Majority of students use AI, but educators sound alarm

Educators’ top three concerns about AI in the classroom 

• 75 per cent of Canadian students use generative AI tools in their schoolwork
• 59 per cent of Canadian educators do not believe Canada’s education system is adequately preparing students for a future where AI is a standard workplace tool
• 53 per cent of students say they have received formal instruction on how to use AI responsibly for academic work
• 46 per cent of educators agree students are currently receiving enough education about responsible AI use at their institution
• 79 per cent of educators say students should be explicitly taught responsible and ethical AI use
• 70 per cent of students say educational institutions should offer more courses on how to use generative AI

Students are already avid AI users, with nearly 70 per cent using generative AI for school at least a few times per week. More than three-quarters say AI has improved the quality of their schoolwork, while 81 per cent agree that it has helped them better understand course material.

Yet, students are also experiencing negative impacts from using AI. Over half (51 per cent) say their critical thinking skills have deteriorated since they started using AI, while 69 per cent believe their peers rely on AI to avoid critical thinking altogether. Educators share these concerns, with 89 per cent agreeing that without proper guidance, students may be developing problematic habits that will impact their learning. 

“Students will take what they learn in the classroom and will apply their behaviors into their workplace,” says Jameel Ahamed, Partner and National Leader of Data Platforms and AI at KPMG Canada. "Educational institutions need to find new ways to challenge students to support their ideas, analyze and solve complex problems, and apply independent judgment. Whether through more project-based learning, oral assessments or interactive discussions, the goal should be to ensure AI enhances learning rather than becoming a substitute for it.” 

While AI adoption is slower among educators (46 per cent use it at least a few times per week), 77 per cent say the technology has caused them to change how they assess student learning outcomes. Respondents also noted that AI creates academic integrity challenges that are difficult to manage. 

Indeed, the survey reveals that students and educators are divided when it comes to what they consider acceptable use of AI in the classroom. With 72 per cent of educators saying they believe using generative AI to assist with schoolwork constitutes cheating, compared with 50 per cent of students. And while students may have embraced AI for their own work, 67 per cent say they would question the result if their instructor used AI to grade their assignment.

"Educational institutions are entering a new phase of AI development," says Mr. Ahamed. "The question is no longer whether students are using AI. They already are. The challenge now is designing learning environments that encourage students to think, question, collaborate, and apply their knowledge in new ways. AI is prompting educators to reimagine how learning happens inside and outside of the classroom. The educational institutions that embrace this change will be in a better position to equip students with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in rapidly evolving workplaces.” 

Students are skeptical of AI grading

The survey also highlights growing concerns about fairness as AI becomes more deeply embedded in education. 

Nearly one quarter of students now pay to access AI tools to support their schoolwork, and almost half believe students who pay for AI gain an academic advantage over those who do not. Meanwhile, 84 per cent of educators are concerned that unequal access to AI tools and training could create educational inequities. 

“AI has the potential to make learning more personalized and accessible, but only if schools establish clear guidelines and policies that ensure everyone has the opportunity to benefit from these tools,” says Mr. Clayton. “Establishing those foundations now will be critical to ensuring technology supports learning outcomes for all students, regardless of socioeconomic factors, while helping educators adapt to this new era of teaching and learning.” 

About the survey 

KPMG Canada surveyed 1009 Canadians (aged 18+) who attend or work at university, college, vocational, or high school educational institutions from July 22 to August 5, 2026, using Sago’s Methodify online research platform. In total, 1864 Canadians were screened for participation. The finding that 75 per cent of Canadian students use generative AI tools in their schoolwork is based on the full screened sample and reflects incidence among all students surveyed. Of the total students surveyed, 47 per cent attend university, 25 per cent attend college, 12 per cent are enrolled in post-graduate or part-time studies, 12 per cent are in high school, and four per cent are in technical, trade or vocational school. For educators, 63 per cent describe their job role as an instructor/professor, 19 per cent as a department head/curriculum lead, and 18 per cent work at the leadership or management level.