Skip to main content

International Day of Education - “AI and education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation


AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation

The International Day of Education is a reminder of education’s transformative power in building a sustainable and equitable future. In 2025, this day takes on a new layer of significance as we witness the rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into every corner of our lives, especially education. While AI offers groundbreaking opportunities, it also raises critical questions: how do we preserve human agency, creativity, and ethics in a world increasingly shaped by automation?  

The Transformative Potential of AI in Education  

AI has unlocked possibilities that were once unimaginable. Personalized learning platforms now cater to individual needs, helping students progress at their own pace. AI-powered tools assist teachers by automating administrative tasks, freeing them to focus on mentorship and student engagement. In underserved communities, AI has expanded access to education by providing affordable digital resources, language translation, and remote learning solutions.  

For example, machine learning algorithms can analyze student performance data to identify gaps in understanding, offering tailored interventions. Virtual tutors powered by AI are making learning accessible 24/7, breaking the constraints of time and geography. These innovations demonstrate AI’s potential to democratize education and improve outcomes globally.  

The Challenges of Automation in Education  

However, the rise of AI in education is not without its challenges. Over-reliance on automation can risk undermining critical human capacities, such as independent thinking, empathy, and creativity. When algorithms dictate what students learn and how they learn, there’s a danger of sidelining the human element that makes education transformative.  

Moreover, ethical concerns abound. Bias in AI systems can perpetuate inequalities, while data privacy issues threaten the rights of students and educators. In a future dominated by AI, will students be empowered to question, innovate, and lead—or will they simply follow the logic of algorithms?  

Preserving Human Agency in the Age of AI  

To navigate this complex landscape, we must ensure that AI complements, rather than replaces, the human essence of education. Here are some key principles to guide this effort:  

1. Foster Emotional Intelligence and Creativity: Education must prioritize the development of skills that machines cannot replicate—empathy, emotional intelligence, and creative problem-solving. These are the traits that make us uniquely human and essential for thriving in a world of automation.  

2. Equip Educators with AI Literacy: Teachers are at the forefront of education and need to be empowered with the skills to integrate AI responsibly. Professional development programs should focus on helping educators understand AI’s capabilities and limitations.  

3. Promote Ethical Use of AI: Policies must ensure that AI in education adheres to ethical standards, protecting privacy, addressing biases, and promoting inclusivity. Transparency in how AI systems operate and make decisions is crucial for building trust.  

4. Encourage Collaboration Between Humans and AI: AI should be seen as a tool to enhance human creativity, not as a replacement for human agency. For example, AI can assist with data analysis, while humans interpret the results and provide the critical thinking needed for meaningful action.  

A Call to Action  

As we celebrate the International Day of Education, let us envision an education system that harnesses the power of AI to create opportunities without compromising human dignity and autonomy. Policymakers, educators, and technologists must work together to design systems where AI amplifies human potential rather than diminishes it.  

The future of education depends on our ability to balance innovation with humanity. By placing human agency at the heart of AI integration, we can ensure that education continues to empower individuals to think critically, act ethically, and contribute meaningfully to society.  

Let us embrace this challenge with optimism and determination, knowing that the choices we make today will shape the learners and leaders of tomorrow.  

What are your thoughts about the subject matter. We will be glad to read your contributions in the comments section.

Don't forget to subscribe to our blog, share this post or drop a review.

Thank you.

Bliss Ojeruse 
Saving Hand Development Initiative 
(SHADE-IN) 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

TO A FRUIT OF OUR LABOUR: RASHEED O. SANNI

Let us celebrate one of the fruits of our ministry in SHADE-IN, Rasheed Obaro Sanni. February 5, 2019 was his birthday. Rasheed (Right) being taught by one of our volunteers, Gloria Iboroama (L), 2010 He was in JSS 2 when we started work in Aba-Ebira, Ekiti State, being one of the pioneer beneficiaries of our extra mural classes. Today, he is a Civil Engineering 200 level student of University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State. Rasheed in school (UNIBEN) I enjoin all of us to pray specially for him on this his birthday, as well as reach out to him. Our most sincere prayer for him is that Christ be formed in him. This is the secret of greatness in life, because Christ in us is the hope of glory. My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, Galatians 4:19 KJV To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Colossians 1:27 KJV Kee...
4 comments
Read more

Draft Communiqué Issued at the End of the 2nd National Conference by CSO Accountability and Transparency Initiative (CATI) held on 8th-9th November, 2023 as presented by Omotunde Clement

Reported by Bliss Ojeruse, Executive Director, Saving Hand Development Initiative (SHADE-IN) Introduction The communiqué was drafted by a 3-persons committee including Newton Otsemaye, British Council State Coordinator, Edo State, Temple and Omotunde Clement. Saving Hand Development Initiative (SHADE-IN) was represented at the Conference by Bliss Ojeruse, Executive Director, who participated virtually. Background   Against the backdrop of the resolution reached at the inaugural national conference held in September 2022, the steering committee on civil society regulatory environment was saddled with the task of working closely with development partners to institutionalise the national civil society conference as an annual event to sustain and track progress made in improving the civic society operational environment in Nigeria.  To drive this initiative that would facilitate continuous engagement within the regulators and civic actors, beyond donors' intervention, the CSO Acco...
Post a Comment
Read more

Educators' Role Towards Learning For Lasting Peace - Advocate for Reviewed Education Budget Allocation.

This year's international day of education focuses on Learning for Lasting Peace with hashtag #LeadingSDG4, by emphasising the crucial role education and teachers play in countering hate speech. According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), "Education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility." If it is a public responsibility, then it's definitely the Government's responsibility as well. UNESCO also cited that "without inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong opportunities for all, countries will not succeed in achieving gender equality and breaking the cycle of poverty that is leaving millions of children, youth and adults behind. Furthermore, UNESCO stated that, "Today, 250 million children and youth are out of school, and 763 million adults are illiterate. Their right to education is being violated and it is unacceptable. It's time to transform education." For ove...
Post a Comment
Read more