The AI Paradox: In Supporting Learning, AI Is Undermining It

Jason M. Lodge. The University of Queensland (Australia)

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping how students learn, think and engage with knowledge. In this talk, Professor Jason M. Lodge explores the paradox at the heart of AI-supported learning: while AI tools promise efficiency and support, they may also undermine the very processes that enable deep learning. Drawing on research from cognitive science and educational psychology, he examines how reducing intellectual challenge can weaken the metacognitive and self-regulatory skills that students need to thrive in an AI-driven world. The talk highlights the importance of “productive struggle” as a catalyst for learning and argues that educational systems must be intentionally redesigned to preserve it, prompting a rethinking of assessment practices, curriculum design and policies surrounding educational technologies.

From EdTech to TechEd: The Next Chapter in Learning's Evolution

Lev Gonick. Arizona State University (USA)

Higher education is entering a pivotal moment in the evolution of digital learning. In this talk, Lev Gonick, Enterprise Chief Information Officer at Arizona State University, explores the shift from an application-centered EdTech model to a learner-centered TechEd ecosystem powered by agentic AI. Drawing inspiration from Tim Berners-Lee’s original vision of the Semantic Web, he examines how emerging intelligent agents can transform fragmented, institution-centric systems into connected environments that support more personalized and continuous learning experiences. The talk reflects on the limitations of traditional educational technology infrastructures and considers how universities can redesign digital ecosystems to empower learner agency and unlock the full potential of next-generation technologies.