AI in Swiss Schools: Teenagers' Use of ChatGPT and Other Tools

Artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Mistral, is becoming an integral part of the educational experience for young people in Switzerland. A report from "Le Temps" delves into the private digital spaces of adolescents, specifically their conversations with AI, revealing how these tools are now intertwined with their schooling.

The educational sector, like many others, is being profoundly reshaped by generative AI, with significant implications for the education of an entire generation. "Le Temps" is dedicating a series of articles to explore these complex issues. The tools are becoming as common in a student's backpack as a notebook or pens, though their presence is often subtle.

While young people themselves have widely adopted AI, its integration into the school system is also gradually increasing. In the canton of Vaud, an offline tool named "IA in the box" is being introduced in secondary I classes. In Fribourg, students aged 12 to 15 in the orientation cycle now have access to Microsoft's chatbot, Copilot. More broadly, the Intercantonal Conference for Public Instruction and Culture of French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino advocates for guided AI education rather than unsupervised student use.

To better understand how young people are using AI, "Le Temps" interviewed five users aged between 15 and 25. These interviews, conducted in two phases, mid-school year and just before the summer holidays, revealed a common theme: schoolwork is the primary focus of their AI prompts. Students report using AI to explain course material, correct essays, or simulate exams based on exercises provided by their teachers.

This integration highlights a shift in how students approach learning and how educational institutions are beginning to respond. The trend suggests a future where AI literacy and guided usage will be crucial components of education, balancing the potential benefits of these powerful tools with the need for structured learning and critical thinking.