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Prioritizing equitable learning in the face of Artificial Intelligence (AI): International Day of Education 2025


This year’s International Day of Education theme is “AI and education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation.” As AI reshapes how we live and learn, it offers opportunities to improve educational access and outcomes. However, it also raises critical questions about ensuring fairness, ethics, and the irreplaceable value of human interaction in education systems around the world.
Shaping AI with education equity in mind
Millions of children face barriers to accessing a quality education due to conflict, poverty, and displacement. When designed with equity in mind, AI can powerfully address these challenges by personalizing learning and offering new resources, including multilingual tools. However, to harness this potential, we must prioritize its application in a way that complements and empowers teacher-student learning dynamics.
The Jacobs Foundation has funded two pioneering research initiatives that are advancing our understanding of this: CELLA (Center for Learning and Living with AI) and CERES (Connecting the EdTech Research Ecosystem). These centers aim to ensure that technology used in schools is evidence-based, equitable, and effective in enhancing children’s learning experiences.
CELLA is led by Professor Sanna Järvelä of the University of Oulu, Finland, and Inge Molenaar of Radboud University, the Netherlands. The Center focuses on advancing intelligent learning technologies, including adaptive systems, game-based learning, and virtual reality (VR) tools. They collaborate with secondary schools and EdTech entrepreneurs globally to ensure that these technologies are rigorously tested and tailored to meet the diverse needs of learners.
CERES is spearheaded by Professors Gillian Hayes and Candice Odgers of the University of California, Irvine. This program connects experts in computer science, psychology, neuroscience, and education with the EdTech industry. CERES is training the next generation of researchers to foster innovation in education by improving access to digital tools and ultimately reducing inequalities in classrooms.
These centers are leveraging AI’s transformative potential to create a more equitable future in education.
Research that puts learners first
At the Jacobs Foundation, our Research Fellows are exploring cutting-edge intersections of AI and education. Jennifer Meyer from the Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education is investigating how digital tools can support the development of foundational skills for children from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This research contributes to ensuring that AI-driven solutions remain adaptable to learners’ unique needs.
Building tools for the future
Innovations such as Google’s LearnLM show the transformative potential of AI when it is thoughtfully designed for education.
As featured in the Ed-Technical podcast, hosted by Jacobs Foundation’s Libby Hills and AI researcher Owen Henkel, this groundbreaking AI was designed in collaboration with teams across Google, including Google Research and DeepMind. LearnLM integrates into platforms like YouTube and LearnAbout to create accessible and personalized learning experiences for students. Tools like these aim to enhance the way children and teachers engage with knowledge.
To learn more, listen to the Ed-Technical episode featuring insights from Google’s leading experts.
Our commitment to quality education for all children
On this year’s International Day of Education, the Jacobs Foundation reaffirms its commitment to harnessing the power of evidence, innovation, and collaboration to create and support systems that empower every child to thrive in classrooms, communities, and in a rapidly evolving world shaped by AI.