AI’s role in transforming learning environments

What is it about?

Purpose This study aims to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education globally by personalizing learning, fostering inclusivity and enhancing human–machine collaboration. It also critically evaluates the ethical, technical and policy challenges that must be addressed to ensure equitable AI adoption in diverse educational contexts. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a qualitative research approach, integrating a systematic literature review with hybrid thematic-content analysis (HTCA). Through a rigorous synthesis of peer-reviewed research from 2020 to 2024, the study identifies key trends, challenges and opportunities in AI-driven education, offering a multidimensional perspective for educators, policymakers and researchers. Findings Findings reveal six critical dimensions of AI’s impact in education: personalized learning, ethical considerations, human–machine collaboration, policy and teacher training, lifelong learning and future prospects. AI’s ability to enhance learning outcomes is evident, yet concerns around algorithmic bias, data privacy and the digital divide must be addressed to ensure equitable access to AI-powered education worldwide. Practical implications The integration of AI in education presents significant opportunities for personalization, inclusivity and engagement. However, to ensure its successful application, educators must balance technological tools with pedagogical expertise. Practical implications for educators and institutions include: personalized learning: AI-powered platforms can adapt to diverse student needs, improving outcomes by providing tailored learning experiences, particularly for students with disabilities or from underserved regions. Teacher empowerment: AI should be seen as an “exoskeleton” that augments, rather than replaces, human teaching. By automating administrative tasks, AI allows educators to focus on fostering creativity and critical thinking. Ethical AI use: Institutions must establish ethical guidelines to prevent biases in algorithms and protect students’ data privacy, ensuring AI is a tool for equity rather than division. Social implications AI’s application in education offers potential solutions to address social inequalities by providing personalized learning pathways that accommodate diverse learners, including those from different cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds. However, AI’s integration could also exacerbate existing inequalities if not implemented inclusively. The digital divide and access to technology remain significant barriers, particularly in underserved regions. Societies must address these disparities by investing in digital infrastructure and fostering global collaboration in AI education to ensure that AI benefits all learners.

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Photo by note thanun on Unsplash

Photo by note thanun on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Design/methodology/approach This study uses a qualitative research approach, integrating a systematic literature review with hybrid thematic-content analysis (HTCA). Through a rigorous synthesis of peer-reviewed research from 2020 to 2024, the study identifies key trends, challenges and opportunities in AI-driven education, offering a multidimensional perspective for educators, policymakers and researchers. Originality/value This study provides an in-depth, interdisciplinary perspective on AI’s role in reshaping education globally. By integrating thematic and content analysis, it offers novel insights into AI’s benefits and risks. The research underscores the urgent need for ethical AI frameworks, inclusive policy interventions and capacity-building initiatives to ensure AI fosters equitable and sustainable education worldwide.

Perspectives