The use of AI and student population: The change is inevitable

Generative AI systems have become a permanent fixture, with various authors highlighting their pros and cons. In education, a persistent technological gap often puts teachers at a disadvantage, trailing behind students who are more adept at embracing new technologies. The SETCOM project successfully introduced AI to both students and teachers, particularly focusing on educational study program students destined to become teachers themselves. Despite generational disparities between teachers and students, with younger generations showing more inclination towards ICT and AI, utilization remains sporadic. While students readily embrace AI, subscription-based advanced AI systems see surprising uptake, with around a fifth of students utilizing them. Primarily, students use AI to comprehend unfamiliar concepts, acknowledging its capacity to generate responses but exercising caution by verifying and correcting errors in over half of cases. For teachers, embracing AI becomes crucial to remain relevant in their field, despite potential financial implications. Failure to adapt risks being perceived as outdated by their students across all educational levels. In summary, generative AI systems are entrenched in education, offering both opportunities and challenges. Bridging the technological gap is imperative for teachers, as students increasingly rely on AI for learning support. Embracing AI becomes essential for educators to maintain relevance and effectiveness in teaching, ensuring they do not become obsolete in the eyes of their tech-savvy pupils.