AI to replace teachers: Pilot project launched at London school

Artificial intelligence will change the world of work and will probably cost some employees their current jobs. Teachers could also be affected. At a British college, students will only be taught by ChatGPT and Co. from September onwards.

Artificial intelligence is changing the job market

In the coming years, many employees could lose their jobs and be replaced by artificial intelligence. The IMF is predicting an AI “tsunami” that will overwhelm the world of work. In Germany, too, it is estimated that around a third of all jobs will be at risk in the next 15 to 20 years.

AI teaches students in England

In England, in a way, it is already that far. At David Game College in London, a middle school class will be taught by AI programs from September onwards in subjects such as mathematics, biology or computer science instead of teachers. In this way, the 15-year-old students will be prepared for the GCSE exam, which roughly corresponds to the German secondary school leaving certificate or intermediate school leaving certificate, for a year using ChatGPT and Co. Infographic Working world: Where AI is most widespread However, this solution is also due to an acute shortage of teachers.

However, John Dalton, the school’s director, emphasizes the advantages of AI. The students would “benefit enormously from AI-supported, adaptive learning.” For most, the pace of the class is either too slow or too fast. It would also be easier to ask questions of an AI instead of a teacher and in front of all the classmates. “The system does not judge the students. Instead, it allows them to learn at their own pace in a safe environment,” said Dalton.

AI is not (yet) an adequate replacement

Hadida Grabow, director of the educational consultancy Higher Learning Group, told Business Insider However, AI can be a useful addition to learning. However, it cannot completely replace a good teacher. The technology is simply not ready yet, says Grabow.

One of the dangers of generative artificial intelligence is so-called hallucinations. This term describes the fact that chatbots, for example, provide false information that appears to be completely made up. With an AI that teaches students, this would certainly be more problematic than if Grok on X spreads strange sports news. How successful the pilot project at the British school is will be shown next year at the latest, when the results of the GCSE exam are known.

If the AI ​​fails, unfortunately the students will be the ones to suffer. At least they have three “learning coaches” at their disposal during the year. The students can make use of them, but they don’t have to. How do you see the whole thing? Can AI adequately replace a teacher? If not, which aspects cannot be covered by chatbots etc.?