The Future of Feedback: How Can AI Help Transform Feedback to Be More Engaging, Effective, and Scalable?

A major interdisciplinary report, 'The Future of Feedback,' authored by a consortium of over 50 leading scholars from fields like educational psychology, computer science, and the learning sciences, has been published on arXiv. Led by Jennifer Meyer of the University of Vienna, the paper synthesizes expert perspectives on the transformative potential of generative AI for feedback in education. The central premise is that AI can enable the scalable production of real-time, automated feedback, fundamentally reshaping teaching and learning experiences in increasingly digital environments.

The report, which emerged from structured discussions designed to bridge disciplinary barriers, does more than just tout AI's promise. It systematically highlights points of convergence in scholarship while also identifying critical areas of debate and unresolved challenges. The authors move beyond simple automation, exploring how AI can make feedback more engaging and effective for learners. However, they balance this optimism with a clear-eyed analysis of the risks involved in deploying such systems in educational practice.

Finally, the paper serves as a roadmap, outlining specific open questions and future directions for both research and practical application. It positions itself not as a final answer, but as a foundational document to guide the responsible development and integration of AI-driven feedback tools, ensuring they enhance rather than undermine educational goals.