A lesson on AI from Scotland's young people

The survey will focus on generative AI, a type of AI that creates new content such as essays, letters, or artwork. By understanding how high school students in Scotland currently use AI, educators can better support responsible AI usage in learning, experts suggest.

Participants aged 12 to 17 will be asked questions about AI tools such as Grammarly and ChatGPT and if they use them for homework. Additional questions will determine their understanding of how accurate AI-generated information is, particularly regarding hallucinations, where generative AI produces incorrect facts or statistics.

Funded by the University of Edinburgh Generative AI Laboratory, this study will support future policies and educational programmes, better equipping schools to support their students. Researchers are also interested in the policies and learning support that schools provide for AI usage and whether teachers and students know of these resources.

‘Understanding how young people are using AI is crucial.’

Dr Fiona McNeill, study co-lead and Reader in Computer Science Education at the University of Edinburgh said: “The current generation of high school students will be among the first to enter a workforce where AI plays a prominent role. Understanding how young people are using AI and the questions they have is crucial to ensure their education prepares them for this future.”

Professor Judy Robertson, study co-lead and Chair in Digital Learning added: “Teachers know some students use generative AI tools at home, but we don’t yet know which tools are used at different learning stages or for what purposes. There’s a concern that the digital divide may widen, leaving young people without access to AI tools at home at a disadvantage in acquiring workplace-relevant skills.

"Teaching critical AI literacy in schools is vital. Understanding current AI tool usage among learners is the first step in developing an AI literacy framework. We need to engage with learners to understand how AI fits into their digital lives.”

Parents and teachers are encouraged to motivate their children and students to participate in this short and anonymous survey. Upon completion, participants will be entered into a prize draw for one of five £100 gift cards. Consent is required from all participants, with those under 16 needing parental consent.

How to take part

The survey is open for completion until June 30. Teachers interested in surveying with their class are encouraged to email aiinschools@ed.ac.uk.

For further information, please get in touch with Shane Canning, Head of Communications, Generative AI Laboratory, at shane.canning@ed.ac.uk or 0131 651 3176.

Related information

Complete the Generative AI in Schools survey

Find out more about University of Edinburgh's Generative AI Labratory