VIEWS & OPINION


Education in 2025: thriving through collaboration and AI literacy Comment by STEPHAN FORTIER, Regional VP - UK and Europe, Instructure


The last few years have brought relentless challenges to education, from adapting to policy shifts and financial pressures to grappling with cybersecurity threats and responsible use of AI. Amid these upheavals, educators worldwide have remained steadfast in their dedication, innovating to inspire students even in turbulent times.


As we enter the new year, one thing is certain:


educators’ resilience and creativity will continue to drive transformation. Moreover, the education sector can find new growth opportunities by embracing collaboration and AI literacy.


Building resilient and collaborative academic networks Through 2024, many universities turned to partnerships and collective strategies to address some of the obstacles imposed by financial and policy changes. These strategies included joint curricula across degree programmes and resource-sharing between institutions. These efforts have helped reduce duplication, enhance teaching innovation, and unlock funding opportunities through joint applications to international organisations and governments. As we move into 2025, these collaborative frameworks are likely to expand further, creating more interconnected and resilient academic networks. Enhancing learning consistency with edtech


With many universities pursuing mergers and partnerships in response to financial constraints, consistency in virtual learning environments (VLEs) has become essential. These platforms streamline operations and ensure consistent, high-quality educational experiences across campuses, regardless of location.


Through flexible and tailored modes of online learning, the VLE also improves educational equity. And as offline tools for course content become more prevalent, they address connectivity issues for students in underserved areas.


Finally, lifelong learning has become increasingly important, highlighting the significance of modern virtual learning environments. These environments enable institutions to provide scalable, personalised educational pathways and credentials that address the needs of a rapidly evolving workforce.


In 2025, a SaaS-based VLE will become critical for supporting microcredentials, badges and certificates, ensuring students are equipped for dynamic, global careers.


Prioritising AI literacy for educators and students Educators are increasingly integrating AI into education to personalise learning, automate administrative tasks, and enhance teaching efficiency. However, these advancements come with challenges, such as safeguarding student data, preserving intellectual property and addressing biases in AI systems. Institutions are working to establish AI guidelines, prioritising AI literacy for teachers and students. Training educators will be pivotal in 2025. Teachers must be equipped to navigate AI-related challenges, from academic integrity to misinformation, and to foster critical thinking in students. Introducing AI ethics into curricula will help students understand its societal implications and prepare them for careers in AI-driven industries. Institutions must also train staff to evaluate AI tools effectively, ensuring they meet organisational standards and serve their intended purposes.


Leveraging data for personalised learning


Advancements in AI-powered tools are simplifying the way teachers use data effectively to improve student outcomes. Conversational AI tools embedded in VLE allow educators to query data using natural language, helping them identify at-risk students, spot trends and tailor learning pathways.


In 2025, educators will adopt AI tools more widely, and they’ll be empowered to make data-driven decisions that enhance student success.


2025: the year of academic integrity and genAI Comment by ANNIE CHECHITELLI, Chief Product Officer at Turnitin


2024 was the year of inquiry and understanding for generative AI tools in education. While the debates around its learning implications continue, in 2024 it became clear that students’ use of AI tools in their studies is here to stay. Recent research from Tyton Partner’s Time for Class 2024 Report found that nearly half of students would continue using AI even if it was banned.


For 2025, I think we will continue to see


a major shift around how educators view and apply the technology in the classroom. The transition is expected to move from AI scepticism to identifying responsible and ethical uses. It is clear AI writing is here to stay, and competency of the technology will be required of students in their future professions.


So instead of fearing it, educators should find ways to incorporate it into the classroom to ensure students are AI-literate and are prepared for the future workplace. This will allow students to strengthen their writing and critical thinking skills, while at the same learning how to ethically use generative AI. Some examples include using the technology to build an outline during the initial stages of a paper, brainstorming project ideas or collecting sources to inform an article. In some instances, it can even help students who struggle with writing become better authors. However, we must take into consideration that students’ learning and development is nuanced. Each student has their own individual learning style and development goals meaning there isn’t a universal solution towards the appropriate use of AI in educational settings. Teachers need to evaluate the context as to which AI is being used so it can enhance student’s learning without impacting academic integrity. To effectively prepare for an AI-augmented learning environment,


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teachers must encourage students to reflect on their use of AI tools. This will help them understand the role in maintaining control over their writing so they can distinguish the difference between their input and an AI writing editor.


It’s equally important that educators acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively teach in an AI-enhanced environment. The Time for Class Report revealed that there is still a knowledge gap between students and their teachers when it comes to AI, with 59% of students using AI tools regularly versus less than 40% of teachers. To overcome this gap, teachers should experiment with AI writing tools themselves, becoming familiar with how the technology works, its limitations and how it can be used in the classroom to enhance learning. Teachers that embrace and understand AI tools can more effectively support their students’ development, particularly as these tools become more sophisticated.


Another area to be mindful of next year is equal access to generative AI. There is a question of whether AI will be the ‘great equaliser,’ or if the commodification of models will result in a wider digital divide. As more AI providers adopt premium or subscription models, socio-economic, cultural and geographical learning gaps concerns may widen. In this context, the classroom can serve as a safe space where all students can learn, grow and practice with the technology, regardless of their socio-economic background.


Ultimately, the evolution of AI tools in education will only continue in 2025. Educators, administrators, and even parents, need to find ways to help students use the tools ethically and responsibly. This will strengthen dialogues between educators and learners, provide transparency and reduce risk to students. When used correctly, these tools create a supportive learning environment which empowers students to use AI without impacting academic integrity.


January 2025


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