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Welcome to the AI in Education podcast With Dan Bowen and Ray Fleming. It's a weekly chat about Artificial Intelligence in Education for educators and education leaders. Also available through Apple Podcasts and Spotify. "This podcast is co-hosted by an employee of Microsoft Australia & New Zealand, but all the views and opinions expressed on this podcast are their own.”

Jul 24, 2025

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/