Key Findings

The project has lead to the creation of 3 volumes that aim to build educator, and organisational capability with using AI tools.

Volume 1 – AI insights for educators

Volume 1 offers an in-depth exploration of artificial intelligence’s (AI) evolving role in education, with a focus on Aotearoa New Zealand’s diverse tertiary sector. In recent years, AI technologies such as ChatGPT, Microsoft CoPilot, and other generative systems, have rapidly advanced, attracting attention for their potential in educational contexts. The findings, grounded in 2024 research, draw on trials with AI tools, surveys, and interviews with educators. These insights reveal both the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into tertiary education settings.

Key areas covered include:

• Literature review findings on AI advancements and tools | The literature establishes AI’s potential as a transformative technology while emphasising the ethical and cultural responsibilities that come with its integration.
• Survey insights into educator experiences | The survey findings underscore the need for professional development, peer support, and institutional resources to help educators effectively adopt AI and realise its potential in varied educational contexts.
• Expert perspectives on ethical challenges and collaboration needs | These insights emphasise the need for collaborative infrastructure and frameworks that ensure AI’s role in education remains innovative, inclusive, and ethically grounded.
• Māori and Pacific perspectives on culturally responsive AI | In recognition of Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique cultural context, this volume included specific perspectives from Māori and Pacific communities, stressing the importance of culturally responsive AI that respects Māori and Pacific values.

Volume 2: Practical AI applications for educators

This guide equips educators, leaders, and policymakers with practical strategies for integrating AI into teaching and administration. It builds on the foundational insights of Volume 1, shifting from a theoretical understanding of AI’s potential to actionable steps for implementation. Educators will find tools, approaches, and step-by-step guidance to support the effective and ethical use of AI in classrooms and beyond.

Key areas covered include:

• Getting started with AI | Addressing hesitancy through playful exploration, transparency, and culturally responsive approaches, setting a supportive foundation for educators to build confidence in using AI tools.
• Personalising AI for teaching and learning | Offering practical guidance on configuring ChatGPT and other tools to align with classroom goals and student needs. This section explored roles like AI as a Personal Tutor and Digital Teaching Assistant.
• Exploring generative AI tools | Introducing tools for creating multimedia resources, such as images, videos, and music, to enhance engagement and cater to diverse learning preferences.
• Frameworks for experimentation and collaboration | Encouraging educators to tinker with AI, fostering a cycle of discovery, testing, and iteration while embedding cultural values to ensure relevance and inclusivity.

Volume 3 – AI futures: Leadership and policy in education

Volume 3 builds on the foundational insights from Volume 1: AI Insights for Educators and the practical strategies outlined in Volume 2: Practical AI Applications for Educators. By shifting the focus to leadership and systemic change, this volume aims to equip education leaders with the tools to develop inclusive policies, design responsible AI frameworks, and address equity challenges in the evolving educational landscape.

Key areas covered include:

• AI integration in leadership and governance | Strategic approaches for operational efficiency, ethical policymaking, and data privacy.
• Educational research implications | The transformative potential of AI in enhancing data analysis, predictive modelling, and culturally responsive methodologies.
• Professional development for leadership | Building AI literacy, encouraging safe experimentation, and sharing success stories to inspire institutional adoption.
• Equity and inclusion | Strategies to bridge digital divides, foster inclusivity for neurodiverse learners, and embed cultural values into AI governance.
• Innovation and regulation | Balancing flexible AI exploration with robust safeguards to ensure responsible and equitable adoption.

Key Recommendations

As AI continues to reshape education, its successful integration hinges on thoughtful planning, ethical frameworks, and a commitment to inclusivity. While AI offers transformative potential, its benefits must be equitably distributed, ensuring that underserved communities are not left behind. Educational institutions have a responsibility to embed cultural responsiveness into AI tools and practices, particularly in diverse settings like Aotearoa New Zealand.

Future directions

The next five to ten years hold significant promise for AI in education. By embracing these developments, educational institutions can ensure that AI is not only a tool for innovation but also a force for equity, inclusion, and meaningful progress.

The journey is ongoing, but with a clear vision and collaborative effort, AI’s potential to transform education responsibly and inclusively can be realised.

Key areas for development and focus include:

Expanding personalised learning

AI tools will evolve to provide more nuanced, learner-centred experiences, adapting in real time to individual needs. This will enhance differentiated instruction and open new pathways for student engagement.

Strengthening leadership with AI analytics

AI will increasingly support data-driven decision-making in governance, helping leaders predict trends, allocate resources efficiently, and design responsive policies.

Culturally responsive AI development

Emerging frameworks will integrate indigenous and cultural perspectives more deeply into AI tools, ensuring that they resonate with and support diverse student populations.

Professional development and AI literacy

Ongoing training will remain essential as AI evolves, equipping educators and leaders to navigate its complexities and apply it effectively across contexts.

Addressing the digital divide

Institutions must prioritise equitable access to AI tools and training, working to close gaps in digital literacy and infrastructure for underserved communities.

Building Ethical AI Frameworks

As AI capabilities expand, governance bodies must continue refining ethical standards to address data privacy, algorithmic bias, and student well-being.