Assessment Insights in February

AI isn’t just a buzzword anymore, vocational training is finally getting the recognition it deserves, and virtual reality is moving beyond gaming into high-stakes learning and assessment. Institutions, EdTech pioneers, and policymakers are all rethinking how students learn, upskill, and transition into careers.

At the Future-Proofing Education event in Dublin, Jeremy Carter , CEO of Sentira XR , painted a bold picture of what’s next, from cutting-edge e-assessment tools to VR’s game-changing role in healthcare training. Meanwhile, experts like Dr. Temple Lovelace argue that assessments must evolve to reflect how today’s students actually learn, because outdated tools just don’t cut it for Gen Alpha.

This isn’t just about flashy tech. It’s about building confidence, real-world skills, and learning experiences that work.

Education in 2025: What’s Changing?

Here are the biggest trends driving the future of education according to Holoniq:?

?? AI Moves from Hype to Reality AI is shifting from experimentation to real-world use. Policies and frameworks are accelerating adoption, with AI-driven solutions transforming learning at every stage.

?? Workforce Skills Take Center Stage Upskilling and reskilling are now core to education. Work-integrated learning—internships, apprenticeships, co-ops—is expanding, making career readiness faster and more affordable.

?? Vocational Training Gains Traction Vocational education is a strategic choice, not an alternative. Countries like India are mandating work-integrated learning, linking education directly to industry needs.

??? Stronger Education-to-Employment Pathways Industry partnerships and large-scale upskilling programs are closing talent gaps, integrating apprenticeships and internships into formal education.

?? Data and AI Drive Smarter Decisions Institutions are leveraging data to track performance and personalise learning, but fully optimising AI-driven insights remains a work in progress.

?? Hybrid and Flexible Learning Expands Alternative credentials, hybrid models, and accelerated pathways are making post-secondary education more adaptable and skills-focused.

?? Collaboration Fuels Innovation EdTech, institutions, and industries are joining forces, pooling resources to create more scalable and impactful learning ecosystems.

?? Sustainability Becomes an Educational PriorityGreen skills—like energy management and sustainable design—are entering curricula, while campuses innovate with renewable resources.

Virtual reality: Refining education and assessment

At the Future-Proofing Education event in Dublin, Jeremy Carter, CEO of Sentira XR and co-founder of Cirrus Assessment offering a compelling vision of the future, from the capabilities of the e-assessment platforms of today and tomorrow, to groundbreaking VR applications in healthcare training.

“I’ve never been more excited about our industry and the opportunities for educators, students, and businesses than I am now. The pace of change is unprecedented. But it is down to us to grasp those opportunities.”

However, he emphasised that success isn’t just about adopting new technologies. Collaboration, teamwork, and a shared commitment to progress are critical to turning potential into reality. Technology alone is not a silver bullet.

As CEO of Sentira XR, he brought first-hand insights into how VR is breaking new ground, particularly in healthcare training, and outlined its broader applications across education and professional development.

Immersive learning experiences

One of the key advantages of VR is its ability to immerse learners in realistic, hands-on scenarios. Unlike traditional learning methods, VR allows users to engage with their environment actively, building skills in a safe yet dynamic setting. Jeremy described how healthcare students can practise critical procedures, such as unblocking a tracheostomy tube, in a virtual space. These scenarios create muscle memory and boost confidence, enabling learners to perform effectively in real-world, high-pressure situations.

Fostering empathy and communication skills

VR goes beyond technical training by helping learners develop essential soft skills like empathy and communication. In one example, students interacted with virtual patients, practising bedside manner and learning to ask the right questions. Jeremy noted a striking finding: VR-trained students were far more likely to address the patient by name compared to those using non-immersive tools. This suggests that VR helps learners connect on a human level, a critical skill in healthcare and other fields that rely on interpersonal interaction.

Simulating teamwork and collaboration

Jeremy highlighted VR’s ability to foster teamwork, even across borders. In a groundbreaking use case, healthcare professionals from different continents met in a virtual environment to discuss a patient’s 3D scan and agree on a treatment plan. This immersive collaboration mimics real-world teamwork but eliminates logistical barriers like travel. Such applications extend beyond medicine, offering solutions for global collaboration in business, engineering, and education.

Accessible preparation for high-stakes exams

One of the most practical benefits of VR lies in preparing students for high-stakes assessments. For example, international healthcare professionals aiming to pass licensing exams in the UK often face significant financial and logistical challenges. VR allows them to practise scenarios they might encounter in these exams, reducing anxiety and improving readiness. Jeremy described this as a game-changer for candidates and institutions alike.

Broadening VR’s impact beyond healthcare

Although Sentira XR’s work is focused on healthcare training, Jeremy stressed that VR’s applications are not limited to this field. He envisions VR transforming STEM education, where students can explore complex concepts like molecular biology or engineering systems in 3D. Additionally, VR can simulate professional scenarios, such as a finance executive presenting tough results to stakeholders or resolving conflicts in a team setting. These experiences allow learners to refine their skills in a risk-free environment.

Revolutionising assessment with VR

VR also introduces new possibilities for performance-based assessment. In these assessments, learners are free to demonstrate their skills in an open-ended, authentic environment. For example, a healthcare student might perform a simulated consultation with a virtual patient, where every decision—tone of voice, questions asked, actions taken—affects the outcome. AI tools can analyse these interactions to provide detailed feedback, helping learners improve their performance.

Putting students at the heart of innovation

Throughout his presentation, Jeremy Carter emphasised that while technology is a powerful enabler, the student experience must always remain the focus. As he explained, “It doesn’t matter how rich the features are or how advanced the tools are—if students press start and it doesn’t work, or if they don’t feel supported, nothing else matters.

Whether through authentic assessments, accessibility-first design, or the immersive potential of VR, these advancements all share a common goal: empowering learners. By combining human-centred design with cutting-edge technology, the future of education is one where barriers are broken, learning is personalised, and assessments are truly meaningful.

And finally: Rethinking assessment for a new generation

The trend for focusing on the student’s success and building candidate-centered assessments is also supported by Dr. Temple Lovelace , Executive Director for the Assessment for Good Program at AERDF. She says that we will observe a stronger focus on measuring the core skills that drive learning, giving educators better tools to support students’ growth inside and outside the classroom in 2025.

She highlights that assessments must evolve to reflect how today’s students learn. Current tools weren’t designed for Gen Alpha, and modernising them is crucial. Learning goes beyond subject mastery - it builds confidence, self-awareness, and goal-setting.? Discover 49 more thoughts from education experts on what 2025 will bring us.?

Until next time, happy testing!