This chapter examines the centrality of learning and the pivotal role of students within contemporary education systems, with a particular focus on the Global South. It begins by reaffirming the fundamental goal of schools: to create opportunities for students to learn. The chapter highlights the need to understand learners’ diverse backgrounds, experiences, and the challenges they face in educational settings before considering how artificial intelligence (AI) can be leveraged to address these challenges. The discussion acknowledges the pervasive global learning crisis, noting that even minimal objectives-such as ensuring foundational skills in literacy and mathematics-remain unmet for many students. The chapter also argues for a broader conception of learning that extends beyond basic skills, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a wide array of student interests and capacities. However, international assessments indicate that students’ opportunities to develop these broader skills are similarly limited. The potential for AI to transform education is a central theme, with the chapter reviewing emerging evidence on how AI applications are beginning to address student needs and educational gaps. It explores both the benefits and limitations of these technologies, considering their potential for personalizing learning, supporting educators, and improving educational outcomes. Ethical considerations arising from the use of AI in schools are discussed, alongside key questions for future research aimed at ensuring equitable, effective, and trustworthy AI integration in educational contexts.