From digital learning to AI tutors

A new analysis by Kaspersky’s in-house market research centre found that Gen Z is more familiar with technologies such as AI tutors and virtual reality (VR) classrooms than the other generations surveyed.

For Gen Z, digital technology is already an integral part of the educational process. Having grown up alongside online platforms, digital tools and AI-powered services, this generation has experienced first-hand how technology can transform access to and the processing of information. The rapid adoption of new educational technologies in recent years has also shaped its expectations of what the classroom of the future could look like.

Among Gen Z respondents, 18% identified personalised AI tutors as one of the most promising technologies for the future. This was the highest proportion among all generations surveyed, compared with 16% of respondents overall. The finding highlights Gen Z’s strong interest in AI-powered learning experiences, placing AI tutors on a par with smart public transport and responsible consumption.

Meanwhile, 14% of Gen Z respondents considered VR/AR classrooms with AI assistants a promising development for the future. Here, too, the proportion was higher than among other generations, with the figure standing at 12% across all respondents.

This interest comes at a time when technology is becoming increasingly integrated into education. More than two-thirds of Gen Z respondents (68%) said they had observed greater use of technology in education over the past five years, compared with 55% of respondents overall.

This broader shift towards digital learning is laying the groundwork for the next stage of educational transformation, in which AI could play an even greater role by providing more personalised support and interactive learning experiences.

AI tutors could help students explore complex subjects at their own pace, receive tailored explanations and practise skills according to their individual needs. Meanwhile, technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can make learning more interactive.

However, as highlighted in the OECD Digital Education Outlook and UNESCO’s guidance on generative AI in education and research, the adoption of AI in education requires human oversight, responsible and ethical use, data protection, and the continued development of human skills alongside the deployment of new technologies.

AI Literacy Becomes Increasingly Important as Adoption Expands

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly prevalent in classrooms, and the key question is no longer whether students will use these technologies, but whether they will have the skills needed to use them effectively and responsibly.

AI literacy is emerging as a fundamental component of modern education, helping students and teachers understand both the capabilities and the limitations of AI applications.

When using AI tools, three key principles should be kept in mind:

• Verify the information provided: AI-generated responses may contain inaccuracies, outdated information or lack important context. Students should treat AI responses as a starting point for their work and cross-check important facts against reliable sources.
• Rely on human judgement: AI can support the educational process by providing explanations and feedback. However, critical thinking, independent judgement and guidance from teachers remain essential.
• Protect personal data: Students should be careful about the information they share with AI platforms and understand how their data may be used. They should also make use of available privacy settings.

Developing fundamental cybersecurity skills is equally important. Kaspersky Academy’s Cyberhygiene programme helps users understand common digital risks and adopt practical habits to protect their accounts, devices and personal information.

To help teachers and parents respond to the growing role of AI in learning, Kaspersky has also developed a series of online training courses focused on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in education, alongside its Digital Schoolbag guide. The guide brings together key recommendations for parents and children on the safe and responsible use of AI.

These skills are becoming increasingly important as AI tools are integrated into studying, school assignments and everyday communication.

“Gen Z has grown up in an environment where digital technologies are already part of students’ everyday experiences. Their expectations suggest that the next stage of education will focus on creating more personalised and interactive learning experiences with the help of AI. However, this transition presents significant challenges for the learning process, as excessive reliance on algorithms may affect critical thinking and the ability to solve problems independently,” said Evgeniya Russkikh, Head of Academic Affairs at Kaspersky.

“Successful AI adoption requires more than the technology itself. Students and teachers need the necessary skills to verify information, understand the limitations of AI systems and use these tools responsibly,” she added.