UK School Replaces Human Instructors with Artificial Intelligence (AI)

A private school in London is set to make history by opening the UK’s first classroom where artificial intelligence (AI) takes the lead in teaching, replacing human instructors. This pioneering initiative, which promises personalized and precise learning experiences, has sparked debate, with some hailing it as a breakthrough in education and others warning of a “soulless, bleak future.”

David Game College, located in London, is launching this innovative AI-driven course for 20 GCSE students in September. The students will rely on a combination of AI platforms on their computers and virtual reality headsets to facilitate their learning.

These AI systems are designed to adapt to each student’s strengths and weaknesses. By analyzing individual performance, the platforms tailor lesson plans throughout the term, prioritizing weaker topics early on and scheduling stronger subjects for later revision. This bespoke approach aims to optimize each student’s learning journey.

AI offers a level of precision, accuracy, and continuous evaluation that is hard to match. If you really want to understand why a child is struggling, AI can pinpoint that more effectively.

How much does it cost?

The students enrolled in this course will pay approximately £27,000 per year. One student, Joseph, who has been testing the AI system, expressed his enthusiasm: “A teacher doesn’t really know your flaws because he has so many students. The AI, however, can figure out your weaknesses and help you improve.”

While the AI will lead the learning, students won’t be left entirely on their own. Three “learning coaches” will be present in the classroom to monitor behaviour, offer support, and teach subjects where AI currently falls short, such as art and sex education. One of these coaches, Alexander Vansittart, a former Latin teacher, believes the AI-driven approach has the potential to transform lives.

However, the introduction of AI as the primary educator has stirred controversy. Chris McGovern, a retired headteacher and former advisor to 10 Downing Street’s policy unit, voiced his concerns. He acknowledged that AI has a role in classrooms but argued that relying on it entirely is a step too far. “The problem with AI is that it dehumanizes the learning process, removing the interpersonal skills and interaction between pupils and teachers. It’s a soulless, bleak future if education follows only the AI path,” he warned.

Artificial intelligence is already being integrated into classrooms across the UK, assisting with lesson plans and bringing subjects to life. Just recently, the government announced a new project to help teachers use AI more effectively, with anonymized lesson plans and curriculums being used to train educational AI models.

Stephen Morgan, the minister for early education, emphasized the potential of AI when used responsibly: “Artificial intelligence, when made safe and dependable, offers an exciting chance to support school leaders and teachers in managing classroom dynamics”

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