The world of education is constantly evolving between the pressures of change and the wisdom of tradition: the famous “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” mantra. And yet, many challenges remain unsolved and new opportunities emerge through the incredible potential of generative AI (GenAI).
Edtech is no longer a novelty, it is a necessity. With the rise of GenAI, the potential for transformation is immense. But with great power comes great responsibility. As we embrace these possibilities, we must prioritize measuring impact and ensuring AI truly delivers on its promise.
This is especially important when we consider what is at stake: the future of our planet and the stewardship of future generations. Delivering quality education to every child will require new approaches and new ways of thinking. For both large and small nations, public and independent schools alike, every investment in educational technology must show tangible returns. We can no longer afford to deploy solutions without a clear understanding of their effects on student outcomes, engagement, wellbeing, and operational efficiency.
The Importance of Evidence-Based Edtech
Edtech grounded in proven learning science principles is far more likely to deliver positive results. As educators and policymakers become increasingly discerning, scientific rigor and research transparency are no longer optional, they are essential.
This shift is reflected in frameworks like the one developed by the International Center for Education Impact, which assesses edtech providers’ approaches through evidence and research. TopSchool.ai is collaborating with the Center via the DOHE EdTech Accelerator Program and recently completed the “Research Orientation Analysis” with Co-Founder and Director Natalia Kucirkova. This exercise highlighted the importance of building measurement and analysis into everything we do. Teachers already hold themselves to high standards of evidence-based practice, and edtech must do the same: sharing knowledge, measuring impact, and staying transparent.
TopSchool.ai’s Commitment to Impact
At TopSchool.ai, impact is not a buzzword, it is the core of our mission. We are dedicated to creating AI-powered learning solutions that make a measurable difference in students’ lives. This means moving beyond anecdotes and applying rigorous evaluation methods to understand how our technology drives:
- Student Educational Outcomes: Do students show deeper understanding of concepts? Are they achieving higher standardized test scores?
- Student Wellbeing: Are students more engaged and motivated? Are they developing a growth mindset and a love of learning?
- Teacher Efficiency: Is technology freeing teachers to focus on personalized instruction and student support, while streamlining administrative tasks?
The GenAI Advantage: Amplifying Impact and Addressing Challenges
GenAI has the power to supercharge edtech impact. However, recent studies show the need for thoughtful design and implementation. While results indicate GenAI can double learning efficiency, they also reveal risks: students who lose access sometimes perform worse than those who never had it. This proves that off-the-shelf GenAI can hinder learning if not integrated carefully. That is why measurement and pedagogy must guide its use.
Research highlights that effective AI tutoring systems must be built with pedagogical best practices. Key elements include:
- Active Learning Facilitation: Encouraging students to engage actively rather than consume passively.
- Cognitive Load Management: Structuring information to avoid overload.
- Growth Mindset Promotion: Fostering belief in students’ ability to learn and improve.
- Content Scaffolding: Breaking down problems into manageable steps with support.
- Accuracy Assurance: Reducing AI errors and “hallucinations.”
- Personalized Feedback: Tailoring responses to students’ needs and mistakes.
- Self-Pacing: Allowing students to revisit and progress at their own pace.
Beyond the Hype: Measuring What Matters
As we explore the possibilities of GenAI, we must not lose sight of the bigger picture. The real value of edtech lies in its demonstrable impact on student learning and wellbeing. At TopSchool.ai, we are committed to developing tools that empower both students and teachers, while continuing to measure outcomes rigorously to ensure our technology makes a meaningful difference in education.
By Joseph Telfer, CEO and Founder of TopSchool.ai