In the short time I’ve been in a Doctorate in Educational Technology (DET) program, I’ve been struck by the abundance of ideas about what AI could do for education. Yet, despite all the articles, studies, and discussions, one glaring question remains: where are the tangible solutions?
Take a look at the research out there—how many studies actually mention a working prototype or a deployed system that’s transforming classrooms? We talk endlessly about AI’s potential to revolutionize learning, but when it comes to application, the progress feels theoretical at best.
A Thought: Practice What We Teach
University EdTech programs should not just showcase the future of AI in learning—they should be building that future. Imagine the message it would send if EdTech departments designed and implemented their own platforms for their institutions. What does it say about an EdTech department when its own university relies on Blackboard or Canvas? How can we inspire innovation when we’re outsourcing the very tools meant to advance learning?
Shifting the Focus: From Theory to Action
Here’s an idea: EdTech programs could benefit more from coding bootcamps than another course on online learning theory. Let’s teach future educators and technologists not just what AI can do, but how to build it. Equip them with the skills to:
• Design adaptive learning platforms tailored to their own institutions.
• Prototype AI-driven solutions that meet real classroom needs.
• Implement scalable tools that address equity, engagement, and personalization.
The truth is, the transformative power of AI lies not in discussing possibilities but in delivering results. If we, as DET students and educators, can’t build the future we envision, who will?