AI has transformed the workplace: business managers can use it to analyze complex data, graphic artists can use it to clean up their designs or photos and medical technicians can use it to examine X-rays, MRIs and CT scans.
All kinds of professions use AI, and, while its impacts remain uncertain, teaching is at the forefront of the topic.
AI in schools
Alpha School in Austin, Texas is run by an AI platform that creates the curriculum and activities for the students. Human “guides” are present to help the students, but they do not teach.
Two hours of the school day are dedicated to AI lessons that focus on fundamentals: math, reading and writing. The lessons are self-paced and adaptive to the students, ensuring that the students are kept up to speed with the curriculum.
For the remainder of the school day, students have AI workshops that help them prepare for the real world by teaching them things like financial literacy, public speaking, leadership, team building, and coding.
Alpha School claims that students in the program have achieved results 10 times faster than students in traditional public schools and that its students rank in the top one percent nationwide.
Unlike Alpha School, Oklahoma high schools are beginning to incorporate AI in their curriculum instead of replacing it. Enid High School geometry classes use Khan Academy’s AI tutor “Khanmigo” to tutor and help students progress through the subject at their own pace.
Is AI education the future?
The results that Alpha School touts are impressive. However, AI cannot provide a level of human interaction that encourages and inspires all students to succeed.
There is no emotional connection between the AI platform and students. Human educators recognize what students need and provide feedback and accountability necessary for growth.
The relationship between teachers and students also models other important skills such as interpersonal communication and emotional regulation. Additionally, a teacher’s feedback can instill discipline and determination.
A major criticism of the AI platform utilized by Alpha School is that it is not adaptive. Alpha School’s program is advertised to adapt its lessons for the student, but parents have spoken out about the AI platform’s rigidity not being flexible for their students’ needs.
Skilled teachers have the ability to see individual student needs and adapt lessons, reteach material and scaffold learning.
Furthermore, AI cannot instill ambition or nurture students’ dreams. A teacher’s commitment to student success is hard to be replicated because it is fueled by fulfillment in seeing students grow and achieve their goals. That emotional investment motivates teachers to go above and beyond. AI operates solely on programmed instructions, without the human drive or empathy that inspires mentorship.
Teachers are undervalued
Unfortunately, teachers are leaving Oklahoma schools in droves, and the low pay is a major factor. The average starting salary for teachers in Oklahoma, which is nationally ranked 47th for pay, is $41,152.
An increase in teacher salaries would make their jobs more appealing and encourage people to enter the education field. A person’s pay should reflect the importance of their job, and teaching is one of the most important jobs out there. Students need skilled teachers in the classroom, and increasing teacher pay would bring more trained and experienced teachers into the profession.
Ultimately, AI is unable to replicate the inspiration, connection and mentorship that a human teacher can provide in the classroom. It’s their human presence that makes students thrive. AI is a powerful tool, but it won’t replace the skilled teachers that define great teaching. Instead of looking for an alternative to human educators, skilled teachers could be paid what they’re worth to keep them in the classroom.
Do you have a teacher who has helped or inspired you? Let us know in the comments!
