The survey found that around 97% of students surveyed had used AI-powered tools for learning purposes. More than half believed such tools helped boost their grades, while close to half said excessive use could weaken independent thinking skills.
The study was jointly conducted by the Macau Federation of Trade Unions and Lou Hau High School between January and December this year. Data were collected through experimental activities, quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews, covering about 2,000 students. A total of 790 valid questionnaires were returned.
The findings were released on Monday, December 30th, at the federation’s Fai Chi Kei Family and Community Integrated Service Centre.
According to the organisers, most respondents demonstrated a basic level of information technology literacy. AI tools were mainly used for after-school assignments and exam revision, with more than 83% of students reporting use during these learning stages.
However, students also said existing AI tools still fall short in areas such as content recommendations, alignment with teaching materials and learning engagement.
The Macau Federation of Trade Unions said AI can help reduce teachers’ workload by taking on repetitive tasks such as marking assignments. However, classroom guidance, values education and individual student support should remain teacher-led. It recommended systematically enhancing teachers’ AI-related skills and incorporating such competencies into professional development frameworks.
Education professionals also noted that simply restricting or banning AI use may not effectively prevent dependency. Instead, they said students and parents should develop a clearer understanding of AI as a supportive tool rather than a substitute for thinking, with schools, families and the wider community working together to promote healthy and responsible use.
