AI can give students answers. But how do we help them learn?

The Master of Education (Learning Sciences & AI) programme at Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) and the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NIE NTU) explores how educators can use artificial intelligence technology while maintaining focus on student learning, thinking, and self-directed decision-making.

Dr. Jayden Ang, a NYP lecturer with a PhD in chemistry, discovered the importance of pedagogical understanding during a curriculum review. He recognized that having subject expertise alone was insufficient for designing effective learning experiences. In response, Dr. Ang pursued a Master of Education (Learning Sciences & Technologies) at NIE, which has since been refreshed as the Master of Education (Learning Sciences & AI).

With a renewed focus on pedagogy and technology, Dr. Ang gained valuable insights into how students learn, the effectiveness of different teaching approaches, and how to evaluate their impact. He now incorporates evidence from multiple sources—such as student feedback, learning outcomes, and research—into his teaching practices.

The refreshed programme emphasizes the role of AI in education, moving beyond a standalone topic to become a central theme across multiple courses. Participants study learning design, assessment, learning analytics, and educational practices, with a particular focus on how AI can enhance learning without replacing human agency. Dr. Wen Yun, an associate professor at NIE, highlights that AI can provide instant feedback, facilitate dialogue, and act as a tutor, but it also raises questions about students' ability to discern credible information and remain actively engaged in their learning.

The programme encourages educators to design learning environments where AI complements and expands learning opportunities while preserving critical thinking, judgment, and human interaction. As AI adoption grows in education, the MEd (LS&AI) aims to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to thoughtfully integrate AI into their teaching practices, ensuring technology serves as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for pedagogical judgment.