AI in the Classroom: Will Technology Replace Teachers or Support Them?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer merely a sci-fi buzzword it’s
already transforming classrooms. From learning apps tailored
to individual students to automated grading software, AI has
entered the world of education with promises of efficiency and
innovation. But as schools rush to adopt AI at an unprecedented
rate, a fiery debate arises: Will technology replace teachers, or
will it enable them to be more effective?
The AI Case for making it easy Education
AI can automate repetitive and time-consuming work, enabling
teachers to use their expertise on the aspects of education that
truly require a human touch.
Personalized Learning: AI-enabled platforms such as Khan
Academy’s Khanmigo or Duolingo Max tailor lessons to the
individual student’s pace, closing knowledge gaps that a
teacher cannot identify in a crowded classroom.
Administrative Assistance: Software like Gradescope has the
capacity to grade work rapidly and efficiently, leaving teachers
with more time to communicate with students.
Example: In China, there are schools applying AI solutions to
monitor students’ progress in real time, which allows the teacher
to recognize students needing help earlier and help them
accordingly.
Rather than taking teachers’ place, AI might turn out to be their
helper, and they can concentrate on mentoring, innovation, and
trust building.
The Case Against: Can AI Replace Human Teachers?
Despite its ability to process data, critics contend that AI cannot
replace human teachers’ empathy, intuition, and inspiration.
● Emotional Intelligence Matters:
A struggling student may
require encouragement, not only adaptive content. No
program can imitate the empathy of a teacher who senses
when a child feels left out or worried.
● Equity Issues:
AI software sometimes demands robust
internet connectivity and devices. This might further
separate well-funded from underfunded schools.
● Real-Life Scenario:
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,
multiple students heavily depended on online learning
tools. Although students had access to digital technology,
surveys indicated that students felt disconnected and less
engaged without the human touch of teachers.
If education becomes too reliant on AI, students may lose
the social and emotional development that comes from
human interaction.
● Future Scenario
Suppose there is a classroom where an AI tutor takes care
of all customized practice (math drills, quizzes and
progress tracking), while the teacher becomes a coach
and mentor facilitating discussions, inspiring creativity, and
teaching empathy.
The “Robot Teacher” Experiment
In Japan and South Korea, schools have indeed tried using robot
teachers to learn languages. The robots instantly correct
grammar and never get tired, but students complained that
they still liked having human teachers because they provided
encouragement and cultural context.
Teachers Using AI In Stealing
It was discovered recently that teachers are secretly using
ChatGPT to create lesson plans, grade assignments, or prepare
worksheets. As students fear AI may “take over,” it is already
assisting teachers in the background.
Conclusion:
Redefining the Teacher’s Role
The development of AI forces us to reconsider what teachers are
for. If their job was originally to deliver information, then AI
already does that more successfully. But if we view teachers as
guides, inspirers, and role models, then AI is a useful tool that
enhances them rather than makes them irrelevant.
