As the world celebrates the International Day of Education 2025, the theme, “AI and Education: Human Agency in an Automated World,” invites reflection on one of the most significant transformations of our time. The rapid integration of artificial intelligence into education has revolutionised how we learn, teach, and engage with knowledge. From Google to AI tools, the world keeps on changing and won’t stop. However, with the technological shift and dependency on AI rapidly going on, it is important to ensure that human agency still has the ability to think, make decisions, and act independently.
Artificial intelligence has revolutionised education, breaking barriers that once limited access and effectiveness. From language translation tools that connect diverse learners to AI-powered platforms like ChatGPT, which aid in research and tutoring, AI has enhanced the way knowledge is shared and acquired. One of AI’s most significant contributions to education is personalised learning. Algorithms can analyse individual learning patterns and adapt content to suit each student’s needs. This approach ensures that no learner is left behind, creating a more inclusive education system. For instance, platforms like Khan Academy and Duolingo use AI to provide tailored learning experiences, catering to students with different proficiencies.
AI has also streamlined administrative processes in education, from grading assignments to managing enrolments. Tools like automated essay scoring and attendance tracking have freed educators to focus on teaching and mentoring rather than routine tasks. Virtual assistants and chatbots now support teachers in answering student queries, organising lesson plans, and even delivering lectures. These AI tools extend the teacher’s reach, enabling them to manage larger groups of students more effectively, while making their work faster and easier.
Despite these advantages, the integration of AI in education raises ethical and practical challenges. Questions about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and over-reliance on technology highlight the need for human oversight and intervention.
As AI becomes more prevalent, preserving human agency in education is paramount. Human agency refers to the capacity of individuals to make choices, exercise control, and shape their environments. This means ensuring that educators, learners, and policymakers actively guide the direction of AI integration rather than passively adapting to it.
Human agency is crucial in establishing ethical guidelines for AI use in education. For instance, educators and policymakers must decide how data is collected, stored, and used to protect student privacy. Similarly, algorithms should be audited to ensure they are free from biases that could disadvantage certain groups of learners.
While AI can enhance teaching, it cannot replace the empathy, creativity, and critical thinking that human educators bring to the classroom. Teachers must be empowered to use AI as a tool rather than a replacement, blending technology with traditional methods to create holistic learning experiences. Students must also be taught to think critically about the technology they use. Understanding AI’s capabilities and limitations will enable learners to make informed decisions, fostering a generation that views AI as an enabler rather than a crutch.
Human agency ensures that AI is used to promote inclusivity rather than deepen existing inequalities. For example, developing AI tools in multiple languages or ensuring they are accessible to students with disabilities reflects the human commitment to equity in education.
To maintain a balance between automation and human agency in education, stakeholders must take proactive measures which include using AI tools to complement teaching methods rather than replace them. For instance, incorporate adaptive learning platforms alongside hands-on classroom activities, participate in training programmes to stay updated on the latest AI technologies and learn how to use them effectively, teach students how AI works, its benefits, and its limitations to empower them as informed users.
Policymakers should establish guidelines to govern AI’s use in education, addressing issues like data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and ethical considerations.
Also, they should work closely with teachers and educational institutions to create AI tools that align with pedagogical goals.
As AI continues to evolve, its impact on education will only deepen. However, the true potential of AI lies not in replacing human educators but in augmenting their capabilities. By embracing a human-centric approach, stakeholders can create an educational system that leverages AI’s strengths while preserving the essence of human agency.
The International Day of Education 2025 is a call to action—a reminder that while technology can transform education, it is the human spirit that must guide this transformation. By working together, we can ensure that education in an automated world remains a powerful tool for personal growth, societal progress, and global development. In this era of rapid technological change, the challenge is clear: to harness AI’s potential while safeguarding the values that make education a deeply human endeavour.