David Game College in London is set to open the UK's first "teacherless" classroom this September. This innovative approach will see 20 GCSE students learning through advanced artificial intelligence (AI) platforms and virtual reality headsets, rather than traditional human teachers.
The AI systems are designed to tailor lesson plans to each student's strengths and weaknesses. As John Dalton, co-principal of David Game College, explains, "There are many excellent teachers out there but we're all fallible. I think it's very difficult to achieve [AI's] level of precision and accuracy and also that continuous evaluation."
Students like Joseph, who has been testing the system, appreciate the personalized attention. "A teacher doesn't really know your flaws because he has so many students," he said. "So he doesn’t know your flaws while the AI will figure out what your flaws are and help you improve."
Despite the high-tech setup, students won't be left entirely on their own. Three "learning coaches" will be present to monitor behavior and provide support, especially in subjects where AI currently struggles, such as art and sex education. Alexander Vansittart, a former Latin teacher, has joined the college as a learning coach. "I got really excited about what this could do for young people, how it could help them change their lives," he said.
However, not everyone is convinced. Chris McGovern, a retired head teacher and former advisor to the policy unit at 10 Downing Street, warns that relying too heavily on AI could lead to a "soulless, bleak future." He argues that the lack of human interaction could dehumanize the learning process.
The cost of this cutting-edge education is steep, with each student paying around £27,000 a year. Yet, the school insists that this approach is not cheaper than traditional teaching methods, as they have hired additional personnel to run the course.
As AI continues to make strides in various sectors, its role in education remains a topic of heated debate. While some see it as a tool for precise, bespoke learning, others fear it may strip away the essential human elements of teaching and mentorship.
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