Debate on the future of education

A debate titled Métamorphose(s) de l’Éducation took place on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in Paris at Onepoint, as part of an event exploring the future of education. The event featured several discussions led by Olivia Recasens, editor-in-chief of WE DEMAIN, with participants including representatives from major schools, public institutions, and EdTech entrepreneurs.

Adapting education to individual needs

One topic of discussion was whether the traditional model of a uniform course for all students should be replaced. Orianne Ledroit, general delegate of EdTech France, argued that educational technologies can adapt content to the pace and difficulties of each student. However, she emphasized the need to distinguish between general AI tools and those specifically designed for learning in collaboration with teachers and researchers.

Balancing technology and human roles

Marc-Henri Desportes, executive president of Omnes Education, supported a complementary approach that includes more flexible learning paths and interdisciplinary bridges. He stressed that the classroom remains an essential collective space for learning, stating, "Learning together is first and foremost learning to be together." Both speakers agreed that technology should not replace teachers, with Desportes emphasizing the need to enhance the role of humans in education, while Ledroit called for better training of teachers in the pedagogical uses of AI and the prioritization of reliable educational tools.

Reassessing the value of diplomas

A second discussion focused on the value of diplomas in a rapidly evolving job market. Francesco Rattalino, Senior Executive Vice-President of ESCP, argued that a diploma represents more than just technical knowledge; it certifies the development of critical thinking, creativity, communication, and the ability to learn, which are more resilient to changes in the labor market. Leïla Maidane, founder of Interskillar, questioned the continued prioritization of diplomas in hiring, suggesting that organizations should instead evaluate an individual's actual contribution.

Aligning education with professional needs

Rattalino defended the five-year duration of higher education, provided it includes international experiences, apprenticeships, and collective activities beyond academic knowledge. Maidane advocated for aligning training more closely with the professional world and moving away from the notion that learning is a stage preceding work. Both agreed that education must evolve to meet the demands of a changing labor market.

The role of teachers in the digital age

A third debate featured Sylvie Retailleau, former Minister of Higher Education and president of Universcience, and Jules Simiand Brocherie, founder of ExtraStudent. Both agreed that schools no longer have a monopoly on knowledge transmission, as platforms like YouTube and artificial intelligence now enable learning beyond the classroom. Simiand Brocherie, who learned much from YouTube, argued that education should better prepare students for an uncertain professional world by fostering autonomy and independent work.

Preserving critical thinking in education

Retailleau countered that this evolution highlights the importance of teachers, who help students develop the ability to build arguments, verify sources, and develop scientific approaches. She emphasized the importance of teaching reasoning over mere accuracy of results. The discussions also highlighted the need for education to go beyond meeting the immediate needs of companies, focusing instead on transmitting a common base of knowledge, developing curiosity, and helping individuals find their place in society.

Education for an uncertain future

This mission is seen as increasingly important as technology transforms the nature of required skills. Leïla Maidane noted that training often prioritizes finding good answers rather than asking the right questions. The debates ultimately suggested a vision of education that combines fundamental knowledge, self-directed thinking, and lifelong learning capabilities, with a shared conviction that digital tools, while powerful, cannot replace the richness of human interaction.