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Dr Elissa Farrow - Director & Lead Futurist
About Your Transition & Institute Of The Future Australia
Recently, educators and leaders gathered for a transformative masterclass with Dr. Elissa Farrow, who guided participants through the historical impact of technology on humanity and its implications for the future of education. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in our lives, this masterclass explored how education systems can anticipate and adapt to the possible futures while safeguarding the essential roles of teachers and students.
During the session, Dr. Farrow offered a futurist’s perspective, unveiling contemporary strategies for AI integration. The discussion centred on five future organisational operating model scenarios, each challenging traditional notions of teaching and learning. For example, in one scenario, AI-driven personalised learning takes centre stage, transforming teachers into facilitators who mentor students in creativity and critical thinking—areas where human interaction is irreplaceable. In another scenario, AI assumes many administrative tasks, allowing educators to focus on emotional support and individualised learning experiences.
Supporting evidence highlighted the urgency of this discussion. According to a 2024 report by the World Economic Forum, 65% of children entering primary school today will work in jobs that don’t yet exist—many of which will be shaped by AI. A recent survey of educators revealed that 74% believe AI will significantly impact their teaching roles within the next decade.
These statistics underscore the importance of preparing educators to navigate this evolving landscape and become futures literate.
Participants in the masterclass were actively engaged, discussing how AI tools incorporation into learning could play out in their own schools. Dr. Farrow emphasised that AI should not replace educators but rather augment their capabilities. She provided attendees with two futurist tools, designed to help educators assess when and how to integrate AI effectively, ensuring that the technology supports educational goals without diminishing the human element that is crucial to learning. The tools included the futures triangle and discussions on the possible, plausible, probable and preposterous longer term futures scenarios.
The masterclass concluded with a call-to-action for educators around AI ethics and
personal meaning making. As AI continues to advance, it is essential for educators
to stay informed and proactive in shaping its role in the classroom. Those who
attended left with actionable insights and a renewed commitment to fostering a future
where technology and humanity work in harmony.
For educators eager to explore these ideas further, Dr. Farrow recommends delving
into available international andn local resources, which provide a evolving body of
use cases of how AI can be integrated into education. She also recommends
learning more about strategic foresight and futures literacy and can assist by
providing further masterclasses in this space. By staying engaged with ongoing
developments and leveraging available tools, educators can ensure that they are not
just adapting to the future, but actively shaping it.
Takeaways:
Future Awareness: Understand the historical and future implications of
technology in education, guided by a futurist's lens.
Immediate AI Integration Strategies: Learn key strategies for effectively
integrating AI in your educational context.
Actionable Insights: Gain practical tools and insights to navigate the evolving
roles of educators in an AI-driven world.
This masterclass was a crucial step in preparing educators and school
administrators for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Those interested
in continuing this journey are encouraged to join ongoing discussions about the
future of education in the AI era.
About The Author
Dr Elissa Farrow is a social scientist, futurist, coach, and lead consultant with extensive national and international experience in designing and delivering strategic transformation. Elissa has empowered organisations to envision positive futures and successfully transform to achieve lasting benefits. She has successfully applying her skills across diverse industries, including transport, education, resources, finance, government, construction, technology, legal, and community services.
‘Elissa has a compassionate leadership style and believes all organisations can be a force for good’.
She is a seasoned board executive, having held global leadership roles with the Change Management Institute. She also served as the former Chair of DVConnect, a service dedicated to preventing Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland.
Widely recognised as a thought leader in her field, Elissa has authored numerous publications. She's received national recognition in Australia for her contributions to Women in Project Management through Project Management Institute and for her research with the Association of Professional Futurists. Her doctoral research delved into the organisations of the future and explored the broad implications of artificial intelligence (AI) using anticipatory action learning and futures methodologies. She is a strong advocate in keeping the people (including families and children) and the planet at the centre of the value proposition for AI. For fun she is an improvisor with Big Fork Theatre and volunteers as a surf life saver on beautiful Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).
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