AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in an Automated World
Every year on January 24, the world marks the International Day of Education. This year, the focus is on “Artificial Intelligence and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.” AI offers immense potential but also raises concerns about human control. As AI evolves, educators, policymakers, and technologists must ensure it enhances, rather than replaces, human decision-making.
Shifting Nature of Human Agency
Traditionally, human agency’s ability to think, choose, and act has been a unique trait. Education has always played a key role in nurturing this capacity. However, AI now operates with cognitive capabilities that challenge human dominance. Generative AI learns, adapts, and sometimes surpasses human performance, shifting the balance of decision-making power.
Experts are divided on the future. A Pew Research study found that 56% of specialists believe AI will handle most decisions with minimal human oversight within 10-15 years. Others argue that humans will still control key decisions. Both sides agree that society must now define AI’s role in shaping autonomy and control.
Education’s Role in Safeguarding Human Agency
Education must help people harness AI’s benefits while maintaining human judgment, creativity, and ethics. Three key strategies can help:
1. AI as a Learning Tool – AI-driven personalized learning can improve education, assist students with disabilities, and support teachers by reducing administrative tasks.
2. Teaching AI Literacy – Learners must understand AI’s impact, develop critical thinking, and assess AI’s influence on society.
3. Empowering Educators– Teachers should guide AI’s role in classrooms, ensuring ethical and effective use.
Global initiatives like UNICEF’s AI for Children and MIT’s RAISE project emphasize responsible AI education. As AI reshapes the future, education must focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making to protect human agency.
