4. Digital learning and artificial intelligence

4. Digital learning and artificial intelligence – Leaders' Day library

4.1 – Google for Education (2022) Future of Education: Preparing for a new future

Read the report, including the ‘Ideas in action’: Future of Education: Preparing for a new future.

This is the first of a three-part report on the future of education. Following a global study involving 24 countries that synthesizes insights from 94 educational experts, two years of peer-reviewed academic literature, and a media narrative

analysis across the education sector, the researchers concluded that the future is shaping up to look radically different from today and identified three key trends driving this shift:

Rising demand for global problem solvers - As the world faces a new set of global challenges, education systems will become a central part of the solution, helping future generations embrace global mindsets and skill sets.
Change in the skill sets required for work - As technology advances, education will focus on equipping students with the high-demand skills they’ll need to thrive in a new world of work.
Shift to a lifelong learning mindset - As lifespans increase and societal change accelerates, the idea of lifelong learning is gaining traction, with more tools available for upskilling and advancement.

“The future is shaping up to look radically different from today. As educators work to equip students with the skills and mindsets they’ll need to navigate massive change and prepare for a new future.” (Google for Education, 2022)

“The global e-learning industry is forecast to be worth $1 trillion by 2028.” (Google for Education, 2022)

4.2 – Google for Education (2022) Future of Education: Evolving how we teach and learn

Read the report, including the ‘Ideas in action’: Future of Education: Evolving how we teach and learn.

This second, of a three-part report on the future of education looks at how recent technological advances are evolving how we think about teaching and learning, from a one-to-many model to a more personal approach; where the role of the teacher evolves, and the possibilities of new immersive technologies start to reframe the way we think about learning design.

The researchers conclude that in the last few years, the rate of change in education has accelerated faster than anyone previously thought possible and identified three key trends driving this shift:

Making learning personal - Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and adaptive technologies enable educators to meet learners where they are, with experiences tailored to their needs.
Reimagining learning design - As new technologies become more accessible, educators aim to understand how they can support engaging and enriching learning experiences.
Elevating the teacher - As the educational landscape changes, teachers shift from being ‘gatekeepers of knowledge’ to ‘choreographers of learning.’

“Personalised learning experiences also have the potential to close equity gaps in education.” (Google for Education, 2022)

4.3 – Google for Education (2022) Future of Education: Reimagining learning ecosystems

Read the report, including the ‘Ideas in action’: Future of Education: Reimagining learning ecosystems.

The final, of a three-part report on the future of education focuses on reimagining the education ecosystem around the learner, using data to help inform decisions around teaching, learning, and measuring student progress. The report highlights three key trends:

Upgrading learning environments - Investments in digital infrastructures are helping to create new visions of learning environments that blend technology, pedagogy, and physical space.
Empowering educators with data - Greater access to data and insights helps educators determine which tools and practices are likely to have the greatest impact.
Re-evaluating student progress - Rising demand for more meaningful ways to track and drive student progress triggers a shift towards faster, fairer, and more effective modes of assessment.

“Key to the success of any future learning environment is how technology is applied, and the conditions required to use it meaningfully.” (Google for Education, 2022)

4.4 – Loble, L (2022) Shaping AI and edtech to tackle Australia’s learning divide

Read Shaping Al and edtech to tackle Australia’s learning divide.

This paper explores the question Can AI-powered edtech help disrupt entrenched education disadvantage?

Leslie Lobel AM, identifies three key conditions that must be met for optimum impact of edtech in reducing disadvantage:

the quality of the tools
their effective use and integration into teacher-led instruction
the network of policies, institutions and incentives that shape the fast-growing edtech market.

This report identifies model practice in the independent evaluation of edtech initiatives based on their quality and impact. The caveat is that only edtech that is properly designed, used and regulated can have a demonstrably positive impact on learning outcomes for disadvantaged students.

The report outlines ten recommendations (within four themes) to ensure any edtech that is proposed for use within Australian education priorities, helps to close the digital divide, and is assessed for its proven ability to lift outcomes for all students, especially those with complex needs.

Go deeper

Read Leslie’s response to recent media in The Conversation: Rise of ChatGPT shows why Australia needs a clearer approach to technology in schools.

Watch a video of Leslie talking about the report’s recommendations.

“Australian students deserve the best quality edtech, proven to deliver learning progress, aligned with our curriculum standards, and meeting or exceeding expectations for learning outcomes and social equity”. (Loble, L. 2022)