From AI-driven personalisation to sustainability-focused initiatives, HP Education Ambassador Brett Salakas predicts the edtech trends emerging will not only reshape teaching and learning in Australian classrooms but also redefine what it means to prepare students for the future.
The Good
AI as a classroom assistant, not a replacement
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a buzzword—it’s a staple of modern education. However, 2025 will mark a shift from AI as a novelty to AI as a practical assistant. Educators are increasingly leveraging AI to streamline administrative tasks, personalise learning pathways, and provide real-time feedback. Importantly, AI is becoming a tool to enhance, not replace, the human connection that remains at the heart of teaching. Schools are focusing on using AI to amplify teacher impact rather than diminish their role.
AI is also driving greater individualisation and personalised learning experiences. 2025 will see the expansion of adaptive learning platforms that adjust to each student’s pace to AI-powered analytics that identify gaps and strengths, teachers can tailor instruction to meet the unique needs of every learner. This approach ensures no student is left behind, while others are challenged to reach their full potential.
As Sir Ken Robinson once said, “Human communities depend upon a diversity of talent, not a singular conception of ability.” Personalised learning, powered by AI, allows educators to tap into that diversity, recognising and nurturing each student’s strengths while addressing their challenges.
Sustainability at the core of edtech decisions
With climate action continuing to dominate global discussions, Australian schools are embedding sustainability into their edtech strategies. From devices made with recycled materials to cloud solutions that reduce energy consumption, the emphasis is on sustainable procurement and environmentally responsible technology integration.
However, research highlights a growing concern—AI systems often consume significantly more energy than traditional technologies. A study published by the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that training a single AI model can emit as much carbon as five cars over their lifetimes (Strubell, Ganesh, & McCallum, 2019). The more AI is adopted, the more we must address environmental concerns about energy consumption. In 2025, expect to see an increased focus on sustainable technology practices as schools and policymakers work to balance innovation with ecological responsibility.
The Bad
Hybrid learning challenges persist
While hybrid learning gained traction during the pandemic, 2025 will be the year schools attempt to make it seamless. However, this transition isn’t without challenges. Schools are still grappling with inconsistent internet access, student disengagement, and the need for teachers to juggle both online and in-person delivery. Tools supporting asynchronous learning, AI-driven tutoring, and virtual reality experiences will be key to overcoming these hurdles.
Cybersecurity threats and cyber bullying evolve
As schools continue to adopt new technologies, the focus on cybersecurity and digital citizenship will only intensify. Cyber threats are evolving, and so too must our approach to educating students about online safety. Schools are embedding cybersecurity modules into their curriculum, teaching students not only how to stay safe but also how to critically evaluate information and identify misinformation in an AI-driven world.
Additionally, cyberbullying remains a pressing concern, particularly as the federal government rolls out new social media laws for all Australians under 16. These regulations aim to protect young people online, but they raise important questions—how will students and parents react? What impact will this have on schools? Will students embrace the opportunity to disconnect, or will they seek alternative ways to connect digitally? Schools will need to address these shifts head-on, guiding students in navigating the changing landscape of digital interaction while fostering healthier online behaviours.
The Ugly
Digital divide remains
Equity in education is non-negotiable, yet the digital divide persists. Initiatives like the Queensland Department of Education’s ‘Supporting Technology Education Program’ (STEP) and partnerships offering internet access to disadvantaged families (like the NBNs School Student Broadband Initiative) highlight how schools are addressing this issue. In 2025, expect to see more programs that combine hardware, connectivity, and professional development to ensure every student has access to quality learning experiences.
However, without sustained funding and focus, the divide risks widening. The recent ‘Study Buddy or Influencer?’ report released by the Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training highlighted this risk, calling for a national AI vision for education. It warned that if individual education jurisdictions develop their own AI strategies without coordination, Australian students could face vastly different AI learning experiences. A collective approach is essential to ensure AI enhances equity, rather than exacerbating disparities.
AI grifters
As AI continues to dominate conversations in education, there’s a growing risk of self-proclaimed “AI education experts”—grifters—positioning themselves as authorities in this rapidly evolving field. Many of these so-called experts have little to no real experience in AI, yet they are advising schools and systems on critical decisions. This raises concerns about misguided strategies and wasted resources.
AI is too new and complex for shortcuts. Schools and policymakers must move wisely, prioritising evidence-based approaches and seeking guidance from verified experts with proven track records. Expertise in both education and AI is a rare combination, making it crucial to follow the leadership of internationally recognised experts like Toby Walsh and Genevieve Bell. While it is tempting to want to be first, and there is nothing wrong with exploring and experimenting, we need to move forward in an informed way with expert advice. Failure to do so risks steering education systems in directions that may be costly and ineffective, further widening gaps in implementation and equity.
The human touch still matters
Despite all the technological advancements, one thing remains clear: relationships matter. No student completes a challenging task because an algorithm told them to—they do it because a teacher believed in them, supported them, and guided them through the struggle. As we embrace the potential of edtech in 2025, let’s not lose sight of the humanity at the core of education.
The future of edtech in Australia is bright, but it’s not about technology replacing teachers—it’s about empowering them to do what they do best. Let’s make 2025 a year where innovation and empathy go hand in hand.
References
Strubell, E., Ganesh, A., & McCallum, A. (2019). Energy and policy considerations for deep learning in NLP. Proceedings of the 57th Annual Meeting of the Association for Computational Linguistics, 3645-3650. https://doi.org/10.18653/v1/P19-1355
Study Buddy or Influencer? Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training (2024). Download link: https://apo.org.au/node/328276
Sir Ken Robinson. TED Talk on YouTube: https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_bring_on_the_learning_revolution/transcript
About the author
Brett Salakas, HP Education Ambassador, is a global keynote speaker, best-selling author of A Mammoth Lesson: Teaching in the Digital Age, and founder of #aussieED. A leading voice on LinkedIn in K-12 Education, Brett was named Australia’s Most Influential Educator (2024) and recognised globally as one of education’s top 100 leaders.
