Artificial intelligence, creativity, and education: critical questions for researchers and educators

Technological change, the use of large data sets in evaluation and decision-making and the impact of existing and emerging applications of artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming increasingly important in education across contexts and disciplinary areas. At the same time creativity is being lauded internationally as a crucial part of 21st century skills and for equipping students with the capacity to be innovative and adaptable no matter what the future may bring. In this conceptual paper we examine the intersections and tensions between AI, education and creativity using sociomaterial theory, and point to some key dilemmas in applying AI in education. We offer a critical framework for considering both the affordances and limitations of AI and creativity. We also consider the challenges and disruptions of using AI and identify the issues that educators might wrestle with in integrating such technologies into learning environments. This involves critiquing the notion of AI as an imperative in education and arguing that educators need to employ a critical approach in grappling with the apparent opportunities of AI systems.