A private school in London is launching the UK’s first classroom where artificial intelligence, rather than human teachers, will lead the instruction. The school claims this technology allows for highly personalized learning, though critics argue that AI-driven education could lead to a “soulless, bleak future.”
David Game College is set to begin its AI-led GCSE class for 20 students in September. These students will learn through a combination of AI platforms on their computers and virtual reality headsets. The AI adapts lesson plans based on each student’s strengths and weaknesses, customizing the curriculum to their needs. Stronger topics are pushed to the end of the term for revision, while weaker areas are addressed immediately.
Joseph, a GCSE student who has tested the system, said that while teachers might not always identify individual weaknesses, AI can pinpoint and help improve them.
The AI classroom won’t be entirely devoid of human presence; three “learning coaches” will be there to monitor behavior, provide support, and teach subjects that AI struggles with, such as art and sex education. Alexander Vansittart, a former Latin teacher who now works as a learning coach, is enthusiastic about the potential of AI to transform students’ lives.
However, the concept of AI-driven education is controversial. Chris McGovern, a retired head teacher and former advisor to the 10 Downing Street policy unit, acknowledges the role of AI in classrooms but believes this approach goes too far. He argues that relying solely on AI dehumanizes the learning process and diminishes interpersonal skills between students and teachers.
Despite concerns, artificial intelligence is already being used in classrooms across the UK, assisting with lesson planning and bringing subjects to life. The government recently announced a project to help teachers use AI more effectively by creating a bank of anonymized lesson plans to train AI models. However, at David Game College, AI is not just assisting; it’s taking the lead in education.
