The Future of Learning

The Future of Learning: International Day of Education 2025

The Future of Learning: International Day of Education 2025

Imagine a classroom where students explore ancient civilisations through virtual reality, create animated stories using AI-powered tools, and collaborate on solving real-world challenges through interactive simulations.

This isn’t a distant dream—it’s a glimpse into the future of education, where technology and creativity combine to create dynamic, engaging learning environments. The future of education lies at the intersection where cutting-edge technology meets ancient wisdom and humankind’s incredible potential for creativity. Harnessing the power of this intersection can unlock unimagined, personalised, exciting, and holistic learning experiences.

The Evolving Role of Technology in Education

Technology is reshaping education in ways that were once unimaginable. Tools like artificial intelligence (AI), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), gamification platforms, and adaptive learning systems are transforming how students learn. Today’s technology allows for personalised learning paths tailored to each learner’s needs and interests.

Think, for example, of AI-powered tutoring systems that can provide instant feedback and support, helping students grasp difficult concepts and learning at their own pace. Virtual reality field trips allow students to walk through the streets of Ancient Rome or explore the depths of the ocean without leaving the classroom. Gamification platforms turn maths problems or history lessons into exciting quests, making learning an adventure rather than a chore.

Creativity as a Key Driver in Modern Education

While technology provides the tools, creativity brings learning to life. Creativity helps learners think outside the box, approach challenges from new angles, and express their unique perspectives. With technology as a partner, creativity flourishes in previously unimaginable ways. Digital storytelling tools are a great example of this. Learners can create animated videos, podcasts, or interactive stories to demonstrate their understanding of literature, history, or science. Coding platforms that merge design with problem-solving allow them opportunities to build apps or games that are not only functional but also artistic. By integrating creativity into tech-based learning, learners engage more deeply and feel a greater sense of accomplishment.

Ancient Wisdoms

Cutting-edge technology tools and oodles of creativity are critical elements of a drive to make the world a better place, but if this were all it took, surely the world would be a better place by now? We need to find ways to blend ancient wisdoms, the ingrained learnings from the past few thousand years of modern humankind’s existence, into the smelting pot to create sustainable, lasting solutions. 

The critical role of educators and trainers in unlocking ancient wisdoms, blending cutting-edge technologies and creativity potentials cannot be overstated. Educators inspire a love of learning, lifelong habits of perseverance and determination to solve problems and overcome challenges. Teachers, as many of us learnt during lockdown, excel at hope and optimism, believing in children and pouring care and kindness into little hearts and minds. It is our educators and trainers who make humanity’s collective hopes and dreams for a better future a reality by teaching ancient wisdoms mixed with today’s technologies and achievements to each class of students and groups of trainees.  

Unlocking the Potential of AI While Preserving Human Agency

This year, UNESCO’s International Day of Education reminds us that unlocking the potential of artificial intelligence needs to go hand-in-hand with developing human agency and preserving human rights. Human agency can so easily be lost in the race to keep up with the rapidly evolving, technologically driven world.

Knowing that AI has the potential to personalise learning experiences, guide learning pathways and provide amazing resources tailored to individual strengths, weaknesses, and interests is not enough. While we must ensure that artificial intelligence supports students and teachers through access to information, cutting-edge curricula, and other learning tools, we cannot lose sight of the person in the learning situation. We must work to guarantee that all users have the tools and knowledge required to use this technology smartly, safely, and ethically. For example, UNESCO’s Competency Frameworks are vital in this regard, supporting learners and teachers as they incorporate artificial intelligence into their education. These frameworks provide guidelines on ethical AI use, data privacy, and developing critical skills for navigating AI-enhanced learning environments.

It reminds us of an ancient wisdom: a large part of learning is about human connection. As human beings, we tend to learn better from people, especially people we like. By placing human agency at the centre of AI integration, we can ensure that this transformative technology enriches education without compromising the values that define us. 

On another note, given that AI also learns through human connection, it is learning all our greatest – and worst – traits. We stand at a crossroads as a human race where we can embrace a chaos-riddled world of violence, bigotry, and hate or one that embodies the best humankind has to offer. In this space, all teachers and trainers who work with young and old have immense power to shape a world for tomorrow by shaping human agency today. It is both an exciting and frightening thought that AI learns through human connection. Logically, it is only a matter of time before AI will learn to simulate agency in whatever form that may be. What we teach today will shape how our world looks tomorrow, and it starts with shaping human agency in classrooms, training venues and learning spaces the world over right now. 

Preparing for the Future

The future of education brings together cutting-edge technology, limitless creativity, and the timeless values that make us human. As we embrace tools like AI, AR/VR, and gamification, we open doors to personalised and immersive learning experiences that inspire curiosity and innovation. But to truly make these advancements meaningful, we need to blend them with the ability of people to shape their communities, societies, and futures through intentional and thoughtful actions, lessons from the past, and essential human connections. As future developments in AI lead to systems that learn to simulate agency, we need to consider how we are ultimately accountable for AI behaviours and decision-making processes.

The promise of technology in education lies not in replacing our human touch – it lies in amplifying it.  Teachers and trainers stand as the bridge between AI and meaningful, human-centred learning experiences, inspiring students to dream boldly, think critically, and act ethically in a rapidly changing world. We can create a future where education is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about nurturing character, resilience, and compassion. As educators and learners work together and grow through this ever-changing journey, we have the chance to shape a world that brings out the best in humanity—starting in every classroom, training room, and learning space. Happy International Day of Education, and happy teaching!

By Chantal Tarling & Dr Isabel Tarling

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