Duolingo’s founder and CEO, Luis von Ahn, has ignited controversy with his recent statements suggesting that AI should replace teachers because it teaches better than humans. However, he clarified that schools will still exist for childcare purposes.
Von Ahn’s comments came as part of Duolingo’s new AI-first strategy, which includes replacing contract employees with AI and using generative AI to develop new courses. The company’s announcements have been met with backlash from users, who have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media.
The controversy surrounding Duolingo’s AI strategy has raised questions about the role of AI in education. While AI has been used effectively in various educational contexts, experts argue that there’s no conclusive evidence to support the claim that AI can teach better than humans.
Expert Opinions on AI in Education
Matthew Guzdial, an assistant computing science professor at the University of Alberta, suggests that von Ahn’s claims should be viewed as a marketing statement rather than an informed opinion on education. Guzdial emphasized that AI can enhance learning but cannot fully replace human judgment and expertise.
Studies have shown that while AI can have positive applications in education, such as generating teaching videos and predicting student performance, it lacks the ability to fully internalize knowledge like humans do. Even ChatGPT, a prominent AI model, acknowledges that AI should be used in addition to teachers, not as a replacement.
The Future of Teaching and AI
Von Ahn argued that AI can provide individualized attention to students, something that human teachers cannot. However, experts point out that AI’s effectiveness in education is still a topic of debate, and more research is needed to understand its potential and limitations.
The discussion around AI in education is particularly relevant given the recent report that jobs traditionally done by women, such as teaching, are more vulnerable to the impact of artificial intelligence. As the education sector continues to navigate the integration of AI, it’s crucial to consider the complex implications of relying on technology in the classroom.
