By Dr. Simone Graetzer and Mary-Jane Newton
Simone Graetzer and I are delighted to represent the IOA at the inaugural AI in Education Conference at the University of Oxford this year. The event promises to be inspiring and rewarding, offering valuable opportunities to connect with colleagues and share ideas. It also provides a key platform to raise awareness of acoustics—its multidisciplinary nature, far-reaching impact, and the unique challenges it poses for learners.
Acoustics sits at the intersection of science, engineering, perception, and creativity, shaping everything from environmental soundscapes to audio technology, musical performance, and hearing health. While this breadth creates rich educational opportunities, it also brings challenges: abstract physical principles, complex mathematical modelling, and often inaccessible technical language or tools.
In our talk, we will introduce the field of acoustics, the challenges it poses for education, the IOA, and the education programmes we offer. We will then explore how AI can enhance learning in acoustics, aligned with the core values of accessibility, inclusion, equity, openness, and understanding. Case studies will include: AI (1) for acoustic simulations of acoustic scattering (where and how sound waves change direction), (2) for real-time audio captioning to improve accessibility and (3) in open source learning tools and associated tutorials for improving speech intelligibility for people with hearing loss.
The IOA is committed to being at the forefront of innovation in AI and education. This is not only an exciting opportunity but also a strategic priority for the Institute: by leading in this space, we can shape how acoustics is taught and learned for future generations. Engaging with AI allows us to break down barriers to entry, open pathways for a more diverse range of learners, and ensure that acoustics education remains both cutting-edge and inclusive. As AI continues to transform the landscape of teaching and learning, the IOA is determined to ensure that acoustics is recognised as a field that embraces innovation while staying rooted in its human, creative, and social dimensions.
We would be delighted to hear from anyone—especially IOA members—who have relevant case studies we might share in our presentation.
More information at https://aieou.web.ox.ac.uk/.
About the Authors
Dr. Simone Graetzer (PhD MIOA) is a Senior Research Fellow at the Acoustics Research Centre, University of Salford and Co-Lead in the Noise Network Plus and Chair of the Education, Outreach and Skills working group. She is a member of the Institute of Acoustics and the Acoustical Society of America, Co-Lead in the UKRI EPSRC-funded Noise Network Plus, and a Co-Investigator in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Sound Futures.
Mary-Jane Newton (MA, MBA, PGDip) is Executive Director of Education and Digital Strategy at the Institute of Acoustics. With over 20 years of experience in education strategy, technology, and transformation, she has held senior roles at Macmillan Education, Oxford University Press, Imagine Learning, and Nord Anglia Education. She also serves on advisory boards for several education organisations.
Learn more about the IOA’s work in education and research: www.ioa.org.uk
Photo by Ben Seymour on Unsplash
