The future of education: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing teaching!

The future of education: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing teaching!

On July 25, 2025, an important event took place at the University of Oldenburg, at which interdisciplinary impulse groups were presented. The groups' topics include areas such as diversity in rural healthcare and the development of artificial intelligence for music lessons. In addition, research into the orientation skills of people in ancient times was discussed with the help of the Bible and modern animal navigation research. A total of 20 applications were submitted for projects, which underlines the lively participation and interest in interdisciplinary approaches.

Prof. Dr. Ralf Grüttemeier, Vice President for Research and Transfer, was enthusiastic about the large number of applications. His goal is to bring new constellations of people and ideas into conversation. Interdisciplinary dialogue is seen as a central component of the university's scientific self-image. The funded projects will be selected starting in the winter semester, with the applications being evaluated by a top-class review group. This group consists of renowned scientists such as Prof. Dr. Thony Visser from the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Prof. Dr. Simone Scherger from the University of Bremen and Prof. Dr. Dr. Reto Weiler.

The role of artificial intelligence in education

In a parallel discourse, the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the education sector is also being intensively discussed. Faced with challenges such as diversity, inclusion and educational barriers, it is expected that AI can play a supporting role. These assessments were confirmed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) in a current paper on digitalization in healthcare. An expert group has been created to promote the use of AI in educational technologies. The group aims to gain insights into the current use of AI in schools and to discuss future possible uses, taking into account both the opportunities and risks of the technology.

The information from the accompanying process on artificial intelligence in the education sector shows that active discussions are taking place about adjustments to competence goals and testing procedures using AI. AI-based educational technologies offer the opportunity to relieve the burden on teachers, but require extensive (subject) didactic knowledge and comprehensive support. Therefore, the need for further training in teacher training is a central issue.

Current developments and outlook

There are several important dates on the topic of AI in education that illustrate progress: A research synthesis will be published in May 2025, while in March 2025 a specialist forum at the BMBF educational research conference will address questions about the role of AI in schools. As early as 2024, the expert group has developed working documents on the current and practical use of AI in schools, with a particular focus on adaptive learning systems. An online workshop in March 2023 also served to establish initial key points for the accompanying process, whereby the inclusion of educational research, practice and administration was essential.

The developments at the University of Oldenburg and in the education sector in general show the immense potential that interdisciplinary approaches and state-of-the-art technologies offer to create innovative solutions to pressing social challenges. While the focus is on the positive design and responsible use of these technologies, a critical examination of their limitations and risks remains essential. The university and the educational sector as a whole are required to find this balance and actively shape it.

For further information about the interdisciplinary approaches at the University of Oldenburg, please visit uol.de. You can find out more about the use of AI in healthcare in the paper Federal Medical Association experience. For current developments in the education sector regarding artificial intelligence, take a look at the information pages of BMBF.