📰 AI & Education: What's New? – June 2025

Hello and thanks for subscribing! This is the first newsletter from the Pedagogical AI team, Sami and Zhao. Our mission is to connect Finnish educators with global and local insights, tools, and stories to help you integrate AI meaningfully and responsibly in teaching. We’re excited to start this journey with you!

Top AI News in Education (June 2025)

🇫🇮 Finnish News

• OPH releases national AI guidelines for education
  In March 2025, the Finnish National Agency for Education and Ministry of Education published comprehensive recommendations for AI use across all education levels—from early childhood to adult education. The guidelines emphasize responsible implementation with clear policies and staff guidance.
  👉 Read the OPH AI guidelines

• 🧠 University of Oulu Pilots MAI Metacognitive Agent
  The MAI agent was tested in physics classes, helping students reflect on questions instead of giving answers. Results show better retention and problem-solving confidence.
  👉 Read more on Phys.org

• 🎙️ Minister Adlercreutz Speaks in London
  Finland’s Minister of Education discussed ethical and empathetic education in the AI era, warning of growing inequalities.
  👉 Speech summary

• 🎮 VR + AI in Youth Work Featured by Erasmus+
  OPH highlighted teacher-led digital/AI initiatives across Finland, including a VR + AI youth work pilot under Erasmus+.
  👉 Erasmus+ June 2025 highlights

• 🧑‍🎓 AI Ambassador Summer Program
  42 teens participated in a June AI skills program in Oulu, exploring ethics and problem-solving through hands-on learning.
  👉 Program summary

🇪🇺 European News

• EU and OECD launch AI literacy framework for schools
  Released May 22, 2025, the draft framework defines 22 competencies across four domains: engaging with AI, creating with AI, managing AI, and designing AI. Public consultation runs until August 31, 2025.
  👉 AI literacy framework launch

• European Commission publishes AI literacy Q&A
  The May 7, 2025 guidance clarifies that AI literacy obligations apply to all providers and deployers of AI systems, with enforcement beginning August 2026.
  👉 AI literacy requirements

• EU AI Act implementation accelerates
  Key provisions now in effect include AI literacy obligations (since February 2025) and upcoming general-purpose AI model rules (August 2025).
  👉 AI Act regulatory framework

🌍 Global News

• UK launches comprehensive AI education strategy
  Prime Minister Starmer's June announcement includes £185 million investment to train 7.5 million workers in AI by 2030, with AI embedded throughout secondary education and university scholarship programs.
  👉 UK AI education strategy

• Google’s Gemini 2.5 LearnLM integrates into education
  Learn more about Gemini’s AI co-teacher with adaptive learning abilities and free access for students.

• Microsoft Copilot now available to students 13+
  Microsoft launched Copilot Chat with training tools and privacy features for secondary students.

• ChatGPT introduces major educational improvements+
  June 2025 updates include enhanced search capabilities, expanded model support for Custom GPTs, and improved memory features—all particularly beneficial for educational applications.
  👉 ChatGPT educational updates

• UNESCO dedicates 2025 Education Day to AI
  UNESCO’s focus is on ethical AI integration, noting 67% of secondary students in high-income countries now use generative AI.
  👉 UNESCO announcement

💡 Teaching Tip of Month

Use metacognitive AI prompts in secondary subjects
Encourage students to ask AI why each solution step is needed—not just what the answer is. This mirrors the MAI agent’s metacognitive approach and helps deepen understanding. This approach deepens understanding and mirrors effective tutoring strategies.

Example prompts:

• "Before you give me the answer, help me understand what I should be thinking about"
• "What questions should I ask myself when approaching this type of problem?"
• "Can you guide me through the reasoning process rather than showing the solution?"

🔧 Recommended Resources

• Elements of AI – Finland’s free AI basics course—still a strong starting point for educators.
• Khan Academy AI for Education Course – Comprehensive course developed with Code.org, Common Sense Education, and leading AI education experts, covering generative AI best practices for teaching and learning.
• University of Oulu Metacognitive AI (MAI) blog – Insights into the philosophy behind the successful MAI agent and hybrid intelligence approaches to AI in education.
• UNESCO AI Competency Framework – Global teaching reference

👩‍🏫 Teacher Insight

Mikko, Upper-Secondary Physics Teacher, Oulu

“I introduced the MAI agent to a small group of students. At first, they just wanted quick answers, but the agent kept prompting them to reflect. After a few weeks, they reported a deeper understanding and greater confidence in solving problems.”

📅 Events & Professional Development

• Helsinki Education in Action for Teachers (HEAT2025) (25 - 29 Aug 2025): 5-day Teacher Summer School designed for educators to enhance professional skills while experiencing the Finnish educational system at Suomenlinna.

• Artificial Intelligence as a Teacher’s Workmate - Course (24 - 30 Aug 2025, Helsinki & Tallinn): A one-week hands-on course for teachers on integrating AI tools into classroom practices.

• Media Education Conference (MEC) – “AI in the Arctic” (November 3–5, 2025, Rovaniemi): A conference exploring AI's application in media and education, with a focus on northern contexts.

• AI Summer Day (16 Aug 2025, Helsinki & Teams) Explore AI in education, share insights, and give feedback on literacy framework.

• Aalto University AI Programs – Ongoing enrollment

🙌 Contribute to the Next Newsletter

Have an AI tool, event, classroom story, or question to share?
➡️ Submit your tips or stories here
Selected stories may be featured in the next issue!

Happy Midsummer!

Wishing you a joyful and peaceful celebration – from the Pedagogical AI team. 🌿