Abstract: The talk interrogates how progress in AI is currently conceptualised and measured, arguing for a shift from performance-centric metrics to learning-centred evaluation in educational contexts. It introduces a framework that distinguishes between replacement, complementarity, and synergistic augmentation in human–AI interaction. Drawing on emerging empirical evidence, it shows that many contemporary generative AI use cases are aligned with a replacement paradigm, therefore they improve task efficiency and output quality for both teachers and students, yet often fail to support learning. To address this limitation, the talk proposes a set of human–AI teaming approaches grounded in intentional AIED system design, alongside a focus on key human competence variables that shape the effectiveness of these interactions. It concludes that the future of AIED lies not in increasingly powerful models, but in the principled design of human–AI systems that enhance learning, agency, and human competence development.

This event is honoured to invite Professor Mutlu Cukurova from University College London (UCL) to share his talk entitled "From Substitution to Synergy: A Human-AI Collaboration Perspective in Education". The event is jointly organised by the Center for Teaching and Learning Development, the Faculty of Education, and the Academic Affairs Office.

Date & Time: June 11, 2026, 11:50 - 13:20

Venue: Room 504, Chen Ruiqiu Building, Minhang Campus

Language: English

Speaker Bio:

Mutlu Cukurova is Professor of Learning and Artificial Intelligence at University College London (UCL). His research focuses on achieving human-AI complementarity in educational contexts. He currently directs the UCL Learning Analytics and AI in Education team and leads the "Design and Use of AI in Education" module at UCL.

He has served as an external expert for international organisations including UNESCO, the OECD, and the European Commission, contributing to international policy development and authoring several influential policy guidelines on AI in education. Prof. Cukurova has held the position of programme co-chair for AIED 2020 (International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Education), CSEDU 2022 (International Conference on Computer Supported Education), and LAK 2026 (ACM International Conference on Learning Analytics and Knowledge). He is listed in the Stanford University Top 2% of Scientists ranking (encompassing both Artificial Intelligence and Education fields). He currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of the British Journal of Educational Technology (BJET).