Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing education, reshaping how teachers, tutors, and instructional designers create content, assess students, and provide support. But how exactly is AI being used in real-world educational settings?
To answer this, we analyzed real usage data from Anthropic’s AI platform, focusing on how educators interact with generative AI.
This data-driven approach provides valuable insights into which tasks AI is being used for the most, which job roles rely on AI the most, and how it enhances various aspects of learning.
Our analysis covers:
✅ Course and curriculum development: How instructional designers and teachers use AI to create and adapt educational materials.
✅ Student support and tutoring: The role of AI in assisting students through feedback, guidance, and personalized learning.
✅ Assessment and grading: How AI helps automate evaluation and improve feedback mechanisms.
✅ AI’s role in instruction: How teachers integrate AI into classroom activities, from lesson planning to interactive teaching methods.
By leveraging Anthropic’s real-world AI usage data, this article highlights how generative AI is shaping the future of education. Let’s explore the findings and see what this means for educators and students alike.
AI in Course and Curriculum Development
One of the primary areas where AI is making a significant impact is in the development of courses and curricula.
Educational professionals such as instructional designers, teachers, and training specialists utilize AI for both content creation and adaptation.
Key AI-Powered Tasks in Course Development
- Developing new courses and materials: AI assists in generating lesson plans, instructional content, and even interactive learning experiences.
- Adapting existing materials: A substantial portion of AI usage is dedicated to modifying educational content to better fit student needs, including accessibility considerations for diverse learning requirements.
- Generating activity plans: Educators use AI to create structured learning activities aligned with course objectives and educational standards.
The data reveals that AI in education is heavily utilized for content refinement rather than just creation.
| Task | Usage % |
|---|---|
| plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction. | 11.06% |
| review instructional content, methods, and student evaluations to assess strengths and weaknesses, and to develop recommendations for course revision, development, or elimination. | 9.51% |
| edit instructional materials, such as books, simulation exercises, lesson plans, instructor guides, and tests. | 7.65% |
| develop instructional materials, such as lesson plans, handouts, or examinations. | 6.85% |
| adapt instructional content or delivery methods for different levels or types of learners. | 6.73% |
| develop teaching or training materials, such as handouts, study materials, or quizzes. | 6.24% |
| develop teaching materials, such as syllabi, visual aids, answer keys, supplementary notes, or course web sites. | 6.09% |
| adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students’ varying needs and interests. | 4.84% |
| plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate. | 4.23% |
| plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction. | 3.34% |
| present and make recommendations regarding course design, technology, and instruction delivery options. | 2.92% |
| develop instructional materials to be used by educators and instructors. | 2.64% |
| design instructional aids for stand-alone or instructor-led classroom or online use. | 2.26% |
| write instructional articles on designated subjects. | 2.17% |
| plan, prepare, and develop various teaching aids such as bibliographies, charts, and graphs. | 1.58% |
| plan, develop, and provide training and staff development programs, using knowledge of the effectiveness of methods such as classroom training, demonstrations, on-the-job training, meetings, conferences, and workshops. | 1.55% |
| present information using a variety of instructional techniques or formats, such as role playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, or lectures. | 1.53% |
| compose explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials. | 1.45% |
| provide technical support to clients in the implementation of designed instruction or in task analyses and instructional systems design. | 1.32% |
| develop curricula and plan course content and methods of instruction. | 1.15% |
| develop master course documentation or manuals according to applicable accreditation, certification, or other requirements. | 1.14% |
| organize production and design of curriculum materials. | 1.01% |
| develop instructional materials and products for technology-based redesign of courses. | 0.98% |
| define instructional, learning, or performance objectives. | 0.85% |
| design learning products, including web-based aids or electronic performance support systems. | 0.79% |
| prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts. | 0.79% |
| design, plan, organize, or direct orientation and training programs for employees or customers. | 0.75% |
| prepare objectives, outlines, or other materials for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements. | 0.65% |
| analyze training needs to develop new training programs or modify and improve existing programs. | 0.54% |
| author or publish professional articles, internal documents, and instructional materials. | 0.52% |
| develop manuals, texts, workbooks, or related materials for use in conjunction with production materials. | 0.50% |
| prepare objectives, outlines, or other materials for courses of study following curriculum guidelines or school or state requirements. | 0.46% |
| recommend changes to curricula or delivery methods, based on information such as instructional effectiveness data, current or future performance requirements, feasibility, and costs. | 0.45% |
| develop and organize training manuals, multimedia visual aids, and other educational materials. | 0.41% |
| prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools. | 0.39% |
| develop instruction or training roadmaps for online and blended learning programs. | 0.39% |
| evaluate training materials prepared by instructors, such as outlines, text, or handouts. | 0.32% |
| prepare materials and classrooms for class activities. | 0.31% |
| develop classroom-based and distance learning training courses, using needs assessments and skill level analyses. | 0.27% |
| interview subject matter experts or conduct other research to develop instructional content. | 0.26% |
| plan or conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate. | 0.26% |
| plan and prepare audio-visual teaching aids and methods for use in school systems. | 0.24% |
| research or recommend textbooks, software, equipment, or other learning materials to complement tutoring. | 0.24% |
| conduct needs assessments and strategic learning assessments to develop the basis for curriculum development or to update curricula. | 0.24% |
| select and assemble books, materials, supplies, and equipment for training, courses, or projects. | 0.21% |
| assess training needs through surveys, interviews with employees, focus groups, or consultation with managers, instructors, or customer representatives. | 0.21% |
| obtain, organize, or develop training procedure manuals, guides, or course materials, such as handouts or visual materials. | 0.20% |
| prepare outlines of instructional programs and training schedules and establish course goals. | 0.18% |
| interpret or transcribe classroom materials into braille or sign language. | 0.16% |
| establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students. | 0.15% |
| prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as financial accounting, principles of marketing, and operations management. | 0.14% |
| adapt instructional techniques to the age and skill levels of students. | 0.14% |
| prepare instructional program objectives, outlines, and lesson plans. | 0.14% |
| establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate these objectives to students. | 0.14% |
| advise teaching and administrative staff in curriculum development, use of materials and equipment, and implementation of state and federal programs and procedures. | 0.12% |
| prepare lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, equipment, and demonstrations. | 0.12% |
| provide information to the public by leading workshops and training programs and by developing educational materials. | 0.11% |
| develop and use multimedia course materials and other current technology, such as online courses. | 0.10% |
A significant portion of AI usage focuses on evaluating, editing, and adapting instructional materials, with tasks like reviewing course content (9.51%) and adapting teaching methods (6.73%) playing key roles.
This suggests that AI is not just a tool for generating new materials but also a critical assistant in improving and personalizing education to better fit student needs.
Additionally, while AI helps streamline traditional curriculum development, its role in digital transformation is emerging.
Tasks like designing instructional aids (2.26%) and creating technology-based learning materials (0.98%) indicate a growing shift towards AI-powered digital education tools.
This reinforces AI’s potential to bridge the gap between standardized content delivery and adaptive, tech-driven learning experiences, making education more efficient and personalized.
AI for Student Support: The Role of Tutors and Teachers
AI plays a crucial role in student assistance, particularly in tutoring, feedback, and guidance. Tutors account for nearly half of all AI usage in this category, leveraging AI to facilitate discussions, evaluate assignments, and offer personalized learning support.
Top AI-Driven Student Support Tasks
- Reviewing class materials with students: AI helps analyze texts, solve problems, and provide structured feedback on assignments.
- Evaluating student work: AI assists in assessing student progress and suggesting improvements.
- Providing extra academic support: Many students, especially those in need of additional help outside the classroom, benefit from AI-powered tutoring.
- Assisting with writing and research: AI tools enhance the capabilities of college writing centers and academic support services.
How Teachers Use Generative AI
Teachers utilize AI in diverse ways, often distinct from tutors and instructional designers. Their AI usage can be categorized into five primary areas:
AI in Content Generation for Teaching
More than half of AI usage for course content revolves around adapting instructional materials rather than creating new ones. This suggests that AI is used mainly to refine and customize existing educational resources.
Common AI-Enabled Tasks in Content Creation:
- Improving instructional materials to enhance engagement and clarity.
- Adapting lessons to student needs, including accommodations for special education.
- Generating supplementary resources, such as multimedia aids or interactive exercises.
AI in Classroom Instruction
AI’s role in real-time classroom teaching remains limited but is gaining traction in areas such as:
- Facilitating discussions by generating debate prompts or case studies.
- Supporting demonstrations with AI-generated examples and simulations.
- Personalizing learning by adjusting content dynamically based on student progress.
AI in Assessments and Grading
Although assessment comprises a smaller share of AI use (13%), it remains a vital function, particularly in evaluating student work and providing feedback. Grading accounts for about 25% of assessment-related AI tasks, with AI being particularly useful in:
- Automated grading for essays and assignments.
- Providing feedback on student progress.
- Offering real-time assessment insights for teachers.
AI and the Future of Education
AI’s increasing presence in education suggests a transformative shift in Conclusion: The Future of AI in Education
The data-driven analysis of AI usage in education reveals a clear trend: AI is not just a content creation tool but a powerful assistant in refining, personalizing, and optimizing the learning experience.
Instructional designers, teachers, and tutors are leveraging AI to adapt materials, improve instructional methods, and provide better student support, demonstrating its versatility in both curriculum development and classroom activities.
One of the most significant takeaways is that AI is helping educators save time on repetitive tasks, such as reviewing course content, assessing student work, and refining teaching materials.
This efficiency boost allows educators to focus more on student engagement, personalized instruction, and real-time learning support.
As AI continues to evolve, its role in adaptive learning, real-time feedback, and digital education tools is expected to expand, reshaping how teaching and learning are approached.
Looking ahead, AI’s potential in interactive and personalized learning environments will likely grow, bridging gaps in accessibility, efficiency, and engagement.
Educators who embrace AI as a support system rather than a replacement will benefit the most, as it enhances their ability to create tailored learning experiences.
With AI-driven tools becoming more sophisticated, the future of education is set to be more dynamic, efficient, and inclusive than ever before.
FAQ
How is AI most commonly used in education?
The data shows that AI is primarily used for course content refinement rather than just content creation. Educators rely on AI to review, edit, and adapt instructional materials, making teaching resources more effective and personalized.
What role does AI play in student support?
AI is heavily utilized in tutoring and feedback-based support, with tutors accounting for nearly 50% of AI usage in student assistance. It helps students review class materials, get instant feedback on assignments, and receive personalized learning guidance.
How do teachers use AI differently from instructional designers?
Teachers use AI across multiple categories, including course content (35%), instruction (32%), and assessment (13%), while instructional designers primarily focus on curriculum planning and material adaptation. Teachers also use AI more for student engagement and in-class support.
Is AI being used more for grading or feedback?
AI is used more for feedback (75%) than grading (25%). The data indicates that teachers and tutors rely on AI to evaluate student work and provide improvement suggestions, making feedback-based assessment a key AI function in education.
What trends suggest AI’s future role in education?
AI is expanding beyond simple automation into adaptive learning and digital education tools. The data shows a small but growing focus on AI-driven instructional aids (2.26%) and technology-based curriculum redesign (0.98%), pointing toward a future where AI personalizes and enhances both online and in-person learning.
Sources
For a more comprehensive understanding, you can access the full report and dataset through the links provided below:
- Source report: https://www.anthropic.com/news/the-anthropic-economic-index
- Dataset: https://huggingface.co/datasets/Anthropic/EconomicIndex
- Looker Studio Data: http://azvai.com/en/generative-ai-usage-anthropic-economic-index/