To Harness These Tools

Can AI Transform Education? by Dr. Asyia Kazmi
Gates Foundation, September 11, 2024 

In “Can AI Transform Education?” Dr. Asyia Kazmi draws on decades of personal experience and global insight to examine the transformative potential of generative AI in education. Kazmi recounts an early encounter with adaptive learning technology in a challenging London classroom and then fast-forwards to today’s rapidly evolving AI landscape. The article thoughtfully explores how AI-driven tools, from personalized adaptive learning platforms and AI tutors to teacher coaching systems and automated administrative assistants, can address persistent challenges in educational access and quality. Kazmi identifies and explores three critical areas where AI may create significant impact. What makes this piece particularly relevant for independent and international school educators is its balanced approach. Kazmi does not simply extol the virtues of AI; she critically assesses the potential pitfalls and emphasizes the importance of ethical implementation, equity, and robust evidence of impact. The discussion is enriched by concrete examples of current EdTech solutions that are already making strides in diverse educational contexts around the globe. The article challenges educators to reimagine their roles in an AI-enhanced classroom, urging them to harness these emerging tools to bridge learning gaps and empower every student.