Three out of four teachers agree with the use of technology and artificial intelligence as teaching tools. These findings were revealed in the study “Profile and Challenges of Basic Education Teachers in Brazil, ” conducted by the Semesp Institute. The study’s findings were reported by Agência Brasil.

According to the survey, 74.8% of respondents agree partially or completely with the use of technology and artificial intelligence in education. Despite this, only slightly more than one-third—39.2%—of the teachers surveyed said they always use technology as a teaching tool.

The Semesp Institute's survey was conducted among 444 teachers from public and private schools, ranging from early childhood education through high school, in all regions of the country.

Teachers with more than 10 years of experience who were interviewed for the study said that there have been several changes in the use of technology in classroom activities. Among the positive aspects are faster access to information and more dynamic learning. On the other hand, although they consider the use of these tools important, the teachers pointed out problems such as a lack of training that would allow them to keep up with technological advancements.

Teachers also reported that, with the introduction of technology, students are more distracted. “The school cannot keep up with the use of new technologies as quickly as students can, which creates a disconnect between the lesson being taught and the lesson students want,” said a teacher who participated in the study but whose identity was not disclosed.

Also in the survey, another teacher stated: "There's so much coming our way, but few training programs for teachers. Every time new technology arrives, there's a lack of proper training."

Artificial Intelligence with Educational Intent

Like any other disruptive technology, artificial intelligence (AI) poses a challenge for educational leaders and administrators, who must find ways to align teaching practices with these innovations. Teachers play a central role in this equation.

Tanci Simões, an educational analyst at CESAR School, emphasizes that the use of AI in educational settings must be guided by an ethical and regulatory approach. “Today, what should capture our attention regarding AI is the need to understand the parameters, strategies, and methods that ensure its safe and consistent use, especially in schools. This is crucial,” she says.

Tanci points out that Brazil already has an AI plan and that teacher training is one of the main paths to achieving autonomy in the use of technology. “Teacher training is essential for AI to be meaningfully integrated into the educational context. We need educators to think differently about this tool—not just as a means of automating processes, but as a way to expand cognition and the humanities,” he explains.

Tanci Simões during a debate at the Bett Nordeste Conference. Photo: Courtesy of Bett Brasil

She warns about teachers' heavy workloads and emphasizes that AI can be an ally in this regard, but with clear limitations. "AI should not be used in every context. There are situations where human interaction—social intelligence—is irreplaceable. The key is to understand where AI makes sense and where it should be applied," she notes.

Tanci suggests that educators experiment with AI in a controlled manner, by adapting existing processes. "Instead of creating something entirely new, take a lesson plan that already works and use AI to enhance it. You don't have to change everything at once. Modify small parts of your practice and see how that can improve the process," she advises.

She also highlights the importance of involving students in this process. “Often, teachers use AI for themselves, but what if students were also involved in the creation process? How about using AI collaboratively with students, allowing them to reflect on the process rather than just consume ready-made content?” she says.

A shift in mindset is essential. “We need to focus more on the process than on the outcome. If teachers guide their students to use AI in a mediated way, they will foster greater autonomy and a stronger focus on learning, not just on the final grade,” concludes Tanci.

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