Almost four in five Australian secondary schools are already using artificial intelligence (AI) tools, according to new research from Campion Education.
The Digital Landscapes in Australian Schools 2025 report, based on insights from senior staff at a diverse range of schools across the country, shows that 78.2% of survey respondents report active use of AI education tools, a striking leap given that AI was rarely mentioned in the 2023 study. Further, around one in five respondents (20.6%) plans to introduce or increase their school's AI usage within the next year.
Despite the momentum towards digital technologies, the report finds a significant number of respondents (53.9%) prefer a 'dual learning' approach that integrates both digital and print resources, rather than moving fully digital. Educators cited the tangible, distraction-free benefits of print materials as an intentional pedagogical choice, not merely a backup option. Campion Education CEO, Tom Bradley, said the findings underscore that digital transformation in schools requires careful, balanced consideration.
"Schools are strategically integrating digital technology alongside traditional teaching tools," Bradley noted. "This blended approach takes the benefits of digital tools but recognises their drawbacks. Schools value having multiple options available to support diverse learning styles.
"However, the rapid pace of digital adoption comes with significant hurdles. Schools identified data security, usability of tools, funding, and staff training as critical challenges. Over 70% of respondents prioritised strong data management and clear privacy policies as crucial factors when selecting digital technology partners.
"Our research clearly shows that while schools are enthusiastic about leveraging new technologies like AI, they need ongoing support, particularly around staff training, funding, and robust data management," Bradley said. "There's a clear opportunity for technology vendors and policymakers to address these barriers to ensure that digital transformation benefits all Australian schools equitably."
The full Digital Landscapes in Australian Schools 2025 report can be accessed at https://campion.com.au/digital-landscapes/
