Imminent Reality or Just Sci-Fi? Experts Weigh in on the AI Scenarios Most Likely to Make Waves in the Next Decade

Welcome to the Sci-Fi Scenarios of Teaching and Learning That Could Become Reality by 2035 series, which asks leaders in education and technology to weigh in on the merits of five “sci-fi–sounding but plausible” AI tools — and suggest which ones might be widely adopted over the next 10 years.

Our list of five:

Cognitive twins for every learner: Personalized AI companions that grow with the learner over time 

• Long-term memory of student goals, learning habits, past feedback
• AI support with planning, motivation, reflection and metacognition
• Seamless integration across courses, platforms and advising
• Secure, student-owned data with opt-in sharing controls

Job market-synchronized learning pathways: AI-aligned learning that dynamically adjusts to real job data and career trends

• Real-time analysis of labour market trends and employer needs
• AI-driven tagging of courses, experiences, and credentials with relevant skill data
• Personalized micro-credential and badge recommendations
• Integration with co-op, apprenticeship, or job boards

Autonomous feedback engines: AI systems that instantly provide rigorous, outcome-aligned feedback to student work 

• Structured feedback aligned with rubrics and learning outcomes 
• Challenge mode: feedback that probes assumptions and deepens thinking
• Tailored revision advice and reflection prompts
• Seamless LMS or platform integration 

Predictive dropout intervention networks: Proactive systems that detect risk signals and trigger just-in-time support 

• AI scans for pacing issues, participation shifts or mood/sentiment changes
• Triggers targeted nudges, study plans, referrals or wellness outreach
• Connects to advisors, tutors or faculty when risk signals rise
• Operates with student consent and privacy controls 

AI-moderated debate arenas: Spaces where students engage in structured debated, with AI ensuring rigor and balance

• Real-time feedback on tone, logic, fallacies and bias
• Alternate viewpoints injected to reduce echo chambers
• Discourse mapping and scaffolded debate models
• Moderation tools for challenging or controversial topics

Each of our experts was asked to consider the five scenarios, pick the one they believe is most compelling, then add a future scenario of their own. 

Series

1   Part 1: Dr. Stephen Murgatroyd 

• 2   Part 2: Stephen Downes