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3. Instructor Workload: Tension, Transition and the AI Opportunity 

Our Research Shows

AI can reduce administrative burden, freeing instructors up to spend more time supporting students—but efficiencies are often outweighed by time spent monitoring for cheating, redesigning assessments and learning how to use AI tools. Increasing the visibility of student work and supporting instructors with training can help address academic integrity concerns and unlock greater value from generative AI adoption.

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33% of educators say AI has helped to personalize instruction based on student needs

Educators spend 26 hours per week on teaching and learning, leaving little room for personalized student support

Perception of Workload

38% of instructors say AI has increased their workload, primarily due to cheating concerns (71%), redesigning assessments (61%) and time spent learning AI tools (47%)

In comparison, only 11% of instructors say their workload has decreased due to AI

Women working on a computer

Yet faculty who embrace AI as part of their daily teaching practice are beginning to see its benefits with 36% reporting a decrease in overall workload compared to only 11% of those who use AI less frequently.

  • Instructors using embedded AI features in LMS or courseware platforms report significantly higher satisfaction (elevated Net Promoter Scores) than those not using these features

  • AI is most valued for grading, lesson planning and accessibility

  • Educators cite saving time on administrative tasks as their top potential benefit of AI

Elizabeth Pearsall

“The AI tools that Brightspace has with Lumi, in bridging the gap between instructional designers and faculty, it’s not just about content. It’s also about being able to take the content and come up with practice questions for the students and quiz questions for students.”

Elizabeth Pearsall
Assistant Provost for Teaching and Learning, American College of Financial Services

Women looking down at notes while in a group setting

Actions to Consider

  1. Offer professional development and targeted training on using AI for grading, feedback and planning
  2. Track time savings and satisfaction metrics to guide adoption
  3. Create peer support networks for faculty to share best practices, troubleshoot challenges and collaborate on effective AI integration.
Group of individuals brainstorming

Key Takeaway

The greatest efficiencies and satisfaction gains come not from ad hoc or unsupported adoption, but from institutionally-aligned, thoughtfully implemented AI solutions—where faculty are partners, not hall monitors. Policy, design and training must move together for AI to truly deliver on its promise for educators.