What will education look like in 2040? This session looks into four alternative futures for digital education, as envisioned in our recently developed scenarios, outlined in a report titled “The Future Learner: (Digital) Education Reimagined for 2040”. From sustained economic growth and transformative technological integration to constrained regulatory frameworks and potential societal collapse, these scenarios explore the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Drawing on insights from horizon scanning and futuring methods, the report offers a peak into some of the trends shaping the future learner's experience.

Participants will gain valuable perspectives on personalisation, equity, sustainability, and the role of advanced technologies such as AI, XR, and neural interfaces. The session invites policymakers, educators, and innovators to consider how today's decisions can influence the trajectory of global education systems. Join us to explore insights and reimagine how we can collectively prepare for an evolving educational landscape that balances technology with humanity.

The report was written within the scope of the European Digital Education Hub. At the time of writing (January 2025) it is not published; it will be available in February.

A similar session was held last year. It was titled Navigating Tomorrow: The Importance of Futuring in Shaping Higher Education Together, see https://festival.hfd.digital/de/sessions-2024/?id=629498.