Although the teaching profession has been greatly enhanced by technology, will artificial intelligence (a.k.a., AI) ever actually replace human teachers? I’m not talking about search tools like Siri or Alexa. I’m talking about bona fide AI that learns from its own mistakes and speaks in such a way that students would not be able to tell the difference between a robot and a human.
As technology continues to improve our lives at an amazing rate, it’s natural for people to question whether robots could replace humans in certain industries. Education is no exception, and with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), there have been concerns that classroom teachers may become redundant. Although AI can be a powerful tool for learning, there is still a critical need for classroom teachers in a world with AI. In this article, I will explore the reasons why I think quality classroom teachers remain essential and the ways in which they can leverage AI to enhance their teaching.
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
From an economic standpoint, robots will never call in sick. And AI can be programmed to follow protocols that preclude any human tendency to interact with (i.e., show favoritism to) students in a negative manner.
Personal Touch
However, experienced professional educators are adept at monitoring students behaviors, observing micro gestures, and a plethora of other student responses in the classroom. Until AI can change its approach based on what it experiences, teacher-designed instructional tactics will remain in vogue. As of now, AI is not capable of that.
The key strength of classroom teachers is their ability to personalize learning for each student. Every student has a unique set of abilities, learning styles, and interests, and an effective teacher is skilled at identifying these and tailoring their teaching to meet each student’s needs provided ideal policy. While AI can provide personalized learning to some extent (think Khan Academy), it lacks the empathy, intuition, and adaptability that a human teacher brings to the table. A teacher can recognize when a student is struggling, provide one-on-one support, and create an environment that fosters learning.
Emotional Intelligence
Another critical aspect of teaching that AI cannot replicate is emotional intelligence. A classroom teacher is trained to recognize the emotional state of their students and provide the emotional support necessary to help them learn. Some days, the teacher may even cut short a lesson in the interest of students’ emotional well-being. For example, a teacher can recognize when students are feeling anxious, frustrated, or overwhelmed and offer the necessary support to help them overcome these emotions. In contrast, AI lacks the ability to understand human emotions and respond accordingly. While it may be able to detect changes in a student’s mood, it cannot provide the emotional support that a human teacher can.
Ability to Change
Teaching is not just about delivering content but also about adapting to the needs of the students. A teacher can adjust their lessons and teaching style in real-time to address the needs of their students. They can answer random questions, provide examples, and adjust the pace of learning to ensure that each student in the classroom is keeping up. In contrast, AI is typically limited by the programs that control it. While it can provide some feedback, it lacks the flexibility to adjust to the needs of each student in real-time.
Social Interaction
Let’s face it, school classrooms are an essential social space where students learn to interact with others, develop soft skills, and build relationships. Teachers play an important role in creating a positive and supportive environment that encourages students to engage with one another. This can be tough with cell phones. But good teachers can facilitate group activities, lead discussions, and provide opportunities for students to work together and use technology. AI may provide an alternative to classroom learning, but it cannot replace the social interactions that happen between students and teachers. Last time I checked, machines were not very good at “dad humor.”
Motivation and Inspiration
Finally, teachers can inspire and motivate their students in ways that AI cannot. Ever heard of a computer’s pet? A teacher creates a sense of passion for his content, encourages curiosity, and ignites a love of learning that can stay with students for their lifetime. A teacher can connect with their students on a personal level (as mentioned above), share their own experiences, and provide mentorship that extends beyond the classroom. (I am helping students through an entrepreneurial club now!) In contrast, AI lacks the creativity, empathy, and personal touch that teachers can bring to the classroom.
Can you leverage AI?
While there is a clear need for classroom teachers in a world with AI, it’s also necessary to recognize the potential benefits that AI can offer. AI can be a powerful tool for teachers, providing us with insights into student performance, identifying areas for improvement, and offering personalized recommendations. Teachers can also use AI to supplement their teaching, providing students with additional resources and support that can enhance their learning. AI can also help to automate some of the more mundane tasks associated with teaching, freeing up time for teachers to focus on more important aspects of their work. Most of us use Google Classroom to grade assignments in order to spend more time developing lessons, making YouTubes, writing blog posts, etc.
Bottom Line?
In conclusion, although AI has the potential to revolutionize education, it cannot outrightly replace a quality classroom teacher. The human touch, emotional intelligence, and social interactions that teachers provide are still too vital to creating the proper environment for learning.
Until next time…
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