The Growing Importance of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in 21st-Century Education

 

How AI, EdTech & Skills-Based Learning Are Reshaping Education in 2025

Saleha mohammed waliuddin

Student of M.Ed. 2025(1^st year)

DR PRATIMA MISHRA

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

MED DEPARTMENT

H.G.M. AZAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

DR PA INAMDAR UNIVERISTY, PUNE, MAARASHTRA

INTRODUCTION

Education is in the midst of a transformation. As we step further into 2025, three forces are converging: artificial intelligence, technology in education (EdTech), and a shift from degrees toward skills. Understanding how they interact is key for educators, students, policymakers—and anyone interested in the future of learning.

EDTECH MARKET AND GROWTH PROJECTIONS

·       The global EdTech spending is expected to cross USD 404 billion by 2025.

·       The AI-in-education market (adaptive & generative tools) valued at ~USD 5.88 billion in 2024, is forecast to reach over USD 32+ billion by 2030 (~31% CAGR).

·       The higher education market is also expanding: estimates suggest it will grow strongly year-on-year as enrolments increase and services/technology penetrate further.

The image carousel above shows some of these growth curves, e.g. for EdTech overall, and immersive technologies.

 

CASE STUDIES/REAL WORLD MOVES

NATIONAL CASE STUDIES:

·       India: Adaptive learning platforms in regional (Indian) languages are being used to reduce equity gaps in education. Students who don't speak or learn in English are benefiting from more inclusive tools.

·       Kerala (India): The government is pushing reforms to bridge the education-employment gap via ‘industry-on-campus’ initiatives, internships, research projects in four-year interdisciplinary degree programs, etc.

·       Punjab (India): Introduction of AI curricula in government schools, covering AI ethics, data literacy, coding & robotics; includes teacher training, phased rollout, project-based learning.

SOME INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDES:

1.   Singapore – AI & Personalized Learning

o   Adaptive AI platforms tailor lessons to student needs.

o   Outcome: Improved STEM performance; early identification of struggling students.

o   Lesson: Centralized AI can scale personalized learning efficiently.

2.   Finland – Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

o   SEL integrated into the curriculum: emotional intelligence, collaboration, wellbeing.

o   Outcome: High student engagement, low dropout rates.

o   Lesson: Holistic education improves long-term outcomes.

3.   United States – Blended Learning & EdTech

o   Online platforms complement in-person classes.

o   Outcome: Personalized pacing, higher engagement.

o   Lesson: Access equity is crucial for success.

4.   South Korea – VR/AR Immersive Learning

o   VR/AR simulations for science and history.

o   Outcome: Better understanding and retention of complex concepts.

o   Lesson: Immersive tech enhances learning, but infrastructure costs are high.

5.   Germany – Skills-Based Vocational Education

o   Dual system: classroom + industry apprenticeships.

o   Outcome: Low youth unemployment; skills aligned with job market.

o   Lesson: Industry collaboration ensures employability.

6.   Australia – Data-Driven Education

o   Learning analytics track student progress and flag risks.

o   Outcome: Early interventions; informed teaching decisions.

o   Lesson: Data enhances outcomes when privacy is protected.

 

 

ANALYTICAL INSIGHTS: OPPORTUNITIES AND RISKS

Opportunities

1.   Equity & Access: Personalized learning (in regional languages, via mobile apps, adaptive software) can help students in remote or under-resourced areas, if infrastructure is accessible.

2.   Skill Alignment with Industry: As industries evolve, graduates with relevant, up-to-date skills (data literacy, AI, critical thinking) will be more employable.

3.   Motivation & Engagement: Gamification, immersive experiences, project-based learning can increase student motivation and deepen learning.

4.   Efficiency & Scalability: AI tools can automate certain parts of teaching (grading, feedback), freeing teachers for high-impact tasks. Blended learning allows institutions to scale without proportionately scaling infrastructure.

Risks / Challenges

1.   Digital Divide: Unequal access to reliable internet, smart devices, electricity can worsen existing inequalities.

2.   Quality Assurance: Ensuring non-degree credentials, online/hybrid courses maintain rigor.

3.   Ethics & Privacy: Use of student data, AI decision making, and surveillance (e.g. via learning analytics or biosensors) raise points of privacy, bias, consent. Research (e.g. on federated learning) indicates ways forward, but these are still early.

4.   Overreliance on Technology: Risk that human aspects (teacher-student relationships, mentorship, critical thinking) may suffer if tech is misused or overemphasized.

WHAT HAS TO HAPPEN FOR SUCCESFUL IMPLEMENTATIONS

·      Teacher Training & Support: Teachers must be equipped with pedagogical skills for hybrid/blended learning, AI tools, immersive tech, SEL integration.

·      Infrastructure Investment: Ensuring broadband access, devices, reliable power; especially in rural or underfunded regions.

·      Legislation & Policy Frameworks: Guidelines for data privacy; recognition of micro-credentials; ways to accredit or validate emerging forms of learning.

·        Collaborations between Industry & Academia: Partnerships to keep curriculum relevant, provide internships, hands-on experience.

·       Continuous Research & Feedback Loops: Monitoring outcomes; using learning analytics to adapt; ensuring interventions are evidence bases.

 

CONCLUSION

We are in a transformative moment in education. AI, EdTech, skills-based learning, and a focus on wellbeing are not just buzzwords—they are active forces reshaping how, where, what, and why we learn. The potential is huge: more personalized, accessible, and relevant education. But realizing that potential will take deliberate action: good policy, careful design, investment, and keeping human values at the core.

Education in 2025 is not just about learning more—it’s about learning better.