CONTEMPORARY EVOLUTION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, ITS INTEGRATION INTO EDUCATION AND ITS ADOPTION IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
University of Fort Hare (SOUTH AFRICA)
About this paper:
Conference name: 20th International Technology, Education and Development Conference
Dates: 2-4 March, 2026
Location: Valencia, Spain
Abstract:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has become a household name in virtually all areas of human endeavours, of which the education sector is not an exception. AI applications cut across different fields to sustain human existence. Also, its introduction into the education landscape is receiving unprecedented acceptance, and without any reservations, mathematics education is one of the fields that is still embracing the potential of this new scientific innovation. To be firmly grounded in the knowledge and the fundamental principles of AI as a field of study and its applicability, its integration, especially in mathematics education, promises good educational outcomes.
This paper examines the historical and contemporary development of AI, highlighting its integration into the educational landscape and its increasing adoption in mathematics education. Using a desktop review, literature was sourced to explore the origins of AI, its cognitive and computational foundations, and its progressive application in learning environments. The review highlights key theoretical milestones from Alan Turing's foundational question, "Can machines think?", through Bayes' Conditional Theorem of Conditional Probability, and the Theory of Connectionism. This paper examines the transition from general AI tools to specialized educational applications such as chatbots, intelligent tutoring systems, and generative and adaptive learning platforms in mathematics education. The findings underscore how the integration of AI reshapes pedagogical practices, fostering personalized learning, and redefining approaches to mathematical problem-solving. This synthesis contributes to understanding the trajectory of AI in education and offers insights for educators and policymakers navigating the future of digital pedagogy.Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence in Education, Artificial Intelligence in Mathematics Education, Unprecedented, Dataset, Machine Learning, Cognitive.