Will AI replace teachers?

Recently AI has exploded on the technology scene and everyone in education is using it, even students. So, the question being asked is, will AI replace teachers one day? The short answer is no for several reasons.

First and foremost AI cannot reproduce human interactions, emotions, support, or discipline. No matter how much information AI can give, research, or find on the internet or produce, computers cannot replace what an actual human being can do. Teachers are facilitators, parents, support figure, and counselors. The role a teacher plays in the classroom is crucial and valuable. They build interpersonal skills within students, break up fights (if there is one), and teach fundamental skills that student's don't learn on their own. As educator know, students are not organized and focuses. Some classes I spend more time getting my students back on task then I do my lesson. So imagine an AI program trying to get students to focus.

While the education system is changing and becoming more digital based, computers cannot replace what humans need the most.... connections. We often hear stories about teachers who inspired students, believed in them and helped them to succeed. These are things that computers cannot achieve. Human connections is the one of the more important things other humans need. We crave it.

AI is capable of gathering information across the web, showing students how to draw blood while wearing an oculus, or even helping give ideas for topics to write about. Like most technology there is a good side to it and a bad side. Depending on your intentions and how you plan to use it determines on which path you go. However, it is possible to use it to better yourself. There are several sites teachers use to help write lesson plans and that has been a game changer. I recently found one from a teacher within our district and it really helped to get the creative juices flowing.

So, will AI replace teachers? No, no it won't. Teachers are still needed to build classroom culture, a shoulder to cry on for students who need a listening ear, the connection we build from human to human with all of our little quirkiness. Building those bonds is the tie that binds us. Whether good or bad, it's what builds those connections.

Reference:

Havey, J. and Simoudis, H. (February 15, 2024). Will AI Replace Teachers? The Future of Education. eLearning Partners. https://www.e-learningpartners.com/blog/will-ai replace-teachers-the-future-of-education