Ahead of World Teachers’ Day, Kaspersky reveals that Gen Z is particularly aware of emerging AI trends in education and sees the sector as a promising area for AI technologies. According to new research by Kaspersky’s internal market research center, Gen Z shows greater awareness of technologies such as AI tutors and VR classrooms than other generations surveyed.
For Gen Z, digital technology has already become a natural part of their learning experience. Growing up alongside online platforms, digital tools and AI-powered services, this generation has witnessed how technology can change the way people access and process information. The rapid adoption of educational technologies over recent years has shaped their expectations for what the classroom of the future could look like.
Among Gen Z respondents, 18% identify personalized AI tutors as one of the most promising technologies for the future — the highest proportion among all generations surveyed (16% overall), reflecting Gen Z’s strong interest in AI-powered learning experiences and putting these technologies on par with smart public transport and conscious consumption. Similarly, 14% see VR/AR classrooms with AI assistants as a promising direction, again placing Gen Z ahead of other generations (12% overall).
This interest comes as technology continues to become more integrated into education. More than two-thirds of Gen Z respondents (68%) say they have seen technology become more widely used in their own educational experience over the past five years, compared with 55% of respondents overall. This broader shift in digital learning creates a foundation for the next stage of transformation, where AI could play a greater role in providing personalized support and interactive learning experiences.
AI tutors could help students explore complex topics at their own pace, receive personalized explanations and practice skills based on their individual needs, while immersive technologies such as VR and AR could make learning more interactive. However, as highlighted by theOECD Digital Education Outlook andUNESCO’s guidance on generative AI in education and research, the adoption of AI in education requires human oversight, ethical use, data protection and continued development of human skills alongside new technologies.
AI literacy becomes essential alongside AI adoption
As AI becomes increasingly present in classrooms, the key challenge is no longer whether students will use these technologies, but whether they will have the skills to use them effectively and responsibly. AI literacy is becoming an essential part of modern education, helping students and educators understand the capabilities and limitations of AI systems.
When working with AI tools, users should keep three principles in mind:
- Verify information: AI-generated answers can contain inaccuracies, outdated information or missing context. Students should treat AI responses as a starting point and check important facts against reliable sources.
- Keep human expertise involved: AI can support learning by providing explanations and feedback, but critical thinking, independent analysis and guidance from educators remain essential.
- Protect personal data: Students should be mindful of what information they share with AI platforms and understand how their data may be used and apply privacy settings when available.
Developing broader cybersecurity skills is equally important. Kaspersky Academy’s “Cyberhygiene” course helps users understand common digital risks and build practical habits for protecting accounts, devices and personal information. To support educators and parents in navigating the growing role of AI in learning, Kaspersky has also launched an online training series focused on the responsible use of AI in education and created a “Digital schoolbag” guide, highlighting key recommendations for parents and children on the safe and responsible use of AI. These skills are becoming increasingly relevant as AI tools become part of studying, work and everyday communication
“Gen Z has grown up in an environment where digital technologies are already part of everyday learning. Their expectations show that the next stage of education will be about creating more personalized and interactive learning experiences with the help of AI. However, this transition triggers severe cognitive and educational dead-ends, where over-reliance on algorithms threatens critical thinking and independent problem-solving.” said Evgeniya Russkikh, Head of Academic Affairs at Kaspersky. “At the same time, successful AI adoption requires more than technology itself. Students and educators need the skills to cross-check information, understand the limitations of AI systems and use these tools responsibly”.
*The study was conducted by Kaspersky’s market research center in March 2026. 7,200 respondents from 18 countries (Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam) took part in the survey.
