AI update for (Christian) educators, February 2026

At the end of each month I look back: what happened that educators, in my view, should know? A brief selection of AI news that touches on family, school and development. Now then, February 2026.

1. Einstein in a new guise

Earlier this month I already wrote about AIs that proactively take on tasks. Now there is one, called Einstein, that can go through an entire course of study in place of you or your child: independently following lessons, submitting assignments, etc. You learn nothing from it, of course, but the possibilities are enormous. Every time I read news like this, I get the feeling we don't realise at all what's coming at society...

2. More reflection

The discussion about RefGPT flared up this month in reformed circles, and what makes me glad about that is that real reflection is now getting underway: at the classis level, at parent evenings, in congregations and at schools. Last Sunday, the question of what AI asks of us was addressed from our pulpit. That AI is being taken seriously as a factor in our children's development gives me hope!

3. AI and learning for grades (German research)

I used to learn quite often just for a good grade; far from all the material interested me. Our children are no different, a German study from this month shows, and it is precisely the grade-orientation (in the education system) that makes AI an attractive partner.

→ I think that, besides helping our children deal with AI, it would also be good to talk with them about what learning actually is, that it costs effort, that that effort shapes their brains, and that an easy route undoes that quiet work.