Education 6.0: A Human-AI Co-Creation Framework for Future Higher Education

Abstract

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has initiated a paradigm shift in higher education, necessitating the development of innovative educational models that integrate technological capabilities with human-centered values. While previous educational paradigms primarily focused on digital transformation and technology-enabled learning, the emergence of Education 6.0 advocates a collaborative ecosystem where humans and AI function as co-creators of knowledge, innovation, and problem-solving. This conceptual paper proposes a Human–AI Co-Creation Framework that redefines higher education by positioning AI as an intelligent collaborator rather than a replacement for educators and learners. Drawing on recent literature on Education 6.0, AI literacy, personalized learning, adaptive pedagogy, ethical AI, and intelligent educational systems, the framework integrates ten core dimensions supporting human-centered learning. It further incorporates the SCALE Framework and Cognitive Rhythm Theory to explain progressive AI integration and cognitive synchronization in education. The study emphasizes that effective implementation requires institutional readiness, robust digital infrastructure, faculty development, ethical governance, and responsible AI policies for sustainable educational transformation. The paper argues that Education 6.0 extends beyond technological adoption by fostering collaborative intelligence, innovation, and lifelong learning while preserving uniquely human capabilities such as creativity, empathy, ethical reasoning, and critical thinking. The proposed framework contributes to the emerging discourse on AI-enabled higher education by offering a comprehensive roadmap for educators, university administrators, policymakers, and researchers seeking to design intelligent, inclusive, ethical, and sustainable higher education systems capable of preparing graduates for the evolving demands of the AI-driven knowledge economy.