Google, Microsoft, Anthropic target teachers with new AI

The battle for artificial intelligence dominance in education is heating up, with tech giants rolling out ambitious initiatives to integrate AI into classrooms worldwide. This intense competition, however, comes amidst significant scepticism from educators and growing concerns over student data privacy.

Tech Giants Vie for Education AI Market

This week has seen three major players, Anthropic, Google, and Microsoft, unveil their strategies to embed AI into the educational landscape. Each is approaching the challenge with distinct offerings, aiming to revolutionise how teachers and students interact with these powerful tools.

Anthropic has partnered with the non-profit Teach For All, an organisation with a presence in 63 countries, to empower over 100,000 educators and reach 1.5 million students. Their "AI Literacy & Creator Collective" will provide teachers with access to Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant. Crucially, educators are positioned as "co-architects," actively shaping the technology's development rather than merely consuming it. Wendy Kopp, CEO of Teach For All, emphasised this point, stating, "For AI to reach its potential to make education more equitable, teachers need to be the ones shaping how it's used and providing input on how it's designed." This collaborative approach seeks to ensure AI tools genuinely meet educational needs.

Meanwhile, Google made a substantial announcement at the Bett UK 2026 conference. They're introducing free SAT practice exams via their Gemini assistant, with content rigorously vetted by The Princeton Review. Furthermore, Khan Academy's Writing Coach will now be powered by Gemini, offering feedback to students from primary to secondary school. Google is expanding Gemini access across its entire Workspace for Education suite, including popular applications like Gmail, Docs, Slides, and Sheets, all at no extra charge. This move follows previous integrations, such as Gmail Gets Gemini AI Boost and the wider availability of NotebookLM finally arrives on the Google Gemini app, indicating a clear strategy to embed Gemini deeply within educational workflows.

Microsoft launched its "Elevate for Educators" programme last Thursday. This initiative provides free professional development, AI-powered credentials developed in collaboration with ISTE+ASCD, and access to a global network of educators in over 13 languages. It's part of Microsoft's broader commitment to equip more than 20 million people with AI-related skills over the next two years.

Educator Concerns and Privacy Puzzles

Despite the significant investment and innovation from tech companies, educators remain cautious. A recent survey of 1,057 faculty members by the American Association of Colleges and Universities and Elon University revealed widespread apprehension. A staggering 95% of respondents believe AI will lead to increased student overreliance on these tools, while 90% fear it will diminish critical thinking skills.

"When more than nine in ten faculty warn that generative AI may weaken critical thinking and increase student overreliance, it is clear that higher education is at an inflection point," said Eddie Watson, vice president for digital innovation at AAC&U.

The survey also highlighted a significant preparedness gap, with approximately 68% of faculty feeling their institutions haven't adequately prepared them for AI integration. Roughly a quarter don't use AI tools at all. This suggests a disconnect between the rapid pace of AI development and the practical readiness of those on the educational front lines. For instance, understanding How to Actually Think With AI (Not Just Ask It Questions) is crucial for educators to truly leverage these tools effectively.

Beyond pedagogical concerns, privacy advocates are raising red flags. While companies must adhere to FERPA, the federal law protecting student data in the US, historical enforcement has been inconsistent. There's concern that student data protections could vanish post-graduation, and that tech companies might be cultivating long-term customer loyalty as much as fostering educational outcomes. Tam Winc, CEO of Secur, explicitly stated that "Youth habits drive markets," underscoring the potential for commercial interests to influence educational technology. A comprehensive report by the Future of Privacy Forum delves deeper into these complex issues, outlining key considerations for protecting student data in AI environments Future of Privacy Forum^.

As the race for AI adoption in schools intensifies, ensuring the safety and well-being of students, alongside maintaining educational integrity, must be paramount.

What's your take on the role of AI in education? Do you share the faculty's concerns, or do you see more potential than risks? Share your thoughts in the comments below.