The Centre for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution produced a landmark global study on the use of generative AI in education in January 2026, entitled A new direction for students in an AI world: Prosper, prepare, protect.
The study draws upon international academic research and active engagement with students, teachers, parents, education leaders and technologists.
The authors pull together this evidence to present a clear analysis of the current harms and potential benefits of generative AI in education.
What must happen next?
The authors of this study believe the harms of AI currently outweigh the benefits, but these harms “are neither inevitable nor immutable.”
There are steps we can take to mitigate the harms of AI and ensure it is “designed to enrich—not diminish—learning."
For NEU members, key recommendations include:
Intentionally identifying where, when and how AI should and should not be used in education to deepen students’ engagement and learning. This may require a shift in pedagogy and practice to grow effective reading-writing connections, building classroom environments that support collaborative writing, addressing the needs of diverse learners, and resisting reductive practices tied to high-stakes testing.
Engaging in the co-creation of educational AI tools. AI tools used by students must be optimised for children's learning needs and developmental stages.
Promoting holistic AI literacy for students, teachers, parents and education leaders.
Providing a clear vision for AI use that centers human agency and relationships.