The latest results of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) saw record drops in student performance on mathematics, reading and science skills, even as these skills become more important than ever, particularly in an era of rapid economic, social, environmental and technological change. Outcomes for students on critical thinking, collaboration and innovation, among other skills in high demand by today’s employers, are also mixed across education systems around the world.

While early forms of AI, such as expert systems and early machine learning algorithms, have been used in the education field for over 60 years, recent advancements in AI capabilities are creating disruption within the education sector. Models such as ChatGPT, Synthesia, Dall-E2 and Bard can write essays, create images, explain complex topics and provide step-by-step guidance for solving math problems, among many other functionalities. Generative AI can mimic human logic, writing and even creativity, mirroring some human thought processes and putting into question the relevance of some of the skills, principles, formulas and processes taught in classrooms today, including basics such as writing, grammar and even logic and discourse.

Developed by a global coalition of education experts, practitioners, policy-makers and business leaders, Education 4.0 is a comprehensive framework that outlines key transformations needed in childhood education to address the needs of the future and promote better education outcomes. It consists of four sets of skills that will be needed in the future – global citizenship, innovation and creativity, technology, and interpersonal skills – as well as four sets of learning experiences – personalized and self-paced, accessible, problem-based and collaborative, and lifelong and student-driven learning. Teaching and learning that incorporates technology, particularly AI, can not only help students achieve better outcomes on technology skills but can also facilitate and enable success in other areas within the framework.