Pros and cons of AI in education: A 2025 guide for educators

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how we learn and teach, making its role in education one of the most talked-about topics in 2025. From AI tutors that offer personalized learning paths to automated grading systems that cut administrative tasks in half, AI is reshaping the traditional classroom environment.

Higher education institutions increasingly leverage AI-driven platforms to streamline course recommendations and offer 24/7 support. Meanwhile, K-12 schools are experimenting with immersive learning tools, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), to spark student curiosity in new and exciting ways. As part of this shift, advancements in educational technology continue to drive innovation, making learning more interactive and adaptive to individual needs.

This isn’t just a passing trend. A recent Technavio report projects that the global Edtech market — primarily fueled by AI — will surpass $170.8 billion by 2029. This surge highlights the growing interest in AI adoption and its tangible benefits for students and educators. However, teachers and parents have shared valid concerns about data privacy, potential job displacement, and the lack of human empathy that some AI tools exhibit.

In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of AI in education so you can make well-informed decisions about integrating Edtech tools into your classroom or institution. We’ll walk through five key benefits and critical challenges, offering actionable tips on balancing AI with a vital human touch for effective teaching and learning.

What is AI in education?

AI in education uses machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and other intelligent systems to support teaching and learning. From AI-powered chatbots that provide instant answers to analytics platforms that track student progress, these tools are transforming classrooms and study spaces worldwide.

Real-world applications of AI in education

• AI-powered grading: Tools that automate grading for objective assessments like quizzes and multiple-choice exams. These systems can also offer basic feedback on student essays, saving teachers valuable marking time.
• Adaptive learning platforms: Software that adjusts the difficulty level and the type of content based on each student’s performance and learning speed. This personalized approach ensures learners aren’t overwhelmed or under-challenged.
• Virtual tutoring: AI-driven assistants that offer step-by-step tutorials or hints, mimicking one-on-one teacher-student collaboration outside the classroom. These tutors can be especially beneficial for after-hours study sessions when real teachers might not be available.
• Predictive analytics: Tools that analyze historical data to spot trends in student behavior, such as early warning systems that alert educators if a student might be at risk of dropping out.

While these innovations make learning more personalized and efficient, they also raise important questions about ethics, data privacy, and the role of human teachers. AI should support educators, not replace them — ensuring that technology enhances, rather than diminishes, the human connection in learning.

5 pros of AI in education

Despite the debates around the future of AI in classrooms, there’s no denying the significant advantages it can offer when implemented thoughtfully. Below are five key advantages of incorporating AI into your educational programs.

1. Personalized learning experiences

AI-driven platforms use algorithms to adapt real-life lessons based on a student’s strengths, weaknesses, and pace. This personalized learning approach ensures that advanced learners are challenged while those who need more support receive targeted help. As a result, each student can progress at a comfortable and motivating rate.

2. 24/7 learning support

One of the primary benefits of AI tutors and chatbots is their availability around the clock. Students can ask questions, receive instant feedback, or revisit course materials whenever they want without waiting for a scheduled class or office hours. This feature can significantly reduce frustration and enhance student independence, especially during exam seasons.

3. Automated administrative tasks

Grading papers, scheduling, and managing paperwork can be time-consuming tasks for educators. AI can automate these processes, freeing teachers to concentrate on higher-level activities such as mentorship, curriculum design, and innovative teaching methods. Automated systems can handle repetitive tasks efficiently, leading to more productive and engaged educators in the long run.

4. Immersive and gamified learning

By integrating technologies such as VR and AR, AI can power immersive learning experiences. Imagine a History lesson where students can step into an ancient civilization in virtual reality, or a Biology class where they can explore 3D models of the human body. These interactive scenarios keep students engaged and cater to different learning styles, making complex subjects more accessible and enjoyable.

5. Data-driven insights for educators

AI analytics go beyond just tracking grades — they provide in-depth insights into how students interact with course materials, identify common mistakes, and forecast future performance. Teachers can use these insights to spot struggling students and intervene with personalized strategies quickly. This data-driven approach can lead to better student outcomes and more efficient resource allocation.

5 cons of AI in education

While the advantages of AI in education are substantial, it’s essential to approach these technologies with a critical eye. Below are five of the most significant concerns and some possible solutions.

1. Potential job displacement for teachers

• Challenge: AI can automate grading, scheduling, and even certain aspects of instruction, leading to fears that teachers might become obsolete. However, many educational experts agree that human educators are still irreplaceable for activities such as emotional support, mentorship, and complex problem-solving.
• Solution: Position AI as a support tool rather than a replacement. By offloading routine tasks to AI, teachers can focus on higher-level engagement, such as one-on-one student interactions, project-based learning, and creativity exercises.

2. Dehumanized learning experiences

• Challenge: No matter how advanced, AI systems lack genuine empathy and emotional intelligence. Classrooms may become overly reliant on algorithmic feedback, potentially causing students to feel isolated or undervalued.
• Solution: Adopt a blended learning model where technology augments (but does not substitute) human interaction. Teachers can use AI insights to inform and personalize their teaching methods while providing the social and emotional support only humans can offer.

3. High implementation costs

• Challenge: Integrating advanced AI tools often requires significant investments in software licenses, hardware, and faculty training. These costs can be prohibitive for schools already struggling with tight budgets.
• Solution: Start small with cost-effective AI solutions that tackle the most pressing needs, such as basic grading tools or free adaptive learning platforms. As your institution sees tangible benefits, you can gradually scale up to more advanced or comprehensive AI solutions.

4. Privacy and ethical concerns

• Challenge: AI systems typically collect and analyze large volumes of student data. If not managed properly, this can lead to data breaches, unauthorized access, or unethical use of personal information.
• Solution: Follow strict data privacy policies and work only with vendors that comply with relevant regulations, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Regular audits and transparent data governance policies can also mitigate risks.

5. Bias in AI algorithms

• Challenge: If machine learning models are trained on skewed or unrepresentative data, they can inadvertently perpetuate existing biases. This might manifest in unfair grading or inaccurate assessments of a student’s capabilities. AI bias can significantly impact educational fairness, making it essential to recognize and address potential issues early.
• Solution: Implement rigorous checks on AI outputs and involve educators in reviewing AI-generated recommendations. Regularly evaluate and update the data sets that power AI algorithms to ensure they remain equitable and diverse.

Jotform Education AI Agents: Smarter learning and administration

As schools and universities look for ways to optimize administrative workflows and improve student engagement, Jotform’s Education AI Agents offer a balanced approach that complements existing teaching methods. Instead of aiming to replace teachers, our specialized AI assistants streamline back-end processes so educators can devote more time to instruction and student mentorship.

Education AI Agents are designed to transform online forms and surveys into intelligent, interactive data collection experiences for educational institutions. Whether you’re handling student enrollment, course registrations, academic surveys, or resource distribution, these AI Agents can manage tasks quickly and efficiently — all without requiring any coding expertise. To create one

1. Simply upload an existing form, choose a template, or start from scratch.
2. Train the AI with your institution’s documents, policies, or curricula to ensure consistent, high-quality interactions with students and staff.
3. Manage your agents and resources with Jotform’s AI-assisted tools.

By automating these time-consuming tasks, you can reduce administrative burdens, speed up application processes, and provide immediate responses to common inquiries — allowing your educators to refocus on fostering meaningful teacher-student collaboration.

AI as a teaching partner, not a replacement

AI in education isn’t a trend — it’s here to stay and has the potential to redefine the classroom experience. However, the key to successful integration is striking the right balance between technological efficiency and human empathy. While AI-driven Edtech tools can personalize learning, automate administrative tasks, and offer real-time support, they can’t replicate the warmth, creativity, and emotional intelligence that only human educators bring to the table.

Educators can implement AI responsibly by remaining aware of potential pitfalls like privacy issues, costs, and algorithmic biases. This approach ensures students reap the benefits of cutting-edge innovation without sacrificing the interpersonal elements that make learning truly transformative.

Embracing AI doesn’t mean we have to lose the heart of education. Instead, we can use these tools to support immersive learning, spark curiosity, and empower teachers to focus on what really matters: guiding, inspiring, and caring for students every step of the way.

Photo by Nathan Cima on Unsplash