OpenAI calls for teacher training as student AI use outpaces guidance

The gap in classroom guidance

A recent study by ThinkYoung involving 5,000 teenagers and 600 teachers reveals a stark disconnect in how artificial intelligence is entering the classroom. While the vast majority of students are already integrating these tools into their schoolwork, the formal instruction provided by educators is lagging behind. The data shows that 79% of surveyed teenagers have used AI for assignments, yet only 47% of those students received specific guidance from their teachers.

This lack of oversight appears to correlate with how students choose to use the technology. The research found that students who did not receive clear instructions were twice as likely to ask an AI to complete an entire assignment for them compared to those who were given guidance. This suggests that without a framework for

Student habits and perceptions

The survey, which covered 12 countries including the UK, US, and various European nations, highlights a complex relationship between students and AI. While many students report checking the accuracy of AI outputs and adding their own thoughts to the results, a significant portion still admits to copying what the AI says. Specifically, 49% of students agreed they would simply copy AI-generated content when completing homework.

Students are actively seeking more help from their schools to navigate these choices. A majority of the teenagers surveyed expressed a desire for teachers to explain exactly when AI is permissible for homework and to help them judge the reliability of the information the tools provide. Younger students, aged 13 to 15, reported even higher levels of uncertainty and a greater need for clear rules regarding their schoolwork.

Despite these concerns, students also recognize the potential of the technology. Many identified the societal effects and possibilities of AI as high priorities for learning. One 15-year-old student noted the importance of asking AI specifically how to do things so that the tool provides a process rather than just a finished answer.

Teacher demands for better tools

Educators are calling for more structured professional development to keep pace with these technological shifts. A 29-year-old teacher in the UK noted that if AI is to be integrated further into the school system, there should be specific trainings and workshops organized for staff.

Beyond just general training, teachers expressed a need for products that are more closely aligned with their specific daily tasks. They are seeking tools that are better matched to their unique work requirements, such as more accurate outputs and tools tailored specifically to their existing curricula.

Real-world testing and recognition

Early implementations of AI tools in schools are already providing data on student satisfaction. For example, the ITI tutor, which was built on ChatGPT Edu, received an average satisfaction rating of 3.07 out of five from 182 students who used the system.

The industry is also looking for ways to recognize projects that make a measurable impact on education technology. The ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 have opened for entries across 26 categories to highlight companies, institutions, and individuals who are successfully navigating these changes.

Upcoming deadlines for entries

The awards are open to participants from all over the world to showcase diverse projects in fields like digital learning and skills. Interested parties can explore the 2027 categories and judging criteria or read the official guide to start an entry on the dedicated platform.

There are specific dates to keep in mind for those wishing to submit their work. The early-bird deadline is set for Friday, December 18, 2026, while the final deadline for all entries is Friday, February 26, 2027, at 23:59 UK time.