AI Observatory: Waypoints & Signals – Issue 8
Teachers in the Age of AI
As AI continues to reshape the landscape of education, it’s more crucial than ever to ensure that teachers’ voices are part of the conversation. Teachers are the ones directly experiencing the impact of AI in their classrooms, from the tools they use to the ways in which they interact with students. Yet, despite their central role, teachers’ perspectives are often overlooked in the broader discussions about AI in education. That’s why we’re inviting you to share your experiences and insights in the Teacher-in-the-Loop survey—a chance to ensure that the people most affected by these changes have a seat at the table. Your input will help shape the future of AI in education, ensuring that it’s not just a top-down decision but one that truly reflects the needs and realities of the classroom. Take the survey here.
In this blog, we explore how AI is enhancing, disrupting, and transforming education systems, particularly in the Global South. It’s about finding the right balance—how can AI support education while also preserving and enhancing the human aspects of teaching? Let’s dive into the ways AI is influencing education today, and how it might evolve in the future.
Upgrade: early integration into existing systems
AI is already making a significant impact by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of existing educational systems. For example, in the UK, teachers are now using AI for administrative tasks like grading homework and writing letters to parents, freeing up time to focus more on student interaction and teaching [1][2]. Programs like “AI for Educators” in Malaysia are training hundreds of thousands of teachers to integrate AI into their classrooms, enhancing their teaching methods and helping them navigate the ethical challenges AI presents [3]. These improvements are stepping stones, upgrading current practices rather than completely overhauling the educational framework.
Disrupt: scaling and change is embedded in education systems
Looking ahead, AI is starting to disrupt traditional education models. In countries like Vietnam, students are already using generic AI tools like ChatGPT as personal teaching assistants, available 24/7 through smartphones, which allows them to access educational support at any time [4]. This is changing the way students interact with learning—no longer just relying on classroom instruction but supplementing it with AI-driven support that fits into their own schedules. In India, the introduction of an AI faculty member at IIM Sambalpur marks a shift from AI being just a tool to becoming an actual instructional presence [5]. These shifts suggest that education systems may move from traditional one-size-fits-all approaches to more personalized, flexible models.
However, while these disruptions are promising, it’s crucial that we ensure AI is implemented thoughtfully. Teachers still play a key role in guiding students through these changes, ensuring that technology complements the learning experience rather than replacing the human connection that is essential for deep learning.
Transform: education is designed for a world where AI is a part of life
In the long run, AI could radically transform education, particularly in LMICs. The future could see highly personalised learning pathways that adapt to each student’s individual needs and pace, breaking down barriers to education in underserved areas [6]. AI systems might even help design curricula that better align with local contexts, offering tailored, localised content that truly meets the needs of students in different regions.
As AI becomes more embedded in public services—like the UAE’s use of AI to modernise legislation and governance—its integration into education systems could make them more data-driven and responsive to student needs [6]. This transformation could empower students to develop both technical skills and human-centred capabilities such as critical thinking, creativity, and ethical decision-making, ensuring they are well-equipped for an AI-driven future. Education won’t just be about knowledge acquisition but will focus on fostering a generation of learners who can collaborate with AI, using it as a tool to enhance their creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Conclusion: Your Voice Matters—Help Shape the Future of AI in Education
The future of AI in education isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a balance between harnessing the power of AI to make learning more personalised and efficient, while preserving and nurturing the uniquely human aspects of teaching that are so essential for deep, meaningful education. As AI continues to evolve, teachers’ voices need to be at the centre of the conversation. You are the ones who are living this transformation daily in the classroom, and your insights are crucial for guiding how AI is integrated into education.
We want to hear from you! Take the Teacher-in-the-Loop survey to share your experiences, needs, and concerns. By doing so, you’ll be helping to shape the future of education in a way that truly reflects the needs and realities of classrooms around the world. Let’s make sure that AI is used to enhance, not replace, the invaluable role of teachers in education.
Watch the project video here and join the conversation! Your voice matters.
Sources:
[1] AI News, 11 Jun 2025 [2] UKAuthority, 11 Jun 2025 [3] The Star , 15 Jun 2025 [4] Vietnam.vn – Nen tang quang ba ve Viet Nam, 13 Jun 2025 [5] WION, 09 Jun 2025 [6] Jornal Grande Bahia (JGB), 15 Jun 2025
We’d love to hear from you! What’s been shaping your thinking on AI? Drop your thoughts (and reading recommendations) in the comments. Explore more from EdTech Hub’s AI Observatory.
EdTech Hub’s AI Observatory is made possible with the support of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
