AI as the Ultimate Teacher? Why Schools Aren’t Going Anywhere
Luis von Ahn, the co-founder and CEO of language-learning app Duolingo, recently made a provocative claim: Artificial intelligence is better at teaching than humans. But don’t expect schools to vanish anytime soon, he adds. Why? “Because you still need childcare.”
This statement, made during a recent interview, has reignited debates about the role of technology in education. While AI-driven platforms like Duolingo demonstrate remarkable efficiency in teaching skills like language acquisition, von Ahn argues that schools serve a broader societal purpose beyond academics. Let’s unpack this idea and explore what it means for the future of learning.
The Case for AI as a Super-Teacher
Duolingo’s success—boasting over 500 million users globally—rests largely on its AI-powered adaptive learning system. The app analyzes user behavior, identifies weaknesses, and tailors lessons in real time. Unlike a human teacher managing a classroom of 30 students, AI doesn’t get tired, frustrated, or distracted. It personalizes instruction at scale, something even the most dedicated educators struggle to achieve.
“A human teacher can’t adjust to every student’s pace simultaneously,” von Ahn explains. “But an AI can. It knows exactly when you’re struggling with verb conjugations or pronunciation and adjusts the lesson before you get discouraged.” Studies back this up: Research shows that students using AI tutors often master subjects faster than those relying solely on traditional methods.
AI also eliminates the “one-size-fits-all” problem. For instance, a shy student might avoid asking questions in class for fear of judgment. An AI tutor, however, provides a pressure-free environment to make mistakes and learn from them. Platforms like Khan Academy and Quizlet already use similar technology to fill gaps in classroom learning, offering 24/7 support that human teachers simply can’t match.
The Unlikely Survival of Schools: It’s Not Just About Learning
Despite AI’s advantages, von Ahn believes schools will persist—not because they’re irreplaceable educators, but because they fulfill critical social functions. “Schools are where kids learn to interact, collaborate, and navigate relationships,” he says. “They’re also where working parents send their children during the day.”
This childcare argument is more consequential than it sounds. In most societies, schools act as de facto childcare centers, enabling parents to participate in the workforce. Even if AI could theoretically teach children at home, the economic and logistical challenges of replacing school-based childcare are staggering. Who would supervise kids while parents work? How would communities replicate the social infrastructure schools provide?
Moreover, schools teach “soft skills” that AI struggles to address. Team projects, sports, and classroom debates foster empathy, leadership, and conflict resolution—abilities that machines can’t easily model. As Dr. Karen Harris, an education researcher at Stanford University, notes, “Human interaction is messy, but that messiness is where growth happens. AI can’t replicate the nuance of a teacher spotting a student’s anxiety or mediating a playground disagreement.”
The Hybrid Future: AI as a Classroom Sidekick
Rather than replacing schools, AI is poised to augment them. Imagine a classroom where teachers use AI tools to automate grading, track student progress, and design customized lesson plans. This would free educators to focus on mentorship, creativity, and emotional support—areas where humans excel.
Duolingo itself is experimenting with this model. Many teachers now assign the app as homework, using its data to identify struggling students before they fall behind. “AI handles the drills; teachers handle the inspiration,” von Ahn says. This division of labor leverages technology’s efficiency while preserving the human touch that motivates learners.
Critics, however, warn of overreliance on AI. Dr. Michael Sandel, a Harvard philosopher, cautions that “outsourcing education to algorithms risks reducing learning to a transactional process. Great teaching isn’t just about transmitting facts—it’s about sparking curiosity and ethical reasoning.”
The Bottom Line
Luis von Ahn’s comments highlight a paradox: AI may outperform humans in teaching specific skills, yet schools remain indispensable as social institutions. The challenge lies in integrating technology without losing sight of what makes education meaningful.
As AI continues to evolve, the ideal education system might resemble a symphony—where AI handles the technical precision (like tuning instruments), while teachers conduct the orchestra, shaping the overall experience. And yes, schools will keep their doors open, if only to ensure working parents have somewhere to send their kids at 8 a.m.
In the end, the debate isn’t about humans versus machines. It’s about how to harmonize their strengths to create a future where learning is personalized, inclusive, and distinctly human.
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