AI That Acts on Its Own: What Agentic AI Means for Teaching and Learning.

What happens when AI stops waiting for prompts? That’s the big question behind agentic AI — and why it’s becoming one of the most talked-about ideas in education technology today. As Noodle Factory Co-founder Jim Wagstaff put it, "These aren’t your parents’ polite droids." Agentic AI doesn’t just wait for instructions. It acts. It remembers. It steps in when learners disengage.

In this post, we dive into key insights from our latest livestream and explore what this evolution means for educators across K–12, higher ed, and workplace learning.

What Is Agentic AI, Really? 

Agentic AI refers to AI systems that take proactive action within defined goals.

For a deeper dive into the foundations of this concept, check out our earlier post: Agentic AI in Education: What It Is, Why It Matters

As Jim explains: "In simple terms, this is about systems who have agency… they can make certain decisions and take actions independently within parameters to achieve a goal."

Unlike traditional AI, which relies on specific prompts, agentic AI behaves more like a digital assistant that thinks ahead. It can nudge students forward, re-engage when they stall, and even handle multi-step tasks without being micromanaged.

Why Educators Are Paying Attention Now 

The shift from generative to agentic AI isn’t just conceptual — it’s already happening. "We’re somewhere between level 3 and level 4," Jim says, using a GPS analogy. "We’re moving from live-traffic AI to self-driving autopilot AI."

This change is being accelerated by the pace of adoption:

• PC: 20 years to 50% adoption

• Internet: 12 years

• Smartphones: 6 years

• Generative AI: <3 years

"So broadly speaking," Jim notes, "we should see 50% adoption of agentic AI in less than a year and a half."

What Agentic AI Looks Like in the Classroom

1. K–12 Classrooms: From Passive to Proactive

• Socratic hints in real time: If a student stares at an algebra problem too long, an AI tutor could whisper a hint to nudge them forward.

• AI reading coach: Listening to student pronunciation and offering feedback as they read aloud.

• Project-based learning monitors: Agents that help groups stay on task, flag bullying, and offer nudges along the way.

"We want to get rid of the 'I hate algebra' rumbles," Jim said. "That’s the kind of proactive support this makes possible."

2. Higher Education: Unlimited Office Hours + Research Support

• Personalised revision calendars: Based on a student’s academic history and preferences.

• 24/7 teaching assistants: AI that can answer questions anytime and summarise interactions for faculty.

• Research copilots: From literature reviews to real-time feedback on research methods.

3. Workplace Learning: From Onboarding to Role Plays

• Day-one concierge agents: AI that helps new hires schedule meetings, complete tasks, and prepare for virtual presentations.

• Sales whisper agents: Real-time coaching during live calls.

• Role-play AI: Practise with unpredictable personas before big meetings.

What Makes Agentic AI Different 

(Need a refresher on GenAI basics first? Start with our Generative AI in Education 2025 FAQ or browse our Glossary for Educators.) 

Jim outlined a few defining features:

• Goal-driven behaviour

• Long-term memory and session continuity

• Timeline awareness ("It remembers what you said yesterday")

• Scenario evolution ("It doesn’t just respond — it improvises")

Think of it as the difference between an improv partner and a Dungeon Master (or in simpler terms, someone who just plays along vs. someone who creates the entire scenario and drives the story).

A Word of Caution: Trust, But Verify 

With great power comes... hallucination? Jim offered a reminder:

"These aren’t polite droids. And agentic AI isn’t magic. You need to trust but verify. Keep a human in the loop."

Risks include:

• Hallucinated answers

• Privacy concerns due to memory

• Bias in datasets and outcomes

He also flagged a cautionary tale: a controversial 2019 experiment in China using AI headbands to track student attention. While not directly related to agentic AI, it’s a reminder of how quickly well-intended tech can go off track.

(Learn how we manage this risk in our ISO 27001 certification deep dive.) 

How to Start (Without Losing Control)

• Start small: Focus on low-stakes use cases (e.g., reminders, nudges, admin help)

• Stay human-first: Always keep a person in the loop

• Understand memory: Know what’s stored, and be able to clear it

• Pilot with teachers, not just students

Want to Stay Ahead of the Curve? 

Here are Jim’s go-to resources for staying sharp:

• EdTech Insiders

• Axios AI+

• Dupple's Techpresso

• AI Education Substack

• NYT Hard Fork

And if you’re curious about the new agentic features we’re testing at Noodle Factory, drop us a message to join our beta group.