From Harvard bots to Aussie classrooms: the state of AI in education

From Harvard bots to Aussie classrooms: the state of AI in education In this solo news and research roundup, Ray covers some of the biggest recent stories in AI and education – from high-profile case studies to practical tools for teachers and real concerns from students. Links for what’s in this week's episode: New AI training modules for Australian teachers Education Services Australia has released a set of lesson-ready resources to help teachers guide students in safe, effective AI use – including interactive activities and a certificate aligned with AITSL standards. https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/ai/professional-learning/gen-ai-readiness-and-implementation-modules/#GenAI_Module2   Harvard Business School’s chatbot tutor A deep dive into how Harvard embedded a custom AI tutor into its accounting course – used by 75% of students, with a surprising impact on learning and classroom discussion. https://hbsp.harvard.edu/inspiring-minds/ai-tutor-bots-harvard-business-school   Student appeals and the limits of AI detection tools The UK’s higher ed ombudsman has warned universities about relying too heavily on detection software, especially when it comes to vulnerable student groups. OIA article: https://www.oiahe.org.uk/resources-and-publications/latest-news-and-updates/oia-publishes-a-casework-note-and-case-summaries-about-artificial-intelligence-ai-and-academic-misconduct/  Case summaries: https://www.oiahe.org.uk/resources-and-publications/case-summaries/  TES Report: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/students-win-plagiarism-appeals-over-generative-ai-detection-tool   ASBA AI Preparedness Survey - June 2025 A recent survey of 50 independent schools shows most are still playing catch-up on AI governance, staff training, and clear policies. https://www.asba.asn.au/public/265/files/National/ASBA%20AI%20Preparedness%20Survey%20Report%20-%20June%202025(1).pdf   NSW Auditor report on universities for 2024 https://www.audit.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/Final%20report%20-%20Universities%202024.pdf   Canvas and ChatGPT join forces Instructure has announced native AI integration into Canvas LMS, including AI-powered assignments that track learning progress directly into the gradebook. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/instructure-and-openai-announce-global-partnership-to-embed-ai-learning-experiences-within-canvas-302511709.html  Scientists reportedly hiding AI text prompts in academic papers to receive positive peer reviews Reports emerge of researchers embedding hidden prompts into papers to game AI peer review tools. https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Artificial-intelligence/Positive-review-only-Researchers-hide-AI-prompts-in-papers  https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jul/14/scientists-reportedly-hiding-ai-text-prompts-in-academic-papers-to-receive-positive-peer-reviews    What students really think New surveys from the UK and Australia show that students are keen to use AI, but feel underprepared and unsupported. They want more guidance – not just for study, but for their future careers.

UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/parent-pupil-and-learner-voice-omnibus-surveys-for-2024-to-2025/parent-pupil-and-learner-voice-march-2025#sec-gen-ai

Australia: https://aiinhe.org/