In tandem: Education should equip students with both technological prowess and fundamental human skills. — 123rf.com
AS we enter 2025, it’s timely to reflect on the transformative shifts in education throughout 2024 and explore the possibilities ahead.
The past year was a significant turning point for educational technology, driven by evolving student needs and rapid technological advancements, especially in artificial intelligence (AI).
The year 2024 strengthened the groundwork for a renaissance in higher education, with AI poised to shape the landscape of 2025 and beyond.
A proliferation of AI-powered learning platforms emerged to meet the demand for flexible, personalised educational experiences.
Educational institutions are embracing technologies that empower students to learn at their own pace and focus on individual areas of need.
While equitable access and curriculum integration challenges persist, early successes highlight the potential of personalised learning to improve student outcomes.
Skills-based education gained substantial momentum in 2024.
Recognising the dynamic workforce needs, institutions prioritised practical skills and real-world experience.
Micro-credentialing and industry partnerships flourished, effectively bridging academic pursuits and professional demands.
Online and hybrid learning models continued to expand, striving to democratise education.
AI catalysed these advancements. AI-powered tutoring platforms provided personalised feedback, while the automation of administrative tasks allowed educators to focus on meaningful student experience.
In research, AI facilitated data analysis and drove discoveries across fields, from medicine to climate change.
However, the integration of AI in education necessitates a robust ethical framework.
As we embrace these technological capabilities, we must simultaneously develop guidelines that protect student privacy, ensure data security, and mitigate potential biases inherent in AI systems.
Transparency becomes paramount – students and educators must understand how AI systems make decisions, what data they use, and the limitations of their recommendations.
Institutions must commit to regular ethical audits of AI technologies, ensuring these tools amplify human potential rather than replace critical human judgement.
This means developing AI systems that are intelligent, fair, accountable, and aligned with fundamental educational values of equity, inclusivity and individual dignity.
What’s ahead
Looking to 2025, AI’s impact promises to be even more transformative.
We anticipate:
> highly personalised learning pathways adapted to individual student needs;
> AI-driven assessment tools offering timely, constructive feedback;
> immersive learning experiences through virtual and mixed reality; and
> educators shifting from traditional lecturing to fostering critical thinking and mentorship.
Beyond the classroom, AI is expected to accelerate research and innovation further. It will facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations, enable efficient data analysis and support novel discoveries.
Administrative functions will become more streamlined, with AI enhancing student support services and career counselling.
Yet, we must remember that technology alone cannot cultivate the full breadth of human potential.
Alongside technical proficiency, we must prioritise human skills: critical thinking, creativity, complex problem-solving, emotional intelligence, communication, collaboration and adaptability.
These attributes empower individuals to navigate ambiguity, build relationships and contribute meaningfully to society.
To some educators, AI seems intimidating. Some worry it might replace them. Yet history proves otherwise.
New technologies have continuously enhanced teaching, not diminished it, and AI is no different. It’s a powerful ally in education.
Early adopters of AI are already seeing results. Their students are more engaged. Their workload is lighter. They can focus on what matters most –meaningful interactions with students.
The time to embrace AI is now. Educators who engage with these tools today will help shape their development tomorrow.
They ensure AI serves real educational needs. They make sure it aligns with classroom values.
The future of education lies in combining human expertise with AI capabilities. This isn’t about replacing teachers but making them more effective.
Every educator has a choice. They can help shape this transformation or watch from the sidelines.
Our goal remains unchanged as we embrace technological innovation: preparing students to thrive in an ever-evolving world equipped with technological prowess and fundamental human skills.
Prof Dr Ho Chin Kuan is the vice-chancellor at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU).
He is also a fellow at the Overseas Chinese Development Research Center of the Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, China.
As an avid educator and researcher, his interests include data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning and complex systems. Prof Ho works with leading educators to co-build the future of edtech.
The views expressed here are the writer’s own.
