Dr Filiz Mumcu

About the Expert

Dr. Filiz Mumcu is an educational researcher at Johannes Kepler University in Linz, Austria, with 25 years of experience in educational technology. She holds a PhD in Computer Education and Instructional Technology and is recognized as a leading voice in the field of educational technology advancement.

What if the way we learn today is already outdated?

As technology accelerates, classrooms are transforming—and so are the minds inside them. In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Filiz Mumcu, a leading expert in educational technology, reveals how artificial intelligence is not just a tool, but a force reshaping the very fabric of education. From generational learning gaps to the future of universities, her insights challenge everything we thought we knew about teaching and learning.

Get ready to see the classroom through a brand new lens.

Technology has irreversibly transformed education — not only for students, but also for teachers and education system leaders. Digital innovations have opened the door to incredible opportunities, while also introducing challenges that traditional education systems were never prepared for.

Today's educators receive both support and added pressure. While digital tools streamline and accelerate many processes, they also demand constant adaptation, ongoing training, and the development of new teaching approaches. AI education is reshaping how we teach and learn, but it also raises questions about the depth and quality of knowledge retention.

Generational Learning Gaps

Generational differences among students have become more pronounced than ever. Each new group of learners brings a different set of skills, attention spans, and learning styles. Dr. Filiz illustrates this through her own daughters, who, despite being raised in the same household, each developed completely different approaches to learning. Today's students are problem-solvers by nature — they turn to online learning resources, such as YouTube, to find targeted solutions in real-time.

AI: A Double-Edged Sword

Artificial intelligence emerges as both a powerful ally and a potential risk. While AI can significantly reduce teacher workload — especially in content creation and knowledge testing — it also raises concerns about its impact on students. When the learning process becomes too easy, it eliminates what Dr. Filiz refers to as the "optimal cognitive load." Without mental challenges, true learning can't occur.

The Future of Education

Modern education is increasingly focused on preparing learners for real-world jobs. The relationship between education and business has never been stronger. AI-powered education and micro-credentials are emerging as responses to modern companies' need for fast, effective skill testing and flexible knowledge acquisition.

Dr. Filiz predicts that within the next 10 years, many of today's traditional university programs will no longer exist in their current form. Instead, education will move toward personalized learning, where students choose what, when, and how to learn, guided by AI education platforms and adaptive systems.

The future of education is hybrid. A mix of physical and online learning, supported by AI, will become the new norm. At the center of this transformation is self-regulated learning – the ability for students to understand, manage, and improve their own learning processes.