Unlocking the Future of Learning: A Clear Guide to AI Buzzwords in Education

In 2025, you’ll hear a lot about artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Recently, the UK government launched its “AI opportunities action plan“, which includes funding of £1 million for 16 ed-tech companies. This funding aims to create AI tools that help teachers with feedback and marking, improving education standards.

Across the Atlantic, some US schools are already experimenting with AI tools in the classroom, while a university in Morocco became the first in Africa to implement an AI-powered learning system.

This year, the United Nations’ International Day of Education on January 24 centers around the theme “AI and education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation.” But what does AI really mean in education?

Often, people misuse the term AI, confusing it with digital learning or basic automation. This misunderstanding can obscure the real potential of AI in education. While names like ChatGPT are well-known for writing essays or answering questions, AI’s capabilities go much deeper, especially in educational contexts.

I study AI and related fields like machine learning and language technology. As the head of the Knowledge Mapping Lab and co-director of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Digital Futures at the University of the Free State, I aim to clarify what these buzzwords mean and how they can enhance education.

Machine Learning: Tailoring Learning

Machine learning helps personalize education. It uses algorithms to analyze data, adapting lessons to fit each student’s strengths and weaknesses. Picture a math app that adjusts its questions based on how a student answers, focusing on foundational skills before moving ahead. This personal touch could lead to better learning outcomes.

Deep Learning: Enhanced Assessment

Deep learning is a branch of machine learning that mimics how our brains work. In education, it enables tasks like marking assignments, recognizing speech patterns, and translating languages. These tools can ease teachers’ administrative burdens while enriching the learning experience. Additionally, technologies like speech-to-text make learning more accessible for students with disabilities.

Natural Language Processing: Beyond ChatGPT

Natural language processing (NLP) enables computers to understand human language. ChatGPT is just one example. In the classroom, NLP can:

• Analyze student writing for feedback on tone and style.
• Detect plagiarism.
• Provide insights to improve classroom discussions.
• Summarize long texts.
• Make complex materials easier to understand.

Reinforcement Learning: Learning Through Play

Reinforcement learning lets computers learn by trying things out. This is useful in gamified learning environments, where students can engage with educational content while having fun. Over time, these systems adapt to challenge students based on their knowledge.

Challenges Ahead

Despite its potential, AI in education faces serious challenges. Concerns about equity arise when some students lack access to these tools. Additionally, we must address biases in educational data, especially in sensitive subjects like history. What if AI misinterprets accents, leading to unfair outcomes for certain groups?

Over-dependence on AI might also weaken critical thinking skills. It’s crucial to balance technological assistance with fostering independent thought. Furthermore, the ethical implications of tracking students’ emotional states using AI must be considered carefully to ensure data is used responsibly.

Exploring AI’s Potential

The journey of integrating AI into education should involve careful experimentation, preferably in controlled environments. One way to do this is through regulatory AI “sandboxes” that allow educators to test new tools responsibly.

At the University of the Free State, we have been utilizing this approach since 2023. Our sandboxes offer resources and guidance to help educators navigate the use of AI technologies effectively.

AI in education is here to stay. With a solid understanding and responsible experimentation, it can enhance learning while keeping education human-centered and inclusive.