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This paper brings together studies on the future and design methodologies to develop a novel proposal for prospective analysis in the field of education. We apply mixed research methods in combination with design methodologies to open up new routes for studying the evolution, impact and behaviour of trends in future scenarios. Our research is based on an analysis of qualitative data from secondary sources and interviews with experts, which we transform into quantitative data using fuzzy logic models applied to uncontrolled Internet data environments. Our goal is to verify the validity of the DEFLEXOR method, which addresses the need to identify educational opportunities based on future scenarios defined using megatrends detected in various fields. Our conclusions highlight that combining qualitative and quantitative approaches with the methodological principles of design thinking, together with automated calculations arising from creative reflection by experts, constitutes a powerful methodology for developing specific prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital technology has provided users with new connections that have reset our understanding of social architectures. As a reaction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data, the educational field has rearranged its structure to consider human and non-human stakeholders and their actions on digital platforms. In light of this increasingly complex scenario, this proposal aims to present definitions and discussions about AI and Big Data from the academic field or published by international organizations. The study of AI and Big Data goes beyond the search for mere computational power and instead focuses upon less difficult (yet perhaps more complex) areas of the study social impacts in Education. This research suggests an analysis of education through 21st century skills and the impact of AI development in the age of platforms, undergoing three methodological considerations: research, application and evaluation. To accomplish the research, we relied upon systematic reviews, bibliographic research and quality analyses conducted within case studies to compose a position paper that sheds light on how AI and Big Data work and on what level they can be applied in the field of education. Our goal is to offer a triangular analysis under a multimodal approach to better understand the interface between education and new technological prospects, taking into consideration qualitative and quantitative procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]