UK School Launches Pioneering AI Classroom Pilot Program

A school in the UK is experimenting with an AI system to teach core subjects like English and mathematics, sparking widespread discussion within the educational community. According to a report from the Daily Mail, the innovative pilot program is being implemented at David Game College in London. Instead of traditional classroom teaching by formal educators, students engage with the AI system through laptops to learn these subjects. However, real teaching assistants will still be present to maintain order in the classroom.

Dalton, the principal of the school, describes the initiative—dubbed "Project Hummingbird"—as a significant leap forward in education. He believes that AI teachers can more effectively identify students’ weaknesses in STEM subjects and provide targeted guidance for academic improvement. This teaching approach will even be continued to help students prepare for the UK’s General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams. However, AI instruction will not extend to art or sex education courses.

The pilot has received criticism, notably from a group called the "Real Education Movement." Its representative, McGovern, expressed that while he does not oppose the use of AI to assist teachers, he feels that human educators are better equipped to understand and respond to students' emotions. He cautioned that replacing teachers with machines could negatively impact students' mental health. In response, Dalton emphasized that his goal in introducing AI is not to replace teachers but to enhance the educational experience. The Daily Mail reports that many educators in the UK are already using AI to create teaching materials, illustrate concepts, and grade assignments, allowing for more face-to-face time with students.