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The role of AI in education: enhancing, not replacing, human teaching

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All development needs to be looked at around how we can harness the opportunities it brings whilst also limiting the risks and ensuring that the users are safe.

Is AI safe?

Science fiction has a lot to answer for when it comes to shaping our views on emerging technologies like AI. Popular culture often portrays AI as a threat, leading to misunderstanding about what AI actually is and what it’s capable of. The truth is, AI — like any other technology — is only as dangerous as the person developing and instructing it. While there have been concerns about unethical uses of AI, such as deepfakes, these issues reflect the intentions of the humans behind the technology, not AI itself.

Currently, AI is not capable of independent learning or decision-making. Much like how a toaster is designed to make toast but can’t whip up an omelette, AI can only do what it has been programmed to do.  One of the most important roles that education can play is teaching students about AI, how it works, what are its flaws, why you can’t rely on everything it outputs.  The more they understand, the safer they will be.

AI as a teaching assistant

One of the most promising aspects of AI in education is its ability to support teachers by automating some of the more time-consuming tasks. Marking, tracking student progress, and even providing initial feedback on assignments are tasks that AI can handle efficiently, allowing teachers to focus on more nuanced aspects of instruction.

This doesn’t mean AI will ever replace the insight or emotional intelligence that only a human teacher can bring to the classroom. Instead, AI can act as a powerful assistant, freeing up valuable time for teachers to do what they do best: inspire and engage students.

A good friend of mine put it simply: think of your day to day routine. What could AI do for you? What couldn’t it do?  By getting AI to help, you give yourself more time to do the aspects only you can.

Enhancing personalised learning

AI also offers exciting possibilities for personalising education. By analysing data on how students perform on tests and interact with learning materials, AI can recommend targeted resources and tailor the learning experience to individual needs.

This level of personalisation can help students who may struggle in a traditional classroom setting, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive.

Reducing teacher workloads

The teaching profession is often associated with long hours and significant workloads, and AI can play a role in alleviating some of this pressure. By automating administrative tasks like attendance, scheduling, and marking, AI allows teachers to focus on planning engaging lessons and spending quality time with their students.

This balance between AI and human input ensures that teachers can maintain their well-being while continuing to deliver high-quality education.

The importance of human teachers

Despite the benefits that AI brings to education, the role of the human teacher remains irreplaceable. Education is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about building relationships, fostering curiosity, and supporting students emotionally. No matter how advanced AI becomes, it cannot replicate the empathy, understanding, and mentorship that only a human teacher can provide.

At TLC LIVE Online Tutoring, we pride ourselves on the human touch that our tutors bring to every lesson. Our teachers inspire, motivate, and guide students to success and this won’t change.

AI in education is not about replacing teachers but about empowering them to be even more effective. By reducing workloads and providing personalised learning insights, AI can help both teachers and students achieve better outcomes. At TLC LIVE, we are excited about the potential AI holds to support our teachers and enhance the learning experiences we provide.

Ultimately, the future of education lies in a balanced partnership between technology and human expertise. Together, we can ensure that every student receives the guidance, support, and inspiration they need to succeed.

By Josh Blackburn, COO,  TLC LIVE Online Tutoring