As a core team member at Olympus Insights, I often get asked what excites me most about the future of education. While there are many innovations reshaping our landscape — decentralised credentials, Web3 incentives, and open-source learning platforms — one force stands out above the rest for its potential to profoundly improve lives across every corner of the globe:

Artificial Intelligence.

AI is not a buzzword at Olympus Insights. It’s a tool we’re actively integrating to create more equitable, personalised, and empowering learning experiences. We see AI as a bridge — not to replace human teachers, but to extend their reach, elevate their impact, and ensure that no learner is left behind.

In this week’s blog, I want to take you behind the scenes into how we’re using AI to tackle some of education’s biggest challenges, and why we believe this technology — when built ethically and thoughtfully — will be one of the greatest enablers of social progress in our time.

The Challenge: A Global Education System Under Strain

Let’s start with the reality.

According to UNESCO, over 244 million children and youth are out of school worldwide (https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/244-million-children-and-youth-are-out-school). Millions more sit in overcrowded classrooms, under-resourced systems, or informal learning environments without consistent support.

Even in developed nations, schools struggle to meet diverse learning needs. Teachers are overworked, under-supported, and often expected to deliver personalised learning at mass scale — a near-impossible task.

It’s not a lack of will or talent. It’s a lack of tools.

This is where AI steps in. Not to replace teachers, but to amplify human potential — both for educators and learners.

How AI Is Revolutionising Education

At Olympus Insights, we see AI impacting education in five transformational ways:

1. Personalised Learning at Scale

Traditional education delivers content in a “one-size-fits-all” format. But every learner is different — in pace, style, interest, and background knowledge. AI can respond to these differences in real time.

Our AI Personal Tutor on the OLi platform assesses each learner’s level, identifies gaps, and adjusts content and support dynamically. For example, a student struggling with the basics of blockchain won’t be rushed into smart contract theory. Instead, the AI tutor guides them through foundational concepts, offering interactive examples and encouraging critical thinking until they reach mastery.

This mirrors what a human tutor would do — but at scale. Whether we’re supporting one student or one million, every learner gets a tailored path.

2. 24/7 Access to Quality Support

One of the major advantages of AI is its availability. Students don’t have to wait until class or rely solely on textbook explanations. Whether it’s midnight in Nairobi or early morning in Brisbane, learners on our platform can ask questions, get clarification, and receive feedback instantly.

This is especially powerful in communities where access to qualified teachers is limited. AI levels the playing field.

3. Real-Time Feedback and Formative Assessment

Assessment is often treated as something that happens after learning. But research shows that ongoing, low-stakes feedback is far more effective in driving student growth.

Our AI tutor provides this in every lesson. When a learner answers a question, the tutor doesn’t just mark it right or wrong — it explains why, offers hints, and encourages reflection. This feedback loop promotes deeper learning and helps students develop metacognition — the ability to think about their own thinking.

It’s not about testing. It’s about understanding.

4. Reducing Teacher Workload and Enhancing Impact

Teachers are the heartbeat of education. But too often, their time is consumed by marking, lesson prep, and administrative tasks. AI can alleviate these burdens by handling routine functions — freeing up educators to focus on what matters most: relationships, creativity, and mentorship.

For example, on the OLi4Schools platform, teachers can assign AI-guided modules aligned with their curriculum. The system tracks progress, highlights where students are stuck, and even suggests differentiated follow-up activities. This isn’t about replacing teachers — it’s about empowering them.

5. Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Learning

AI can also help bridge cultural and language gaps. With multi-language support and adaptive interfaces, our AI tutor can guide learners in English, Swahili, French, Arabic, and beyond. This is crucial for our work in diverse regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

Furthermore, AI systems can be trained to understand local contexts — integrating culturally relevant examples, community issues, and real-world applications that make learning relatable and meaningful.

Guardrails: Ethical and Responsible Use of AI in Education

While the potential is exciting, we approach AI with caution and care.

At Olympus Insights, our principles for AI use are clear:

  • Human-centred: AI should always serve people, never replace them.

  • Transparent: Learners know when they are interacting with AI, and how it works.

  • Secure and private: Data protection is paramount. We do not monetise student data.

  • Inclusive: AI must serve all learners, including those with disabilities or from marginalised communities.

  • Continuous improvement: Our AI systems learn and grow based on feedback from real users — including students, teachers, and community leaders.

We’ve also established internal review protocols to ensure our models avoid bias, promote fairness, and remain aligned with our core mission: empowering people through education.

The Impact So Far: Stories from the Field

In Nigeria, our AI tutors are helping students understand blockchain not just as a technology, but as a tool for economic empowerment. Many are using their new skills to launch community projects or explore career paths in Web3.

In Kenya, we’re partnering with local educators to train thousands of learners through Skills Mataani. For many, OLi is their first exposure to structured digital education — and the AI tutor is their first “teacher”.

In Australia, teachers are using OLi to support mixed-ability classrooms — letting faster learners explore new challenges while ensuring those who need more time receive it, without stigma.

Each story reminds us that AI is not about machines — it’s about people. It’s about what happens when you combine smart technology with a deep belief in human potential.

Looking Ahead: A Smarter, Fairer, More Empowered Future

The impact of AI in education is only just beginning. As we continue to refine our models, expand our reach, and listen closely to our learners, we’re guided by a simple but powerful vision:

Every learner, everywhere, deserves a personal guide — someone (or something) that believes in their ability, adapts to their needs, and walks with them on their journey.

That’s the future we’re building. One lesson, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.

If you enjoyed this week’s insight, make sure to subscribe to stay updated — and join us next week as we explore another key idea shaping the future of education and opportunity.

Want to explore AI-powered learning in action? Head to https://app.oli4education.io/ and experience it for yourself.

To learn more about AI in education globally, we recommend:

Brookings Institution: How AI is Changing Teaching and Learning
 https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-ai-is-changing-teaching-and-learning/

UNESCO’s 2023 Report: AI and Education: Guidance for Policy Makers
 https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000381560