The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought about major changes in various fields, including education. Since the advent of AI in the early 20th century, the technology has rapidly evolved with the ability to mimic various aspects of human intelligence. Rapid developments in computing and hardware have further strengthened AI's potential to support, even replace, some traditional roles in everyday life. But can AI really replace the role of a teacher in the classroom?
AI Capabilities and Roles in Education
Essentially, AI can help simplify the teaching and learning process in schools and colleges. AI can be accessed anytime and provides abundant learning resources through virtual classrooms. This offers the advantage of 24-hour access for students, without being limited by time and place. AI is also able to tailor learning materials to individual needs based on data, referred to as adaptive learning.
In a survey conducted by Tirto with Jakpat in May 2024, it was seen that 86.21 percent of students aged 15-21 at the high school and college level have used AI to complete assignments at least once a month. This shows that AI is already widely used among students, especially to help with the technical aspects of assignments. AI can offer quick answers, automated analysis, and error-correction in school assignments. AI can offer quick answers, automatic analysis, and error-correction in schoolwork. In this context, AI clearly provides practical benefits to students in improving their learning efficiency
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
While AI offers many conveniences, there is one important thing that cannot be ignored, human interaction. Teachers are not only the deliverers of learning materials, but also mentors, motivators, and figures who provide emotional support for students. AI, although sophisticated, cannot fully replicate the depth and nuance of interaction that a teacher brings to guiding students. The learning process is not just about knowledge transfer, but also about building social relationships, empathy, and communication, aspects that technology is currently still struggling to replicate.
AI may be helpful in simplifying administrative tasks, such as automated grading, but effective teaching involves more than just imparting knowledge. Teachers have the ability to read emotions, understand students' difficulties more deeply, and provide moral guidance-things that AI cannot do. For example, in situations where a student is frustrated or demotivated, the presence of a teacher who can provide mental encouragement is invaluable and has a huge effect on the student's mental and emotional development.
Collaboration, Not Replacement
AI should not be seen as a replacement for teachers, but rather as a support tool in the education process. AI can take over more routine tasks, such as creating test questions, grading answers, or providing additional practice automatically, allowing teachers to focus on the more complex and personalized aspects of education. The presence of AI in the classroom can create a more efficient learning environment, where teachers and students can utilize this technology to improve the quality of learning.
Teachers and AI can work synergistically: AI handles the administrative and data management aspects, while teachers focus on more personalized teaching, cultivating character, and building social relationships with students. In this model, AI is not a competitor, but a partner that helps teachers perform their duties more effectively and efficiently.