7 in 10 university students use AI: SEP; teachers demand training
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Approximately 70% of university students in Mexico use artificial intelligence tools for academic tasks, with a significant portion unaware of institutional policies or lacking training.
- Around 70% of educators also lack knowledge of AI guidelines and 90% request training, highlighting a widespread need for professional development.
- The Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) is developing a plan to address these issues, including ethical guidelines, curriculum adjustments, and digital literacy initiatives.
The National Survey on Uses and Perceptions of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education in Mexico, presented by the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP), reveals a stark reality: our students are embracing AI at an unprecedented rate, with nearly 70% utilizing these tools for their studies. This widespread adoption, however, is occurring in a landscape where institutional policies remain largely unknown and formal training is scarce, affecting both students and educators.
This situation presents a critical challenge for our educational system. While AI offers immense potential to enhance learning and research, its integration must be guided by clear ethical frameworks and robust pedagogical support. The fact that a significant majority of educators also feel unprepared underscores the urgency for comprehensive training programs and curriculum reforms. Our nation's commitment to fostering innovation must be balanced with ensuring responsible and equitable access to these transformative technologies.
Nearly 70% of students use artificial intelligence tools for academic tasks, even though about 80% are unaware of institutional policies and less than 30% have received training.
The SEP's proposed roadmap, which includes ethical guidelines, teacher training, and curriculum adjustments, is a crucial step forward. It acknowledges the need to adapt our educational practices to the evolving technological landscape. Furthermore, the platform SaberesMX and the National Higher Education Program 2026-2030 signal a broader governmental effort to modernize education and prepare citizens for the future. From Mexico's perspective, this is not just about adopting new tools; it's about shaping the future of education to empower our youth and strengthen our national capacity in the age of artificial intelligence.
Around 70% of teachers also do not know the guidelines and 90% request training.
Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.