AI Replaces Human Teacher in First Virtual Classroom
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - A new educational program has introduced AI as the primary instructor in a groundbreaking virtual classroom, marking a significant shift from traditional teaching methods.
David Game College, a private institution in London, has introduced the UK's first AI-taught classroom under its new Sabrewing program, according to TechRadar.
This initiative marks a significant shift in education, with 20 GCSE students participating in an experiment where AI platforms and virtual reality headsets replace traditional human teachers.
The Sabrewing AI model, named after the Sabrewing hummingbird to signify speed and flexibility, is designed to personalize learning.
It assesses each student's strengths and weaknesses, tailoring lesson plans accordingly.
The goal is to focus more on areas where students need improvement while incorporating their strengths later on, with the aim of enhancing overall academic performance.
Despite the AI-driven approach, students at David Game College, whose families pay approximately £27,000 per year, will still have access to human educators.
Three "learning coaches" are present to monitor behavior, support lesson plans, and teach subjects where AI is not yet proficient, such as art and sex education.
"The Sabrewing programme is fascinating," said Rudolf Eliott Lockhart, Chief Executive of the Independent Schools Association, in a statement.
"Using AI to drive an adaptive learning approach has the potential to be a real game-changer, and at David Game College, they are looking to underpin this innovative approach with serious educational expertise."
This move by David Game College is part of a broader trend in educational AI.
Arizona State University (ASU) has also embraced generative AI, integrating ChatGPT into various academic roles.
ASU's collaboration with OpenAI has led to a version of the chatbot that assists students in numerous ways, from composing academic papers to simulating patients for healthcare students and aiding in research design and recruitment.
ASU's administration believes that AI's ability to cater to individual student needs will eventually prove beneficial in tests and other academic metrics.
However, the reliance on AI in education raises questions about its effectiveness and the potential loss of social and emotional development that human teachers provide as role models and mentors.
Nevertheless, if the AI class experiment at David Game College proves successful, similar models are likely to be rapidly adopted elsewhere.