Seven out of ten college students or individuals planning to enter higher education use artificial intelligence (AI) tools in their study routines, according to a survey by the Brazilian Association of Higher Education Institutions (ABMES), conducted in partnership with Educa Insights. The research revealed that 29% of respondents use AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, daily, while 42% use them weekly, resulting in a total of 71% regular adoption. Participants highlighted key benefits, including the ability to learn anytime, anywhere (53%), access to updated and diverse information and content (50%), and improved efficiency in resolving questions and problems (49%).
As AI use progresses, transforming the educational landscape in Brazil and worldwide, one key question arises: how can new generations be prepared for an increasingly digital and connected future?
According to Professor Dr. Maria Cristina Bohnenberger, Vice Dean of Education at Feevale University, the debate on whether AI tools should be used in teaching and learning has already been settled. The focus now is on how to use them effectively. “As educators, we must prepare our students for the world they will encounter beyond university. In this world, using AI for personal and professional purposes is a reality,” she emphasized.
Dr. Bohnenberger believes that educational spaces must incorporate these tools into the learning process, just as with any other technology critical to professional activities. “However, in formal learning environments, like universities, it is important to evaluate AI tools academically, distinguishing between what is part of the ‘hype’ and what can be realistically implemented, considering each resource’s limitations and advantages,” she added.
Personalization of the Learning Experience
One promising aspect of AI in education is its ability to create personalized learning experiences. In subjects like mathematics or linguistics, AI can adapt exercises based on individual performance, addressing specific difficulties and maximizing learning outcomes. Teachers can also automate routine tasks, such as grading multiple-choice tests, tracking student progress, or generating practice exercises, allowing more time for personalized guidance.
Dr. Bohnenberger highlighted that personalizing learning processes plays a crucial role in reducing educational inequalities. “AI tools are valuable allies in creating learning pathways tailored to each student’s specific needs. Additionally, they support continuous assessment processes, reducing the likelihood of struggling students being identified only at the end of the academic term,” she said.
However, she noted that access to technology is a significant challenge. “During the pandemic, we saw situations where a single phone was shared among siblings to access educational content, and internet connections were not always sufficient to handle necessary materials. Devices often lacked the technology required to run the programs used by teachers,” she explained.
The Role of AI in Education in Brazil
The regulation of AI use in Brazil, approved by the Senate in December 2024, marks a significant step forward for a country facing challenges such as unequal access to technology. According to the National Household Sample Survey (PNAD) on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), about 5.9 million households in Brazil lacked internet access in 2023.
Dr. Cláudio Felipe Kolling da Rocha, a physiology and cell biology professor at Feevale University, pointed out that challenges related to technological inclusion remain similar to those before the rise of generative AI tools. “While smartphones have popularized internet access, vulnerable communities still face barriers,” he said.
A study on internet quality in Brazilian public schools, conducted by the NIC.br, revealed that only 11% of schools have adequate internet speeds, as defined by the National Connected Schools Strategy. Dr. Kolling da Rocha emphasized the need to upgrade school networks and train teachers to integrate digital technologies into education effectively.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Education
The global AI in education market is projected to reach $92.09 billion by 2033, with an annual growth rate of 38.1% from 2024 to 2033, according to Market.us. Dr. Kolling da Rocha noted that new tools, including language models designed specifically for education, are being developed to address current shortcomings in general-purpose models.
Dr. Bohnenberger argued that AI should not be seen as a threat to teachers but as a tool to make the teaching and learning process more effective. “Educators must embrace this knowledge to fully understand the possibilities these tools offer,” she concluded.