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/

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

AI in Education Podcast