The Future: Education and New Technologies

Education is moving away from the one-size-fits-all classroom. The model taking its place is more personal, more robust and more inclusive: it treats learning differences as part of how a student learns rather than as obstacles to be managed. That shift includes highly gifted and talented learners, who are just as poorly served by a single pace and a single format.

Technology is accelerating the change. Educators and institutions now have tools that adapt to students instead of asking every student to adapt to the tool. With the arrival of practical AI, the pace of that change has stepped up again. A child who used to sit bored at the back of a class, either lost or far ahead, can now be met where they are.

Technology that adapts to the learner

Artificial intelligence, adaptive learning software and virtual reality are changing what a lesson can be. These tools adjust to a student's pace and preferences, give real-time feedback and keep learners engaged. Resistance from some administrators is real, but the case for change is strong.

For students with dyslexia, ADHD or autism, the gains can be dramatic. Text-to-speech, speech-to-text, visual scheduling and interactive modules open alternative paths to the same material, so that the student is judged on understanding and not on one narrow way of showing it. Gifted students benefit in the same way: adaptive platforms let them move ahead without waiting for the rest of the class.

From remediation to strengths

The older model focused on fixing what a student could not do. The better model starts from what a student does well and builds outward. That requires collaboration between teachers, specialists and families, with each child's plan shaped by the people who know them best.

The skills that matter next

Technology will keep changing, so the most durable skills are human ones: emotional intelligence, creativity, communication and problem-solving. Schools that teach these alongside content will prepare students for work that does not exist yet.

What schools and parents can do now

• Teach how to learn. Children who can find information, check sources and practise effectively will keep learning long after school.
• Use technology for practice and feedback. Adaptive apps are excellent for maths drills, reading practice and languages, freeing teachers to focus on discussion and support.
• Build digital responsibility. Screen time limits, privacy awareness and respectful online behaviour are part of modern education.
• Keep projects real. Group projects that solve local problems teach collaboration, planning and presentation skills.

Artificial intelligence in the classroom

AI tutors can explain a concept in several ways, generate practice questions and give instant feedback. Used well, they extend what a teacher can do. Used badly, they let students skip the thinking that builds understanding. Schools should set clear rules: AI can help students practise and check work, but assessments must show what the student understands. Teaching students to question AI answers is itself an important skill.

Closing the access gap

Technology can widen inequality if only some children have devices and internet access. Shared devices, offline-capable apps, solar charging and partnerships with businesses and foundations help close the gap. The investment is worthwhile: a child who learns to use technology confidently today can participate in the global digital economy tomorrow.

High-tech and high-touch

The future of education will not be decided by software alone. It depends just as much on attentive teachers, engaged parents and a commitment to equity, so that every child, wherever they start, has access to tools that fit how they learn. That belief also drives my support for early education through the work I have written about on early learning and the learning materials the Anslem Esi Foundation provides to school children in Nigeria.

Common questions

How will technology change education?

Adaptive tools will personalise practice, AI tutors will give instant feedback and teachers will spend more time on discussion, coaching and projects.

Should children use AI for schoolwork?

Yes for practice, explanations and checking work, with clear rules that assessments must show the child's own understanding.