The Year for AI in Education

While 2024 set the groundwork for AI integration, disrupting as it entered the classroom, this is the year AI concepts and tools are expected to become a core aspect of education. With that said, 2025 may be a transformative year for the sector as educators enhance learning experiences and embrace the importance of AI literacy.??

Laying the AI Groundwork in 2024?

Last year, we watched various states prepare for what AI can look like in the classroom. For example, according to Education Week , New Jersey and Indiana allocated funding to support AI-related initiatives while Utah’s education department developed new roles dedicated to AI implementation. Additionally, throughout the year, a number of states released guidance and frameworks for incorperating AI in the classroom. Now, as of January 2025, 25 state education departments have followed this trend. This momentum wasn’t driven by legislation; however, it was fueled by necessity.??

Bre Urness-Straight, Director of Educational Technology for the Washington State Education Agency stated, “Artificial intelligence is an evolving field, so our work collaborating with local leaders and educators will continue and evolve as well.”?

Moreover, in September 2024, California became the first (and currently only) state to take this initiative one step further when Governor Gavin Newsom approved Assembly Bill No. 2876 which stated requirements for recommended curriculum. Alongside digital citizenship and media literacy—which aim to help students become well-informed users of social media and technology—the bill introduced requirements for AI literacy. It states, “The commission shall consider incorporating AI literacy content into the mathematics, science, and history-social science curriculum frameworks when those frameworks are next revised after January 1, 2025.”?

So, with that being said, what can we expect from AI this year??

AI Literacy as a Core Classroom Competency?

Let’s first discuss the importance of AI Literacy—a buzzword that’s gained traction recently, but what is it?? As mentioned in California’s approved bill, “‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy’ means the knowledge, skills, and attitudes associated with how artificial intelligence works, including its principles, concepts, and applications, as well as how to use artificial intelligence, including its limitations, implications, and ethical considerations.”??

In simpler terms, AI literacy focuses on understanding how these systems work and how to use them responsibly. This is vital because in a world that is increasingly driven by intelligent systems, a comprehensive understanding of AI enables students to harness its potential and collaborate with it, rather than merely consuming it.?

In upcoming months, we can expect to see classrooms incorporating hands-on AI learning opportunities, deeper integrations into various subjects, and immersive learning experiences for students. Additionally, there’s discussion of how AI can help teachers save time and boost productivity as well.???

How Can AI in the Classroom Benefit Educators??

AI in the classroom won’t only impact students; educators have the opportunity to benefit from its applications as well. Specifically, AI Tutors and Teaching Assistants are on the rise as more schools follow suit.??

These tools can be used to provide instant feedback to students, supporting them as they understand challenging concepts and subjects.? Organizations such as Code.org are joining this trend and developing tools like these specifically for computer science educators. The organization states, “By streamlining assessments, it [the AI teaching assistant] teaching boosts educator confidence, enabling a focus on enriching student interactions and tailored learning experiences.”???

Another application of AI in the classroom includes personalized learning paths which can be used to analyze students’ learning styles and create customized lesson plans. This is an important breakthrough because it enables students to receive instruction tailored to their unique needs while saving time for educators and providing an inclusive learning environment for all.??

At the End of the Day...?

As 2025 unfolds, AI is no longer a vision of the future—it’s emerging as a core element of education. From fostering AI literacy to streamlining educator workflows, AI integration is redefining what’s possible in a classroom environment. By equipping students with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate an AI-driven world, educators are not only improving classroom experiences but also shaping the leaders of tomorrow, preparing them for a brighter future.?

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