Analysts: AI in Education Remains ‘Potential Rather than Reality’

August 15, 2025 Alex Parker

According to analysts at Fosway Group, the application of artificial intelligence in learning platforms is still more potential than actual.

A recent analysis of how vendors are developing learning suites reveals that only 11% of the capabilities promised in their future product roadmaps are currently available to customers.

The research by Fosway highlights that even though AI holds significant disruptive potential in learning, the focus right now is largely on achieving efficiencies rather than creating additional value.

This situation is partially attributed to customers’ preparedness to integrate new solutions that go beyond their current operating models and workflows. Investments in AI are often targeted at “lower risk, higher frequency use cases” where automation is straightforward.

This may encompass easily integrable off-the-shelf content or tools like transcription or translation that provide immediate value.

Currently, the “mainstream” AI features that customers are investing in include text, voiceover or audio translations (71% live); media creation such as avatars or imagery (55% live); AI-generated translations (55% live); and video or audio transcripts (52% live).

Nonetheless, a growing number of businesses are exploring automation tools that facilitate learning design, including learning design assistants, authoring capabilities, or script generation.

Looking ahead, Fosway anticipates the next wave of AI adoption in learning will feature AI-driven curation and recommendations, generative AI for course and content creation, and AI-generated assessments within courses.
More sought-after future investments will likely encompass automated chat support within learning platforms, AI coaches, and synthetic media avatars used in chat interfaces.

The upcoming wave of AI investment is expected to foster a “more fundamental change in the learning experience,” according to Fosway, enabling employees to practice soft skills and access more personalized learning content.

Investments in “edge advantage AI,” which some vendors offer but not all, include conversational AI coaches and learning assistants, along with a “personal study buddy” for courses.

These features are designed to prioritize delivering genuine value and enhancing the quality of learning experiences over sheer efficiency.

Fosway encourages learning teams to rigorously question vendors regarding their offerings, inquiring about which features are currently live and how they add value.

It provides four key recommendations for companies looking to invest in or enhance their learning systems:

Define minimum expectations for mainstream features – be cautious of claims about exclusive capabilities or being the first in the market.
Prepare for new features – understand what features vendors plan to introduce next and how they will collaborate with customers for implementation.
Request customer references, especially for less common features – look for clear examples of successful adoption.
Create opportunities for experimentation – partner with vendors to identify potential pitfalls during the journey.