CONTRIBUTORS
Brown Bully Ndale Onguko
Associate Research Scientist
Davis Muli Musyoki
Communications Officer
Introduction
Education has long been shaped by the technologies of its time—from papyrus and chalkboards to computers and artificial intelligence (AI). Whether in teaching, learning, writing, or reading, education has been mediated through various innovations. From the early days of Egyptian papyrus and reeds used in the 4th century BC, to the development of paper and pen by a Chinese court official, Cai Lun, and later to the invention of chalk and blackboards by James Pillans, the headmaster of Old High School in Edinburgh, Scotland, the tools of instruction have evolved. Later came radio, film rolls, television, projectors, interactive boards, computers, the internet, and present-day AI—technologies that have transformed teaching and learning across generations.
- Technology as a Mediator and Disruptor
It is therefore correct to state that technologies of each moment in time have been critical for mediating educational practice, teaching, and learning. Terms such as educational media, instructional media, instructional technology, and educational technology have been used at various times to refer to tools and methods that facilitate learning. However, it remains unclear whether each technological advancement has had a tangible impact on learning outcomes.
In 2015, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that heavily investing in school computers did not necessarily lead to improved student performance. In fact, some technologies have been seen as disruptive to learning. A case in point is the banning of laptops and tablets in primary schools in Madrid, Spain, due to concerns about mental health and the limited development of reading and writing skills in tech-heavy classrooms.
- Technology Appropriation in Education
Whenever new technologies are invented, they are quickly adopted for educational purposes, even if they were not initially designed for that purpose. For example, radio was once believed to eliminate the need for teachers and books, potentially. Similarly, when the internet became widely available, it was predicted that it would revolutionize education and render traditional teaching tools obsolete.
- The AI Wave in the 2020s
Fast forward to the 2020s, and artificial intelligence (AI) has become the next big wave. There is considerable discussion about how AI might free teachers from time-consuming tasks, such as lesson planning and administrative work. Yet, most narratives ignore the stark contextual differences between education systems globally. Not all systems are equally equipped in terms of policies, curricula, technologies, infrastructure, or economic capacity.
- Lessons from COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of technology in education. The global lockdowns disrupted everyday life, including learning, and technology became the default solution. Unsurprisingly, remote work, learning, and living have become the global norm. As these models continue to expand, so does the demand for educational technologies. Education systems must now prepare future workers for tech-driven environments, creating a new imperative to integrate relevant technologies into learning processes.
- Inequities in Technology Adoption
However, the migration to online and remote learning during the pandemic exposed deep inequities—particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Many faced challenges in infrastructure, technical capacity, human resources, and supportive policies. While the resilience of people in LMICs facilitated adaptation, there are still glaring readiness gaps in meeting current and future demands.
- AI and the Opportunity to Leapfrog
There are opportunities to leapfrog legacy infrastructure and directly adopt advanced AI tools for learning. AI innovations are advancing so rapidly that they may seem like a panacea for many global education challenges. However, while adoption is encouraged, we must ask critical questions: Is the international community collectively advancing in AI adoption, or are we creating deeper divides? Will a significant portion of the world be left behind?
Equity concerns also arise in the context of AI in education, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, and access to digital tools. These issues must be part of the global discourse if AI is to truly benefit all learners.
Conclusion
While technology continues to revolutionize education, its successful integration depends on context-aware strategies, inclusive policies, and equitable access. As artificial intelligence reshapes how we teach and learn, it is critical to ensure that no learner or educator is left behind in this digital transition. The future of education is undeniably technological—but it must also be just and inclusive.