Education has the power to transform lives, connect communities, and inspire change across the world. As we mark the International Day of Education today (Friday, 24 January 2025), we reaffirm its significance in unlocking human potential and driving global progress.
UNESCO has dedicated this year’s International Education Day to the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence under the theme of AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation. The initiative encourages discussions on the role of education in preparing individuals and communities to navigate technological advancement.
At SRT Fairs, we believe in the strength of collaboration to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in education. Through our E-Conferences for International Educators, we bring together school counselors, universities, and educational professionals from across the globe to share insights, spark conversations, and explore crucial topics from the international education sector.
GenAI: Transforming the landscape of higher education
As part of our recent E-Conference for International Educators, one info session centered on the rise of generative artificial intelligence or “GenAI” and its impact on the higher education landscape. The info session presenter, Jakob Patekar from RIT Croatia, discussed the evolution of interactions between students and educators with technology in the classroom and beyond.
GenAI, referring to tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and GitHub, has quickly integrated into the educational landscape, offering new opportunities for students and educators while raising important questions and challenges. Patekar delved into the growing usage among students and academics and the benefits and challenges these tools can bring to the higher education sector.
While generative AI is now widely available, research suggests that only 50% of higher education students regularly access these tools, and only around 12% use them daily. Many students frequently utilizing GenAI appear to see it as a “private tutor,” leveraging the technology for study support and assignments. However, Jakob flagged that an overreliance on AI-generated content without verification processes poses risks, such as inaccurate information or “hallucinated” (essentially fake) references.
Instructors are also increasingly adopting AI tools to support teaching or better understand what students might produce using these tools. Some see it as a productivity booster, while others raise concerns about the overuse of AI potentially diminishing the value of human creativity and expertise.
Patekar went on to share examples such as EdChat, a chatbot from the South Australia Department for Education, showcasing AI’s ability to handle routine queries, freeing educators to focus on more complex interactions. However, ethical issues – like academic integrity and data privacy – remain a concern.
The session concluded with an optimistic message that while challenges exist, generative AI presents a unique opportunity to rethink traditional approaches to education and create innovative learning experiences while preserving human agency.
Continuing the conversation at our upcoming e-conferences
As we celebrate the International Day of Education, this is the perfect time to reflect on how global collaboration can help us address evolving challenges in international education. Our upcoming E-Conferences for International Educators this May will continue these invaluable conversations.
Save the dates
SRT MENA E-Conference | 19–20 May 2025
Tailored to school counselors across the Middle East and Africa.
SRT The Americas E-Conference | 21–22 May 2025
Tailored to school counselors in North, Central, and South America.
Each e-conference features:
- Networking and one-on-one meeting opportunities to connect school counselors with global universities
- Info Sessions addressing key issues across the international education sector.
- Two Global Sessions fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Save the dates and join us this May as we continue exploring the opportunities and challenges shaping international education—and celebrate the collective power of learning. Registrations open on 28 January 2025.
