In the AI age, education won’t be the same again. But was it ever static?

Artur Olesch

Digital Health Journalist

For a long time, AI revolutionizing education seemed like a distant dream. AI was largely theoretical, something for engineers with programming skills. Fast-forward to 2022, and generative artificial intelligence has demonstrated its ability to mimic human skills in writing, answering questions, and creativity—abilities traditionally taught in schools. This advancement has caused different reactions, from banning ChatGPT at universities to reshaping curricula to accommodate technological changes. Meanwhile, some countries have debated and piloted screen-free classes.

Every revolution brings a mix of hopes and fears. When calculators were introduced, there were concerns that children wouldn’t know how to count. However, this did not happen as education goes far beyond memorization and calculation. It’s about nurturing talents and passions, educating responsible citizens, and preparing for the future world.

Education’s transformation parallels the digital revolution in healthcare, a field I have closely followed for over 20 years. In medicine, robotic surgery systems and decision-support tools for physicians are now commonplace. Patients can “google” their symptoms, and doctors no longer hold a monopoly on medical knowledge. Information is accessible via mobile health apps, symptom checkers, and AI tools like ChatGPT. Empowered patients now have resources for self-care, benefiting themselves and alleviating pressure on overburdened healthcare systems. Yet, the essence of the patient-doctor relationship remains unchanged. No chatbot can offer the same hope and motivation as a doctor or nurse.

The same holds true for education. AI is enhancing the role of teachers by taking over administrative tasks such as grading and paperwork. This shift allows educators to focus more on engaging with students and providing personalized instruction. With routine tasks handled by AI, teachers can invest more time understanding each student's needs and fostering meaningful relationships.

AI also enhances personalization in education. Imagine a classroom where each student experiences a learning journey tailored to their pace and style. This is why Japanese schools have introduced AI robots to teach English. These robots can analyze voice and learning progress, incorporate gamification, and adapt content to individual needs, making learning more enjoyable for students.

AI can also provide real-time insights into student progress, enabling educators to make data-driven decisions. This capability allows teachers to quickly identify areas where students excel or struggle and adjust their strategies accordingly. Integrating AI into the curriculum involves more than just using AI tools. It also requires educating students about AI concepts and their implications, potential, and risks. This approach helps students develop digital literacy and AI-related skills essential for the evolving job market.

However, both teachers and doctors need adequate training to effectively use these new tools. They must also re-learn how to communicate with their students and patients, who, particularly the younger generations, often adopt new tools quickly.

The recent World Economic Forum report, “Shaping the Future of Learning: The Role of AI in Education 4.0,” highlights many examples of how AI can improve access to education. For instance, Kabakoo Academies in West Africa use AI-enabled virtual mentors to support youth in developing digital and entrepreneurial skills. This initiative is particularly impactful in areas with limited formal job opportunities. Similarly, the Letrus Program in Brazil employs AI to provide real-time feedback to students, enhancing literacy outcomes in public schools.

AI's integration into education presents an excellent opportunity to enhance learning outcomes and prepare students for future challenges. In healthcare, we talk about 4P medicine enabled by digitalization: personalized, preventive, predictive, and participatory. I propose we also strive for 4P education: personalized—tailored to individual learning progress and initial skills; preventive—focused on fostering responsible future societies; predictive—centered on individual capabilities, talents, and interests; and participatory—engaging and exciting for younger generations.

Like healthcare institutions, schools must keep pace with technological evolution to remain relevant. Otherwise, they risk losing trust and becoming outdated institutions, disconnected from the needs of those they serve.