New studies highlight the role of AI in universities
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming part of daily academic practice. University professors across different disciplines are turning to generative AI tools to design lesson plans, create interactive assignments, and manage administrative tasks more efficiently.
Recent research indicates that a large portion of faculty interactions with AI focus on curriculum development and class preparation. In many cases, professors are using AI to generate simulations and digital activities that help students understand complex topics through interactive experiences.
Most common applications in academia
Data collected from thousands of interactions show that around 57% of professors use AI for curriculum design and lesson planning. Approximately 13% of interactions relate to academic research tasks, while others involve administrative duties such as budget planning, drafting recommendation letters, and creating meeting agendas.
Educators often emphasize that AI helps reduce time spent on repetitive tasks, but they also note that collaborative use — combining human expertise with AI suggestions — produces more effective results.
Concerns about AI in grading
One of the most debated aspects is the use of AI to grade student work. Only a minority of professors reported using AI for this purpose, and many of them stated that its effectiveness remains limited. Some researchers have warned that excessive reliance on automation in evaluation could weaken feedback quality and reduce meaningful interaction between teachers and students.
Challenges and future outlook
Despite its growing presence, many universities have yet to establish clear guidelines on how to incorporate AI into academic practice. Faculty members continue to call for more institutional support, while education technology specialists underline that the way AI is integrated today will shape student learning experiences in the years to come.
