My recent work has very much deepened my understanding of just how much is happening at the intersection of AI and education — particularly in global contexts. That experience inspired me to start curating weekly updates to help others make sense of the rapid developments in this space. There’s a lot of noise, and my goal is to surface what’s most relevant, actionable, or thought-provoking. Here’s what stood out this week.
This week we saw more research, a few new tools, some policy and funding updates, and more. Here’s the highlight reel of AI+Education from a global perspective.
AI in Education updates from Asia
Four students from Ghayathi in Abu Dhabi developed EcoMind Academy, an AI-driven, gamified educational app that integrates sustainability lessons into core school subjects like math and English. Their vision is to expand the app’s reach across UAE government schools and into neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia and Oman. Read more at https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/eco-mind-academy-sustainability-heroes-abu-dhabi/
Dubai Heights Academy has partnered with the MIT Media Lab to design and pilot AI-driven educational initiatives. The collaboration focuses on personalized learning, intelligent tutoring, and critical thinking, with a commitment to ethical and inclusive practices. Together, they aim to develop frameworks, curricula, and teacher training that can scale across the UAE and serve as a global model. Read more at https://schoolscompared.com/uae/news/mit-media-lab-us-partnership-with-dubai-school-to-transform-ai-in-education
Thailand has set a bold goal: by 2030, build a robust national AI ecosystem with 30,000 AI specialists and AI literacy for over 10 million citizens. . This new program aligns directly with that national AI strategy by delivering education and infrastructure to fulfill its five pillars — ethics, infrastructure, talent, innovation, and applied use. Thailand’s Ministry of Education (MOE), its Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), and Microsoft Thailand launched the TH AI Academy — AI in Education initiative. Read more at https://news.microsoft.com/source/asia/2025/06/09/ministry-of-education-mhesi-and-microsoft-join-forces-to-transform-thai-education-with-ai/
AI in Education updates from the UK
The European EdTech Alliance co-hosted a webinar exploring how evaluation can support trustworthy, rights-based innovation in education. Read the startegy lab proposal from 2024 here.
AI in Education updates from Latin America
Twelve Latin American countries are collaborating to launch Latam-GPT, an open-source AI model tailored to the region’s languages and cultural context. Led by Chile’s National Center for Artificial Intelligence the model is based on Llama 3 and uses distributed computing to lower infrastructure barriers. A key focus is on inclusivity, with early integration of Indigenous languages such as Rapa Nui and applications in education and public services. The project is intentionally not designed to compete with tools like ChatGPT but to serve as a regional foundation for responsible, relevant AI development. While funding remains unsecured, leaders expect its impact will drive future investment. Read more at https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/latin-american-countries-launch-own-ai-model-september-2025-06-17/
AI in Education updates from the United States
A newly published Bloomberg article argues that AI has the potential to make high-quality, personalized tutoring accessible to more students by reducing costs and scaling delivery. Charter schools, with their operational flexibility, are well-positioned to lead in adopting and refining AI tutoring models. By doing so, they can generate valuable insights and evidence that may inform broader education policy and help close longstanding learning gaps. Read more at https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2025-06-16/ai-and-charter-schools-could-bring-tutoring-to-more-students
Tallahassee State College is launching Florida’s first AI-focused middle school, the Innovation Academy of Excellence, in partnership with Charter Schools USA. Opening in August, the school will serve 100 — 125 students in grades 6 — 8 on TSC’s Appleyard Drive campus. The curriculum will fully integrate AI and emphasize ethical use while offering personalized learning and pathways to high school credit. Approved by TSC’s Board, the Academy will operate as a free public charter school. Read more at www.tallahassee.com/story/news/local/2025/06/16/tallahassee-state-college-to-host-middle-school-focused-on-ai-stem/84231913007/
Remember that the future of education is being shaped now and we need more voices that are informed, thoughtful, and equity-driven. Subscribe to Jody’s newsletter to get weekly updates delivered right to your in-box.
