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.

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

 

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

 

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

 

A recent survey of 50 independent schools shows most are still playing catch-up on AI governance, staff training, and clear policies.

 

NSW Auditor report on universities for 2024
https://www.audit.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/Final%20report%20-%20Universities%202024.pdf

 

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 

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 

 

New surveys from the UK and Australia show that students are keen to use AI, but feel underprepared and unsupported. They want more