7 Out of 10 Quebec Students Turn to AI Over Teachers-What Does This Mean for Education?

Quebec students are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence over their own teachers for academic support, according to a new survey that underscores growing reliance on AI tools in education—and raises questions about the future of human instruction in classrooms.

The finding comes from a report published by Le Nouvelliste, which revealed that seven out of ten Quebec students now prefer using AI tools like ChatGPT over seeking help from their teachers. The shift reflects broader trends in how younger generations interact with technology, but it also highlights potential risks to traditional learning dynamics, including the erosion of trust in educators and the challenges of maintaining critical thinking in an AI-driven educational landscape.

The survey results align with ongoing debates in Quebec about the ethical deployment of AI in schools. Earlier this year, the provincial government announced plans to roll out AI-driven risk-assessment systems in classrooms, using student data—including gender, age, disabilities, language, parental education, and absences—to predict future challenges. However, parents and privacy advocates have criticized the initiative, arguing that it lacks transparency and fails to secure explicit consent. The government maintains that the program is ethical and necessary for early intervention, though critics warn that such systems could normalize the collection of sensitive student data for commercial purposes, including training AI models by tech companies.

Why Students Trust AI Over Teachers

The preference for AI over human instructors is not limited to Quebec. Studies in other regions have shown that students often turn to AI for immediate answers, anonymity, and the absence of judgment. However, educators and policymakers warn that this trend could have unintended consequences, such as:

• Reduced human interaction: AI cannot replace the nuanced guidance, mentorship, and emotional support that teachers provide. Studies suggest that student-teacher relationships are critical to academic success, particularly for vulnerable populations.
• Critical thinking gaps: Relying on AI for answers may hinder students’ ability to develop analytical skills, question sources, or engage in deep learning.
• Data privacy concerns: As AI tools become more embedded in education, questions arise about who owns student data and how It’s used. The Quebec government’s AI initiative has already sparked backlash from parents who feel their children’s information is being shared without their knowledge.
• Ethical dilemmas: If students perceive AI as more reliable than their teachers, it could undermine trust in the education system itself. Some students may also use AI to cheat or bypass learning altogether, further straining academic integrity.

In Quebec, the issue is further complicated by the province’s existing AI infrastructure. For instance, the MILA Institute—a leading AI research lab in Quebec—has partnerships with global tech giants like Google, raising concerns about whether student data collected for “risk assessment” could indirectly benefit private companies. Parents have expressed fears that their children’s educational records may be used to train AI models, such as Google’s Gemini, without their awareness or consent.

What Comes Next for Quebec’s Education System?

The Quebec government has yet to detail how it will address the growing student preference for AI. However, recent policy discussions suggest a few potential directions:

• AI literacy programs: Some educators advocate for mandatory training to help students distinguish between reliable and misleading AI-generated content, as well as to foster critical engagement with technology.
• Stronger data protections: Given the backlash over the risk-assessment AI, there may be pressure to implement stricter regulations on how student data is collected, stored, and shared—possibly including opt-in consent mechanisms.
• Hybrid learning models: Schools might explore ways to integrate AI as a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for human instruction, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces teaching.
• Public consultations: The government may need to engage more transparently with parents, students, and educators to rebuild trust in the education system, particularly around AI’s role.

Meanwhile, the broader tech industry is watching Quebec’s approach closely. If the province can strike a balance between leveraging AI for educational benefits and protecting student privacy, it may set a precedent for other regions grappling with similar challenges. However, without clear safeguards, the trend of students trusting AI over teachers could deepen, reshaping education in ways that may not always align with the best interests of learners.

For now, the question remains: Can AI and human teachers coexist in the classroom, or is this the beginning of a fundamental shift in how education is delivered?