By The International Day of Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation
Guest Writer
As we celebrate the International Day of Education, 24 January, 2025, we are reminded of the transformative power of education to shape lives, communities, and societies. However, the increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation in our lives raises important questions about the future of education and the preservation of human agency.
The theme of this year’s International Day of Education, “AI and education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation,” serves as a timely reminder of the need to ensure that technology supports, rather than supplants, human teaching, learning, and interaction. As an advocate for quality education and youth empowerment, I firmly believe that it is crucial for us to harness the potential of AI to enhance education while preserving the unique value of human teaching, learning, and interaction.
Interestingly, Sweden’s recent experience with digital-only education provides valuable insights into the importance of balancing technology with traditional teaching methods. Sweden’s experiment with digital-only education resulted in declining student performance and increased eye strain, prompting the country to reintroduce traditional paper textbooks in schools. This move highlights the importance of preserving human agency in education and ensuring that technology is used to support, rather than replace, human interaction.
As we celebrate the International Day of Education, let us recommit ourselves to preserving human agency in education. Let us harness the potential of AI to enhance education while ensuring that technology supports, rather than supplants, human teaching, learning, and interaction. By doing so, we can create a future where education empowers individuals, promotes social mobility, and fosters a more just and equitable society.
Ikenna Chinagorom EZENWA
Youth Development Leader from Enugu State, Nigeria.
