This editorial explores the role of AI in education (AIED) and its implications for adult learning and research. AI, first coined by McCarthy et al. (1955), has significantly transformed various fields, including education, through tools like intelligent tutoring systems, chatbots, and automated assessments. While AI's integration into education continues, ethical concerns arise, often addressed separately from philosophical or moral considerations (Mouta et al., 2023).

The editorial highlights the increasing expectation for adults to collaborate with AI in both professional and personal contexts (Laupichler et al., 2022). The OECD's 2019 Council Recommendation on AI emphasized a human-centric approach, and in the past five years, advancements in AI and natural language processing (NLP), especially with ChatGPT, have significantly influenced secondary and higher education (Gimpel et al., 2023). Several nations, including the USA, China, and Germany, have adopted national strategies to integrate AI into education. Meanwhile, initiatives like the Elements of AI course and philanthropic efforts such as the Jacobs Foundation's CELLA project aim to prepare individuals for the AI era. Despite these advancements, research on AI applications beyond K-12 and university education remains limited (Rawas, 2023; Sanusi et al., 2023).

The editorial raises key questions: What are the benefits and limitations of AI in education? What knowledge do adults need to keep up with AI developments? How can AI benefit education researchers? What ethical concerns should educators consider? It examines AI technologies, particularly conversational agents like ChatGPT and Google Bard, which use machine learning (ML) and large language models (LLMs) to generate human-like responses. While AI-powered chatbots are widely used, their sophistication raises concerns about accuracy, bias, and potential risks like "hallucinations," where AI generates false or misleading information (Gimpel et al., 2023).

Perspectives on AI in education are divided. Conversational agents offer benefits, such as assisting students with dyslexia, simplifying complex topics, and providing personalized feedback (Labadze et al., 2023). Teachers find AI useful for automating routine tasks and improving pedagogy. However, concerns remain about AI's limitations, including its lack of emotional intelligence, contradictory responses, and potential to hinder deep learning and critical thinking (Tlili et al., 2023). The editorial ultimately calls for a balanced approach to AI in education, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation and responsible use of these technologies.