As artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday life, schools are beginning to explore how it might support teaching and learning. AI can help personalise lessons, reduce workload, and improve access for students with different needs—but it also brings risks around fairness, data privacy, and overuse.
In this post, we take a closer look at the pros and cons of AI in education, including real-world examples from around the world. We also consider the disadvantages of artificial intelligence in education, why the UK has been slow to adopt it, and what needs to happen next.
Why AI Is Starting to Make a Difference in Classrooms
AI tools are helping schools offer more flexible support to both students and teachers. Some systems adjust questions based on how well a student is doing, giving each learner the right level of challenge. Others provide quick feedback, so students don’t have to wait days to understand where they went wrong.
Teachers are also seeing clear advantages. AI can help with planning lessons, marking work, or creating resources—saving valuable time. In some schools, it’s also being used to support students with additional needs through translation, voice-to-text, or simplified reading tools.
It’s still early days, but where AI has been tested, it has helped students become more confident and independent. With the right guidance and a focus on learning—not just technology—AI has the potential to be a valuable tool. These early results highlight many of the pros of AI in education, especially when used with purpose and care.
AI in Action: Case Studies to Understand the Pros and Cons of AI in Education
While many UK schools are still finding their feet, some countries have already made significant progress. The following case studies show how AI is being used in real classrooms to support learning, reduce workload, and build digital skills—offering insight into both the benefits and disadvantages of artificial intelligence in education.
EdChat – AI Chatbot for South Australian Schools
South Australia’s Department for Education developed EdChat, a secure AI chatbot built with Microsoft, to support student learning and teacher workload. Piloted in eight high schools, it was used for research, creative tasks, and language support—with strong uptake among EAL and neurodiverse students.
By replacing traditional English assessments with EdChat, teachers reduced marking time from 30 minutes to just 52 seconds per student, saving an estimated 15,000 hours system-wide. The tool uses Microsoft’s Azure AI Content Safety for filtering, and all activity is logged for transparency.
EdChat is now being scaled across all South Australian public schools, offering a clear example of how AI can be rolled out safely and in line with the curriculum.
Kerala’s Little KITEs – AI and Robotics for Every Child
Little KITEs is India’s largest student-run ICT network, involving over 180,000 students in more than 2,000 public schools across Kerala. The program empowers pupils in Grades 8–10 to explore programming, animation, cybersecurity, AI, and robotics through weekly, hands-on tech clubs.
Earlier this year Little KITEs supported the rollout of AI and robotics education for all Year 10 students, distributing over 29,000 robotics kits and providing inclusive training. Students now build projects like AI-powered doors and sanitation systems using Arduino boards and PictoBlox coding.
Recognised by UNICEF as a “Global Edu model,” Little KITEs shows how AI in education can be practical, inclusive, and student-led—highlighting some of the clearest pros of AI in education on a large scale.
Disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence in Education: Where AI Falls Short
AI can be helpful in the classroom, but there are real concerns. Some tools give incorrect or biased information, and students may start relying on them too much instead of thinking things through independently. These are some of the most common disadvantages of artificial intelligence in education.
Privacy is another issue. Many AI systems collect and store student data, raising concerns about consent, storage, and misuse. There’s also a risk that schools without the right equipment or training may fall further behind, widening the digital divide.
AI can support learning, but it can’t replace the role of a teacher. Human connection, professional judgment, and emotional support are all essential—and hard to replicate with technology. These drawbacks don’t mean schools should avoid AI, but they do show why careful planning is needed.
Why Progress Is Slower in the UK
Despite the growing interest, the UK has been slower to adopt AI than some other countries. Many teachers haven’t had proper training, and there’s no national strategy to guide how AI should be used. This makes it harder for schools to know where to start or how to use tools safely.
Budget pressures, staffing shortages, and concerns about data and ethics have also played a part. While the pros and cons of AI in education are being discussed, many schools are left to figure things out on their own. Without stronger guidance and investment, progress is likely to remain patchy.
Final Thoughts on the Pros and Cons of AI in Education
There are clear pros and cons of AI in education. On the one hand, it can personalise learning, save time, and widen access. On the other, it raises important questions about fairness, safety, and student reliance on technology. But with the right planning, most of the disadvantages of artificial intelligence in education can be avoided.
The UK now needs to decide how seriously it wants to take this. If we let budget pressures and uncertainty hold us back, we risk falling behind countries already investing in teacher training and national plans. AI should not be seen as a luxury—it needs to be a priority.
