The rapid advancement of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) is bringing a profound shift in education. At the India Today Conclave 2025, Bharat N Anand, Vice Provost for Advances in Learning at Harvard University, explored how AI is influencing learning methodologies, reshaping the responsibilities of educators, and redefining accessibility to education.
The discussion centred on AI’s ability to enhance human-machine interaction and streamline multiple functions, making learning more efficient. With the capacity to generate, edit, and research content in real time, AI is significantly reducing the reliance on traditional tools and resources. “We have moved from a world of passive consumption to one of active creation, and AI is accelerating that transition,” Anand noted.
The Impact of AI on Higher Education
Educational institutions, including Harvard, are already witnessing the effects of AI-driven learning. With tools capable of summarising complex concepts in minutes, teaching processes are becoming more efficient. “An MBA professor can now prepare a lecture in a single day using AI-driven insights, which would have previously taken weeks,” he observed. However, this also raises concerns about the changing role of educators and the long-term implications for traditional teaching structures.
Students, too, are adapting quickly to AI-powered learning environments. While faculty members are integrating AI into their teaching strategies, students appear to be ahead in their independent use of AI. “While 35% of professors have started using AI in their courses, only 5% of students report doing the same, which suggests they are already proficient in its use without formal instruction,” Anand revealed. This trend is prompting institutions to reconsider how education is structured and delivered.
Evolving Role of Educators in an AI-Driven World
As AI tools increasingly handle content creation and provide instant responses to queries, the role of educators is shifting. “The essence of teaching has never been about merely delivering information. It has always been about fostering communication and critical thinking,” Anand said. Universities are re-evaluating teaching methodologies to ensure that AI complements, rather than replaces, human interaction in education.
Another pressing issue is the integration of social and emotional learning in AI-driven education. “We are not doing enough to teach empathy and emotional intelligence, either at home or in schools,” Anand pointed out. While AI can enhance engagement and efficiency, it cannot replicate human empathy. There is a growing recognition that education systems need to place greater focus on interpersonal skills to prepare students for a future where AI plays a dominant role.
AI and the Challenge of Accessibility
Although AI has the potential to democratise education, accessibility remains a challenge. “Harvard is currently offering over 3,000 AI courses, yet the cost of elite education continues to rise. Can AI be the equaliser that changes this?” Anand questioned.
However, with online courses becoming increasingly affordable, AI could eventually bridge the gap, making world-class education available to a broader audience. “A dull lecture is worse than no lecture. AI can make learning interactive, personalised, and more widely accessible,” he stated.
AI-driven learning also presents an opportunity to transform traditional lectures into more engaging and dynamic experiences. If implemented effectively, AI could remove some of the limitations of conventional classroom-based learning and create an immersive educational environment.
The Road Ahead for AI in Education
While the integration of AI in education is inevitable, it requires careful management. Concerns over misinformation, ethical considerations, and over-reliance on technology are prompting discussions on responsible AI use. “There is no perfect solution to misinformation, but ignoring AI altogether is the biggest mistake we could make,” Anand warned.
As AI continues to shape the future of learning, institutions and educators face the task of adapting to this new reality. The question is no longer whether AI will play a role in education, but rather how effectively it can be leveraged to create a more inclusive and innovative learning environment. “The future of education is already here. The challenge is figuring out how to make the most of it,” Anand concluded.
