The Transformational Power of AI in Education as a Personal Growth Partner
How AI Enables the Redefinition of Learning to Expand Student Agency
AI has changed the way we live, work, and learn. It’s far more than just a tool for efficiency — it’s a partner in our personal and professional development. As parents, educators and leaders, our role is to ensure young people don’t miss out on the transformative experience of learning to apply AI in their lives.
Yet, the beauty of AI lies in its ability to unleash creativity and expand human Agency, not in our ability to control how students use it.
In my work with AI since late 2022, I’ve discovered how cognitive offloading frees up mental space for higher-order thinking. By delegating routine tasks like calendar management and repetitive inquiries to AI, I can focus on what truly matters — creative thinking, strategic planning, and deep work. This idea of cognitive offloading is precisely what I envision for students as they engage with AI. They should not be burdened with tasks that can be automated; instead, AI should allow them to explore their creativity, dive deeper into subjects that interest them, and develop critical thinking skills.
AI also plays a significant role in skill enhancement. I’ve experienced this firsthand, using AI-driven platforms that act as personal tutors, offering 24/7 guidance and feedback tailored to my needs.
Imagine how empowering this can be for students — having an AI that personalises their learning journey and adapts to their pace and style, offering instant feedback to help them improve.
A personalised approach to skill-building transforms the learning process from a standardised model to one that celebrates individual growth and potential.
AI has turbocharged my creativity, making it a valuable collaborator. Whether brainstorming ideas for a marketing campaign or offering new perspectives on a business strategy, AI has become my creative partner, helping me push the boundaries of my imagination. This is precisely the kind of experience we need to facilitate for students. AI can help them explore new ideas, test hypotheses, and refine their work, encouraging them to think beyond the limits of traditional education.
One of the most exciting applications of AI is its ability to provide predictive insights. In my work, AI analyses large datasets, identifies patterns, and predicts potential roadblocks, enabling more proactive decision-making. AI can help students anticipate project challenges, suggest strategies to overcome them, and even guide them in understanding market trends or societal shifts. It’s about giving them the tools to make informed decisions and take ownership of their learning.
AI’s personalisation extends my Agency in countless ways, whether curating content, recommending products, or optimising workflows to fit my preferences. I believe students should have the same experience — where AI tailors learning to their interests and strengths, empowering them to shape their educational journey. This level of personalisation is vital to fostering autonomy, satisfaction, and, ultimately, success.
Accessibility is another crucial aspect of AI’s impact. I’ve seen how AI-powered tools can overcome barriers for those with physical or cognitive limitations, offering new ways to engage with the world. This is particularly important in education, where we need to ensure that every learner, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to thrive. AI can provide adaptive learning platforms, voice-activated assistants, and other tools that extend Agency to all students, making education more inclusive and equitable.
Time management is yet another area where AI has been a game-changer for me. By optimising my schedule, automating routine tasks, and offering timely reminders, AI frees up my time for more strategic work. Students, too, can benefit from AI’s ability to manage their time more effectively. It allows them to focus on high-value activities rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks. This leads to better academic outcomes and fosters a more balanced and fulfilling learning experience.
Communication, at the heart of human interaction, has been enhanced by AI in remarkable ways. AI-powered translation tools have allowed me to engage with people across the globe, breaking down language barriers and fostering meaningful connections. For students, this means expanding their ability to collaborate with peers from different cultures and backgrounds, enhancing their global perspectives and intercultural understanding. AI makes the world a smaller, more connected place where ideas can be shared and explored without the limitations of language.
AI is now integral to my decision-making process, offering data-driven recommendations and scenario analyses that allow me to make more informed choices. This capability can be harnessed in education to help students analyse complex problems, evaluate their options, and confidently make decisions. By supporting their decision-making processes, AI helps students achieve their goals and instills a sense of competence and control over their learning journey.
Ultimately, AI is an empowering tool that extends human Agency. It allows us to navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and control, enabling us to realise our full potential. In education, this means embracing AI not as a replacement for human creativity and intelligence but as a partner in expanding our capabilities. However, it’s crucial to consider the ethical implications of AI in education, particularly in terms of privacy and data security. As educators, we must ensure that AI is used responsibly and that students’ personal information is protected.
As educators, we must embrace the idea of running experiments — lots of them. We must be open to trying new methods, informed by AI’s insights, to understand what best fosters creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth.
By allowing students to engage with AI on their terms, we give them the freedom to discover how it can amplify their Agency, creativity, and potential. This collaborative approach with AI fosters a sense of connection and engagement in the educational process.
AI is not here to remove our humanity but to help us enhance it. By providing learners with the tools to explore, create, and solve problems meaningfully, we prepare them for the future and empower them to shape it. This forward-thinking approach to education, enabled by AI, ensures that students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
I wrote this article to integrate personal experiences with my broader educational narrative, emphasising how AI extends human Agency, creativity, and potential. I wanted to highlight the importance of experimentation in pedagogy. It reflects my vision of AI as a personal and educational growth partner.
About the author: Greg Twemlow, Founder of XperientialAI©.
Greg Twemlow: Sharing what I’ve learned from my career of 35 years as a citizen of the world, parent, corporate executive, entrepreneur, and CEO of XperientialAI, focused on experiential learning for maximum impact with AI. Contact Greg: greg@xperiential.ai
