Research, curriculum and grading: new data sheds light on how professors are using AI


In a bright, modern classroom, students are actively engaged at individual desks with laptops. At the front, two female professors and one male professor are presenting to the class, while a large interactive screen displays "INNOVATIVE AI CHATBOT USE CASES." The screen shows four panels detailing applications such as "Personalized Tutoring," "Collaborative Research," "Creative Writing & Feedback," and "Language Practice." Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.
University professors are increasingly discovering and implementing creative ways to leverage AI chatbots to enhance learning in the classroom. This image illustrates a dynamic educational environment where various innovative use cases for AI chatbots are being explored, from personalised tutoring to collaborative research, transforming traditional teaching and learning methodologies. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.

Source

NPR

Summary

Professors across U.S. universities are increasingly using AI chatbots like Gemini and Claude for curriculum design, grading support, and administrative work. A Georgia State professor described using AI to brainstorm assignments and draft rubrics, while Anthropic’s analysis of 74,000 higher-ed conversations with Claude found 57% related to curriculum planning and 13% to research. Some professors even create interactive simulations. Others use AI to automate emails, budgets, and recommendations. But concerns remain: faculty warn that AI-grading risks hollowing out the student–teacher relationship, while scholars argue universities lack clear guidance, leaving professors to “fend for themselves.”

Key Points

  • National survey: ~40% of administrators and 30% of instructors now use AI weekly or daily, up from 2–4% in 2023.
  • 57% of higher-ed AI conversations focus on curriculum development; 13% on research.
  • Professors use AI to design interactive simulations, draft rubrics, manage budgets, and write recommendations.
  • 7% of analysed use involved grading, though faculty report AI is least effective here.
  • Concerns: risk of “AI-grading AI-written papers,” weakening educational purpose; calls for stronger guidance.

Keywords

URL

https://www.npr.org/2025/10/02/nx-s1-5550365/college-professors-ai-classroom

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5