Accountability & Leadership in AI
In 2022, Byju’s became the first educational technology (EdTech) company to sponsor the FIFA World Cup, marking a pivotal moment in the global reach of the EdTech industry. With an investment of $30–40 million, Byju’s joined corporate giants like Coca-Cola, Visa, and Adidas as official sponsors, leveraging this platform to promote its brand to billions of football fans worldwide. This case study explores how Byju’s sponsorship reflects the broader trend of ‘Big EdTech’ companies gaining global influence, examining the implications for education, including the ethical and governance challenges of integrating commercial interests with educational goals. The study draws on Williamson (2022) to provide insights into the business strategies of EdTech giants, their impact on learning environments, and the potential risks associated with data monetization and educational inequality. This case is particularly relevant for educators, policymakers, and EdTech developers interested in understanding the governance of educational technologies within global markets.
Incident: Paper published 26 May 2022
Case Study Construction: March 2025
This case study examines the ethical, regulatory, and leadership failures surrounding the rollout of generative AI technologies in school systems through public-private partnerships. Drawing on reports from education unions, policy watchdogs, and digital rights groups, this scenario follows a fictionalized but research-informed investigation into a global edtech firm, Edunome, which piloted AI-driven learning platforms across underserved school districts. Concerns emerged when AI systems made discriminatory decisions, collected student data without consent, and replaced teacher-led pedagogy with opaque algorithms. Despite red flags raised by educators and parents, policymakers continued to endorse the rollout—prioritizing innovation over safety, equity, and oversight. This case challenges educators, policymakers, and developers to confront the growing risks of automation in education and to develop strong frameworks for ethical, inclusive, and human-centered AI governance.
Incident: Published March 2024, updated February 2025Case Study Construction: March 2025
Incident: Published March 2024, updated February 2025Case Study Construction: March 2025
This case study explores the consequences of implementing AI technologies in education without established governance structures, oversight responsibilities, or institutional capacity. Based on real-world patterns, the fictionalised scenario follows a regional education authority that rapidly deployed AI tools to streamline administration and personalise learning—but lacked a clear framework for governance, monitoring, and professional learning. The result: fragmented decision-making, unclear accountability, and escalating risks. This case underscores the importance of building internal capability, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and embedding ethical AI governance at every level of the education system.
This case study explores the risks of adopting AI in education without ensuring alignment with institutional values, pedagogical philosophy, and broader educational goals. Based on real-world observations, this fictionalised case follows a values-led school that implemented AI tools for assessment and classroom management—only to find that the technologies contradicted their commitments to holistic learning, relational pedagogy, and student empowerment. The case highlights the importance of value-driven governance, inclusive consultation, and critically reflective practice when adopting emerging technologies in education.
more coming soon
This case study explores what happens when responsibility for AI strategy, professional learning, and regulatory compliance is fragmented—or worse, absent. Based on patterns seen across global education systems, this fictionalised scenario tracks a university's integration of generative AI tools in teaching and assessment. Despite enthusiasm for innovation, no individual or team was clearly responsible for developing a cohesive AI strategy, guiding staff training, or ensuring compliance with emerging data, privacy, and education laws. The result: inconsistent practices, legal vulnerability, and growing mistrust. This case underscores the importance of leadership accountability and coordinated action when deploying AI in educational institutions.
Coming Soon