A new direction for students in an AI world: Prosper, prepare, protect (www.brookings.edu)

The Brookings Institution’s Center for Universal Education has launched a yearlong global study aimed at assessing the potential risks and benefits of generative AI in education, highlighting an urgent need for proactive measures. Involving over 500 stakeholders across 50 countries, along with a review of 400 studies, the findings indicate that the risks associated with generative AI—for instance, undermining students’ foundational development—currently outweigh its educational benefits. This issue underscores the importance of thoughtful implementation of AI tools to ensure they enhance rather than hinder learning experiences. To address these concerns, the report outlines three key pillars for action: Prosper, Prepare, and Protect. Recommendations include designing educational experiences that harness AI effectively, fostering collaboration among educators and technology developers, and promoting holistic AI literacy for all stakeholders. By implementing specific strategies such as co-creating AI tools and establishing robust regulatory frameworks, the educational community can work towards minimizing risks while maximizing the transformative potential of AI in learning environments. These insights aim to guide governments, technology companies, and families in creating safer, more effective AI-driven educational systems.