Iteration is a feature of many models of learning, teaching, and research. It is central to Problem-Based Learning which uses iteration as a driver to solve a given task. Ideas are formed and developed as learners work towards a solution. Through repeated efforts, some attempt is made to solve or at least address a problem.
Action Research follows a similar principle as it journeys through several cycles in an attempt to firstly understand, and then secondly, to develop practice. This can often apply to a higher level of iteration. For instance, it may apply to a project-level iteration in which the practice itself is iterated.
In all these cases, iteration is feature rather than the core basis for learning design. This is distinct from Iterationism which sees iterations as an individual and shared approach which may be interconnected in purpose, process, and product.
In Iterationism, learning is designed to be organised around the use of iteration in response to a learning challenge. Class members may work collaboratively on how to iterate a given product. The outcomes of iteration then become a focus for sharing, evaluation, and discussion.
So, what does Iterationism mean? How does Iterationism differ and how does it relate to AI in Education? We argue that iteration is firstly ‘central’ to learning and teaching with AI. In other words, it is at the very heart of the approach and secondly, it is a way of thinking about learning, teaching, and research. This is true whether it is for a simple learning activity with AI tools or whether it is part of a larger collaborative or collective level of development. In either case, AI is used to generate material which is to be evaluated and improved. Iterationism is therefore a theory of improvement for the purpose of learning and teaching.
In other words, whereas iteration is a feature of other work such as PBL or Action Research, in Iterationism it is regarded as the engine of individual or social learning. The learner would have the idea of ‘iterating’ supported by AI or iterating the products of AI technology.