A School With AI Tutors? It’s Closer Than You Think

Can artificial intelligence help someone learn? David Game College, a private school in London, aims to find out by using an AI tutor in the world’s first ‘teacherless’ classroom setting. Is this the sign of something amazing, or does it paint a bleak future where what we learn comes from a machine?

A World-First AI Tutor Could Change the Game

Artificial intelligence has already given us some cool tech—think of creating art with AI or building entire games effortlessly. Now, AI is stepping into the classroom. David Game College has set up an AI-powered “teacherless” classroom, where 20 students will prep for their GCSE exams with a bit of virtual help.

The way it works is pretty smart: The AI system will monitor how each student learns and where they struggle, offering more personalized support where it’s needed most. It’s like having a tutor available 24/7, with a focus on helping these students reach their full potential for one of the biggest exams of their lives.

Of course, not everyone’s convinced that this is the best way forward. While AI’s impact on industries like retail and entertainment has been pretty big, there’s a concern that it could take away jobs in education or lead students down the wrong path. This is at the heart of the debate about whether AI tutors could eventually replace human teachers in the classroom.

Are AI Tutors the Wave of the Future?

Let’s be clear: AI tutors could totally shake up how we think about learning. Imagine if we had had AI tutors back in the ’70s or ’90s when we were in school. Undoubtedly, many people would’ve been all over it if it was available back then. With technology like Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS), the way students engage with their studies is likely to change forever.

But, there’s a catch. Many teachers aren’t so sure about letting AI take over. One common concern is that AI tutors might not be able to provide the same depth and nuance that a real teacher can. There’s also the issue of balancing technology with the educational experience—many EdTech tools prioritize reaching as many students as possible, often at the cost of a truly meaningful learning experience.

How Can AI Tutors Benefit Students?

With an AI tutor, the learning never has to stop. If you have a question in the middle of the night or before a big test, the AI’s there to help—no matter the time. Sure, some teachers are available outside class hours, but there’s always the risk they might be busy with their own things. AI tutors? Always on.

Ever feel like you didn’t get enough one-on-one time with your teacher? AI tutors are perfect for this. Smaller class sizes can translate to more engaged students. They can adapt to each student’s learning style and needs, focusing on areas where you might be struggling. It’s like having a tutor who’s constantly tweaking their approach to help you out.

Learning by doing is often the best way to grasp something. AI tutors can create interactive lessons that let students see concepts in action. When combined with virtual reality (VR), this takes things to the next level—students can actually experience what they’re learning in a virtual environment.

Objections to AI Tutors From Educators

The big fear here is that AI could eventually replace teachers. We’ve seen this happen in other industries (like fast food), where jobs are automated, leaving workers out of a job. Educators aren’t too keen on the idea of being replaced, and they also worry about the quality of learning AI can provide.

One problem is that AI isn’t perfect—it’s still known to “hallucinate” and make up facts. If students get their information from an AI that’s not 100% accurate, they might be led down the wrong path. With so many people already concerned about the quality of their facts, this just makes it even harder to tell truth from fiction. AI is great, but it could be even better if it worked alongside teachers instead of replacing them.

AI Tutors: Helping, Not Replacing Teachers

The ideal scenario? AI tutors working alongside human teachers. Students get the benefit of always-available help, while teachers can step in when needed to clear up misunderstandings or offer more in-depth explanations. Plus, AI could help teachers by providing feedback on student performance and pointing out areas where students are struggling, making the whole teaching process more efficient.

AI excels at planning and scheduling, and it could be invaluable in putting together classroom timetables, and syllabus upgrades based on new information. It would be the perfect teaching assistant, with a bit of tweaking for individual teachers.

While AI can handle things like reviewing material and providing instant feedback, it doesn’t have the ability to gauge a student’s emotional state (yet) or adjust lessons based on classroom dynamics. Teachers still play a vital role in understanding their students as individuals, offering support, and adapting their approach when needed. Together, AI and teachers can create a more well-rounded learning experience, where the strengths of both work in harmony.

A Technology Forging a New Approach to Education

We’re definitely on the cusp of something big when it comes to AI in education. But will replacing teachers with AI tutors be the right move? Probably not. The experiment at David Game College is a good way to test how AI can fit into the classroom without replacing teachers completely, and I’ll be watching the long-term outcomes with interest.

With VR and AI working together, we might see a future where learning is more interactive, personalized, and efficient. Who knows? This might be the next big leap for education, just like the internet was back in the day.

Maybe one day, students will be jumping into virtual classrooms, just like in Ready Player One. The future of learning might just be here.