With the start of a new school year, the role of AI in education is taking on greater significance than ever before. In just a short time, the use of generative AI in schools has moved from novelty to norm. What was once a curiosity has quickly become a study tool that many students rely on, particularly when assignments, essays, and projects begin piling up.
The growing trend
Studies and educational reports suggest that student reliance on AI tools increases significantly during the school year, when academic demands are at their peak. Recent research also reveals that 79.6% of university students across the UAE are actively using AI tools. As the back-to-school season drives a surge in technology use, AI is taking center stage, helping students brainstorm essays, summarise readings, generate study guides, translate for English language learners, and even overcome writer’s block, delivering benefits that are not only practical but often transformative.
The UAE’s focus on AI in education
Recognising this rapid shift, the UAE is taking proactive steps to ensure that AI’s role in education is both impactful and responsible. As such, for the academic year 2025-2026, the UAE Ministry of Education is rolling out a new AI curriculum that emphasises responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence while equipping students with future-ready skills. Teachers are undergoing intensive training to ensure they are fully prepared to deliver the programme, supported by regular follow-up sessions, monitoring committees, and comprehensive resources such as activities, templates, and adaptable lesson plans. The curriculum covers key areas including fundamental AI concepts like data and algorithms, software applications, ethical awareness, real-world applications, AI-driven innovation, project design, and community engagement.
In line with this, educators are being creative in exploring ways to integrate AI into classroom practice. For example, they are designing tasks that ask students to criticise AI outputs or using AI to generate practice questions, freeing up time for more personalised teaching. These efforts underscore that the goal is not to replace teachers, but to empower them to support student learning in deeper, more innovative ways.
The risks we can’t ignore
AI has become increasingly embedded in education; it’s important to acknowledge and address the potential risks that come with its widespread use. One key concern around the growing reliance on AI in education is its potential impact on critical thinking skills. If students primarily depend on AI-driven systems that provide ready-made answers, they may be less inclined to engage in independent thinking, problem-solving, or developing essential writing skills needed for college, careers, and civic life. There is also the risk of misinformation, as AI-generated content is not always accurate, which could mislead students who accept outputs at face value. While AI offers clear benefits, it is crucial to strike a balance using it as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human interaction in the classroom.
“Ultimately, educators are responsible for integrating AI thoughtfully in ways that enhance learning and promote deeper critical engagement, rather than allowing unchecked use that could undermine core skills.”
The role of academic integrity
This is where schools and institutions have a unique responsibility. It is not enough to simply warn students about misusing AI; they must be guided in how to use it responsibly, with an emphasis on transparency and integrity. At Turnitin, we’ve seen this need firsthand. For more than two decades, we’ve supported academic institutions in fostering authentic student work. Today, as AI is embedded in classrooms, we have developed tools that help students and teachers distinguish between work generated by humans and machines, while strengthening the value of originality, attribution, and ethical use.
Preparing for the future
If we adopt AI as a tool for learning while guarding against its misuse, we can help students build the skills they need to thrive. But if we ignore the risks and allow AI to become a shortcut rather than a scaffold, we risk undermining both learning and trust. The back-to-school season has always been about fresh starts. This year, it is also about charting a responsible path forward in the age of AI. Educators, parents, students, and technology partners alike have a role to play. Together, we can ensure that AI enhances education rather than diminishes it, keeping authenticity at the core of every learning experience.
This opinion piece is authored by Amal Dimashki, Regional Director, MENAT, Turnitin.
