setting is a modern library, conveying a collaborative study environment where AI acts as a helpful, non-cheating resource. Generated by Nano Banana.
Moving beyond fears of academic dishonesty, many students are now leveraging ChatGPT as an ethical ‘study partner’ to enhance their learning experience at university. This image illustrates a collaborative approach where AI supports understanding and exploration, rather than providing shortcuts, thereby fostering a new era of academic assistance. Image generated by Nano Banana.

Source

The Guardian

Summary

Many students now treat ChatGPT less like a cheating shortcut and more like a study partner: for grammar checks, revision, practice questions, and organising notes. Usage jumped from 66% to 92% in a year. Universities are clarifying rules: AI can support study but not generate assignment content. Educators stress AI literacy, awareness of risks (hallucinations, fake references), and critical thinking to ensure AI complements rather than replaces learning.

Key Points

  • Student AI use rose from ~66% to ~92% in a year; viewed more as a partner than a cheat tool.
  • Valid uses: organising notes, summarising, and generating practice questions.
  • Risks: overreliance, hallucinations, using AI to write assignments still banned.
  • Some universities track AI usage or require logs; policies clearer.
  • Message: AI should be supplemental, not a substitute; build literacy and critical skills.

Keywords

URL

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/sep/14/how-to-use-chatgpt-at-university-without-cheating-now-its-more-like-a-study-partner

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5


‘It’s going to be a life skill’: educators discuss the impact of AI on university education


In a modern, sunlit conference room with a city view, a diverse group of seven educators in business attire are gathered around a sleek table. They are looking at a central holographic display that reads 'AI FLUENCY: A LIFE SKILL FOR 21ST CENTURY' and shows icons related to AI and learning. The scene depicts a discussion among professionals about the transformative impact of AI on university education. Generated by Nano Banana.
As AI reshapes industries and daily life, educators are converging to discuss its profound impact on university education, recognising AI fluency not merely as a technical skill but as an essential ‘life skill’ for the 21st century. This image captures a pivotal conversation among academic leaders focused on integrating AI into curricula to prepare students for the future. Image generated by Nano Banana.

Source

The Guardian

Summary

Educators argue that generative AI is swiftly moving from a novelty to a necessary skill, and universities must catch up. Students are often more advanced in AI usage than academic institutions, which are playing catch‑up with policy, curriculum adaptation, and support services. The piece emphasises that being able to use AI tools (and understand their limits) should be as fundamental as reading and writing. Universities are urged to incorporate AI literacy broadly—across disciplines—ensure equitable access, and ensure that teaching still reinforces enduring human skills like critical thinking, creativity, and communication.

Key Points

  • AI proficiency is becoming a life skill; many students already use AI tools, often more adeptly than institutions can respond.
  • Important for students to evaluate what AI can and can’t do, not just how to use it.
  • Universities should show leadership: clear AI strategy, support across all courses.
  • Equity matters: ensuring all students have access and skills to use AI.
  • Human skills (creativity, communication, thinking) retain their value even as AI tools become common.

Keywords

URL

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/sep/13/its-going-to-be-a-life-skill-educators-discuss-the-impact-of-ai-on-university-education

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5


As AI tools reshape education, schools struggle with how to draw the line on cheating


A group of educators and administrators in business attire are seated around a modern conference table, intensely focused on laptops. A glowing red line, fluctuating like a waveform, runs down the center of the table, separating 'AUTHORIZED AI USE' from 'ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT'. A large holographic screen above displays the headline 'As AI tools reshape education, schools struggle with how to how to draw the line on cheeting'. The scene visualizes the challenge of defining ethical boundaries for AI in academia. Generated by Nano Banana.
As AI tools become ubiquitous in education, schools are grappling with the complex and often ambiguous task of defining the line between legitimate AI assistance and academic misconduct. This image captures the intensity of discussions among educators striving to establish clear policies and maintain academic integrity in an evolving technological landscape. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.

Source

ABC News

Summary

AI is now so widespread among students that traditional assessments (take‑home essays, homework) are often considered invitations to ‘cheat.’ Teachers are responding by shifting to in‑class writing, using lockdown browsers, blocking device access, redesigning assignments, and clarifying AI policies. But confusion remains: students don’t always have clarity on what’s allowed, and teaching methods lag behind the technology. There’s growing consensus that blanket bans are not enough — what matters more is teaching students how to use AI responsibly, with transparent guidelines that protect academic integrity without stifling learning.

Key Points

  • High prevalence of student use of AI is challenging existing norms around homework & take‑home essays.
  • Teachers increasingly require in‑class work, verbal assessments, or technology controls (lockdown browser).
  • Students often unsure where the line is: what counts as cheating isn’t always clear.
  • Institutions & faculty are drafting clearer policies and guidelines; bans alone are unviable.
  • Equity issues emerge: AI access/use varies, raising fairness concerns.

Keywords

URL

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/ai-tools-reshape-education-schools-struggle-draw-line-125501970

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5


Google’s top AI scientist says ‘learning how to learn’ will be next generation’s most needed skill


Four diverse young individuals (three female, one male) are seated around a futuristic round table in a high-rise room overlooking a city. In the center of the table, glowing holographic icons emanate from a central lightbulb, representing concepts like 'METACOGNITION,' 'CRITICAL THINKING,' 'PROBLEM SOLVING,' and 'ADAPTABILITY.' The scene symbolises the importance of fundamental learning skills for the next generation. Generated by Nano Banana.
In an era of rapid technological change and readily available information, the ability to ‘learn how to learn’ is emerging as the paramount skill for the next generation. This image illustrates a collaborative, future-focused environment where metacognition, critical thinking, and continuous adaptation are the core competencies being cultivated to thrive in an unpredictable world. Image generated by Nano Banana.

Source

AP News

Summary

At a public talk in Athens, Demis Hassabis, CEO of DeepMind and 2024 Nobel laureate, stressed that rapid advances in AI demand the human meta-skill of “learning how to learn.” He argued that traditional education (math, science, humanities) will remain important, but people must develop adaptability and the capacity to continuously upskill. Hassabis warned that artificial general intelligence (AGI) might arrive within a decade, making continuous learning essential. He also warned of inequality risks if AI’s benefits remain in the hands of a few, urging both societal awareness and human agency.

Key Points

  • Hassabis proposes that meta-learning (knowing how to learn) will become a critical human skill as AI rises.
  • He predicts AGI could emerge in ~10 years, accelerating the need to adapt.
  • Traditional knowledge (math, humanities) will remain relevant, but must be complemented by agility.
  • He cautions against inequality: if gains flow only to a few, social mistrust may grow.
  • The pace of AI change is so fast that fixed curricula risk becoming obsolete.

Keywords

URL

https://www.apnews.com/article/greece-google-artificial-intelligence-hassabis-85bff114c30cbea4b951ab93dcc1e6d1

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5