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In a world increasingly influenced by technological advancements like generative AI, how can we prepare students to not only adapt but also thrive? This new technology has the potential to empower students by enabling them to connect ideas, express themselves, and develop the confidence needed to face future challenges. In particular, creativity — the ability to solve problems in new ways, connect ideas, and communicate solutions — can be enhanced through generative AI in ways that redefine students’ learning experiences, self-expression, and preparation for future careers.
This week, Adobe and Advanis released the Creativity with AI in Education 2025 Report, which offers valuable insights into how fostering creativity in the classroom can enhance academic achievement, career readiness, and personal growth for students. Based on quantitative and qualitative responses 2,801 educators in the US and UK, the report illustrates that integrating creativity with AI is not just a supplement for classroom activities; it’s an essential instructional practice and learned skill for empowering the next generation to succeed.
Unlocking Academic Success
Creative thinking has always been a key aspect of effective learning. Educators involved in the 2025 study share how creative projects in the curricula enable students to bring complex ideas to life, solve intricate problems, and form connections that make learning personal and meaningful.
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In the study, 91% of educators observe enhanced learning when their students utilize creative AI. They attribute this improvement to students engaging more deeply with content through creative thinking activities and real-world projects that are integrated into the curriculum. Educators from various grade levels, subjects, and disciplines share the following range of creative thinking activities they use to foster these essential skills in their students:
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Interestingly, as educators incorporate more creative thinking activities into their classrooms, they observe a notable increase in other academic outcomes and cognitive skill development. When the study categorized educators based on their frequency of using creative thinking activities — comparing those who used them the most to those who used them the least — it revealed a significant difference in overall academic achievement across multiple related skills and outcomes, including critical thinking, knowledge retention, engagement, and resilience.
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Educators in the report note that generative AI enhances the speed, ease, and accessibility of creative projects, making it a catalyst for spreading exciting academic outcomes more widely and equitably across K–12 and higher education.
Creative generative AI tools have been a breath of fresh air in my teaching. I didn’t used to feel that science, the subject I teach, my subject was that creative, but my students and I using AI together has inspired new and refreshing lessons. Students also have a new outlet for some to thrive and demonstrate their understanding, not to mention the opportunity to learn new digital and presentation skills, with my favourite being the creation of digital lab report videos. My marking/grading is much more engaging and interesting and always enjoy sharing and praising good examples with their peers.
Preparing Students for Careers
In today’s rapidly evolving workforce, creativity, AI literacy, and adaptability are crucial skills. According to this report, 86% of educators believe that teaching students how to use generative AI for creative or multimedia projects will improve their chances of securing jobs in an expanding number of careers that require these skills.
When selecting appropriate generative AI tools for their classrooms, educators prioritize the employable skills they want to impart to students. This ensures that students gain fluency in industry-standard tools.
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With the rapid increase of generative AI tools on the market, many of which have uncertain longevity, 95% of educators emphasize the importance of using industry-standard tools developed by established companies rather than startups. Educators ultimately prioritize industry-standard tools to ensure the durability and career applicability of the technical skills students acquire.
In addition to fostering skill development, creative AI also enables students to explore their personal interests and discover a sense of purpose in their work. By participating in projects that align with their unique aspirations, students can identify meaningful and sustainable career paths that reflect their interests and ambitions.
The world is changing at a rapid pace, and students need to be equipped with the skills required for a future where AI will likely play a role in almost every aspect of life. AI has the potential to revolutionise how we support creativity and prepare learners for their future careers. It fosters creativity by enabling learners to experiment with innovative ideas, collaborate on projects, and solve real-world problems. With AI becoming a key part of the workplace, it equips learners with the adaptability and digital literacy they’ll need to thrive in their chosen careers while understanding the opportunities and challenges of this technology.
Enhancing Personal Growth and Well-Being
Creativity plays a vital role in personal growth by equipping students with essential tools for self-expression, emotional resilience, and a sense of purpose. Consequently, educational institutions increasingly seek to address the lack of purpose and diminished well-being often observed among youth by providing more opportunities for creativity and self-expression.
In the study, 82% of educators who incorporated creative activities in their classrooms last year report positive effects on student well-being and engagement. This, in turn, contributed to increased teacher satisfaction and reduced burnout.
A person’s sense of purpose significantly influences their well-being and personal fulfillment. Opportunities to explore this sense of purpose can profoundly impact students’ lives. Purpose can be defined in various ways, including having a central, self-organizing aim in life. Individuals with a strong sense of purpose are often able to identify what matters most to them and set goals that align with those values.
Because self-expression can take many forms, AI offers students the flexibility to choose how they want to convey their thoughts and feelings. For those who struggle to be heard or seen, the ability to transform their ideas into words and images with AI is invaluable. Self-expression is a fundamental aspect of well-being, and AI provides an opportunity for everyone to share their voice.
Having a strong sense of purpose is crucial for both well-being and health, as well as for fostering creativity. Research shows that participating in creative activities — whether that means finding solutions or innovating in different ways — is one of the key ways people discover meaning in their lives.
This new report demonstrates that an educator’s sense of responsibility in preparing students for their careers is heavily influenced by their personal sense of purpose. Educators who have a strong sense of purpose typically show greater dedication to teaching essential skills, such as creative thinking and the use of generative AI. Additionally, they’re more inclined to explore potential career pathways that can be supported by these skills.
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In today’s world, purpose and well-being are essential. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive approaches that extend beyond traditional academic goals. By incorporating creative AI into education, we not only teach technical skills but also empower students to find meaning, build confidence, and develop resilience — qualities that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Accelerating Creative Outcomes with Safe and Responsible Generative AI in Adobe Express
Adobe Express for Education integrates creativity and technology in ways designed to accelerate student outcomes. Built for classrooms, it offers intuitive tools for multimedia content creation alongside responsibly designed generative AI and seamless integrations with classroom workflows for educators and students — and it’s free for K–12.
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With features like drag-and-drop templates, real-time collaboration, and robust safety and privacy measures, Adobe Express for Education empowers educators to bring creative projects into their classrooms effortlessly. Teachers report that these tools help students of all abilities express their ideas and connect with learning in meaningful ways.
AI can support student academic outcomes with creativity by allowing students to bring their learning to life. Students can use AI to help develop their ideas into pictures that represent their image, and they are no longer limited by their drawing ability to be creative, making new learning opportunities endless for any student at any ability level, including students with learning disabilities. I hope AI can help level the playing field for academic success and career outcomes.
Reimagining the Future of Education
The Creativity and AI in Education 2025 Report presents a bold vision for what’s possible when creativity and AI intersect in education. It’s a future where students are not only equipped to navigate change but also inspired to shape it — where classrooms are hubs of innovation, purpose, and possibility.
AI in education isn’t a distant concept; it’s an immediate reality that’s shaping the next generation. By emphasizing AI-driven creativity, safety, responsibility, and support for teachers, educational institutions can prepare students to not only thrive in an AI-augmented world but also to actively contribute to creating a better future. This isn’t just a teaching strategy — it’s a call to action. Let’s reimagine what education can be, together.
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READ THE FULL REPORT
Download the full report to explore how creativity and AI are shaping the future of learning, and learn how tools like Adobe Express can help your school empower the next generation of leaders, creators, and innovators.