Why AI Might Be the Future of Teaching (But Schools Aren’t Going Anywhere)
Luis von Ahn, the CEO of Duolingo, recently made a bold statement: “AI is a better teacher than humans.” As the co-founder of one of the world’s most popular language-learning platforms—used by over 500 million people—von Ahn’s words carry weight. But he also added a caveat: Schools aren’t disappearing anytime soon, “because you still need childcare.”
This duality—AI’s potential to transform education while coexisting with traditional institutions—raises fascinating questions. How can technology reshape learning, and what unique value do human-centric spaces like schools still offer? Let’s unpack this.
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The Case for AI as a Superior Teacher
Von Ahn’s confidence in AI stems from its ability to address two critical flaws in traditional teaching: scalability and personalization. A human teacher, no matter how skilled, can’t tailor lessons to 30 students simultaneously. AI, however, thrives in this arena.
Take Duolingo’s own AI-powered features. The app analyzes user mistakes, adjusts difficulty in real time, and even predicts when someone might quit a lesson—then nudges them to keep going. This hyper-personalized approach ensures learners stay engaged and progress at their own pace. Human teachers, constrained by time and resources, struggle to replicate this level of individual attention.
AI also eliminates the “one-size-fits-all” problem. For example, a student struggling with verb conjugations in Spanish might get extra drills on that topic, while another breezing through vocabulary could skip ahead. Traditional classrooms often lack this flexibility, forcing everyone to follow the same curriculum, regardless of readiness.
Then there’s accessibility. AI platforms like Duolingo or Khan Academy’s AI tutor, Khanmigo, are available 24/7, breaking down barriers for learners in remote areas or those juggling work and family commitments. As von Ahn points out, “Not everyone has access to a great teacher, but everyone has a smartphone.”
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Why Schools Will Outlast the AI Revolution
If AI is so effective, why do schools still matter? Von Ahn’s blunt answer—childcare—hints at a deeper truth: Schools aren’t just about academics. They’re social ecosystems where kids learn collaboration, empathy, and resilience.
Consider a kindergarten classroom. Yes, children learn letters and numbers, but they’re also navigating friendships, sharing toys, and managing conflicts. These “soft skills” are hardwired into the school experience—and nearly impossible for AI to replicate. Even in higher grades, group projects, sports teams, and drama clubs foster teamwork and creativity in ways algorithms can’t mirror.
Schools also provide structure. For working parents, the school day offers a safe, supervised environment. As von Ahn joked, “If schools disappeared tomorrow, productivity would collapse because parents would have to stay home.” Beyond childcare, this structure helps students develop routines and accountability—traits that self-directed AI learning might not instill.
Then there’s the human touch. A great teacher does more than explain math formulas; they inspire curiosity, notice when a student is struggling emotionally, and offer mentorship. AI can simulate encouragement (Duolingo’s owl mascot guilt-tripping users into daily practice is a prime example), but it lacks genuine emotional intelligence. As one educator put it, “AI can teach you French. It can’t give you a high-five when you finally nail the subjunctive tense.”
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The Hybrid Future of Education
The real opportunity lies in blending AI’s efficiency with human educators’ strengths. Imagine classrooms where AI handles repetitive tasks—grading quizzes, generating practice problems, or identifying knowledge gaps—while teachers focus on mentorship, critical thinking exercises, and fostering creativity.
This hybrid model is already taking shape. Tools like ChatGPT are being used to draft lesson plans, freeing teachers to spend more time interacting with students. Meanwhile, AI tutors provide after-school support, ensuring no child falls behind. Duolingo’s own foray into classrooms includes a pilot program where teachers use AI-generated insights to customize lessons.
Critics argue that over-reliance on AI could devalue the teaching profession. But von Ahn disagrees: “The role of teachers will evolve, not diminish.” Instead of lecturing for hours, educators might become facilitators, guiding students through projects that apply AI-taught concepts in real-world contexts—like designing a sustainable city using geometry and environmental science.
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The Bigger Picture: Education as a Social Equalizer
Von Ahn’s vision highlights AI’s potential to democratize education. In regions with teacher shortages or underfunded schools, AI-powered tools could bridge gaps, offering high-quality instruction to anyone with an internet connection. This aligns with Duolingo’s mission to make education “free and accessible to all.”
Yet access remains a hurdle. While 67% of the global population uses smartphones, disparities in internet connectivity and device quality persist. For AI to truly level the playing field, governments and tech companies must collaborate on infrastructure investments.
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Final Thoughts
The debate isn’t about AI versus teachers—it’s about redefining how both can coexist. AI excels at personalization, scalability, and accessibility, making it a powerful tool for standardized learning. But schools fulfill irreplaceable social and emotional needs, from childcare to community-building.
As von Ahn’s comments suggest, the future of education isn’t a dystopian replacement of humans by machines. It’s a partnership—one where AI handles the grind of drills and data, while humans focus on what they do best: nurturing curiosity, sparking joy, and preparing students not just for tests, but for life.
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