Ministry of Education Explores Student Experiences with Artificial Intelligence

The UAE's Ministry of Education has launched a digital survey asking students in grades 5-12 about their experiences with AI tools in education. The 17-question survey covers everything from how students think AI will improve learning quality to their biggest concerns about using these technologies in school.

The survey targets students in intermediate and secondary education cycles, aiming to gather their opinions on integrating AI into classroom learning. Students are being asked about their priorities for AI implementation in schools and what factors would make them trust these tools more.

The questions cover practical applications too. Students share how they prefer using AI for homework, generating creative content like stories and videos, and organizing group projects. The ministry wants to know which specific tools students have tried, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, Khanmigo, Perplexity, Grammarly, Notebook LM, and Copilot.

But the survey doesn't ignore the downsides. Students are asked about their main worries with AI tools - things like getting inaccurate information, becoming too dependent on the technology, or whether using AI counts as cheating. The ministry also wants to know who influences students most when it comes to trying new AI tools, whether that's teachers, friends, or family.

This move reflects the UAE's broader push to modernize education through technology. The country has been investing heavily in digital learning infrastructure and AI initiatives across various sectors. By directly asking students about their experiences, the ministry is taking a ground-up approach to policy making.

For education technology companies, this signals growing government interest in AI integration. The survey results could shape future procurement decisions and partnership opportunities in the UAE's education sector. The focus on student feedback also suggests any new policies will consider user experience alongside educational outcomes.

The timing matters too. As AI tools become more accessible to students worldwide, education systems are grappling with how to manage their use. Some schools have banned AI tools entirely, while others are experimenting with integration. The UAE appears to be choosing a middle path - gathering data before making major policy decisions.