Since I last reflected on my bumpy critical inquiry road in the unit 2 blog, I recently landed in a rabbit hole worth sharing. To start, I purchased a book called The AI Roadmap: Human Learning in the Age of Smart Machines by Dr. John Spencer (2023). As I am trying to navigate the AI road within my college community, the title with ‘roadmap’ in mind immediately piqued my interest. The content challenged me to think critically about AI with my favourite subjects, such as project-based learning and assessment practices.
As I researched my topic of AI-enabled tutors, I also discovered Dr. Spencer’s website, which includes AI podcasts and articles. Dr. Spencer is a former middle school teacher, current professor, and author who shares his journey for innovation in education. For instance, Dr. Spencer highlighted Why AI Can’t Replace Teachers. I spent several hours reading all the intriguing resources as I was drawn to his easy style of explaining concepts. For example, “Personalized learning is human-driven. The AI is merely a tool” (Spencer, 2023, p. 155). Dr. Spencer further distinguished between personalized learning and adaptive learning, which had previously perplexed me before I had landed in this rabbit hole of inquiry.
I also would like to share that while listening to an AVID Open Access podcast on Human Learning in the Age of Smart Machines with Dr. Spencer, I found another topic that may interest you on this podcast platform. The podcast is called MagicSchool, an AI Tool for Educators. It discusses MagicSchool, an AI tool designed to support educators by providing personalized feedback, analyzing learning patterns, and offering tailored recommendations. I have colleagues signing up for the free trial on the MagicSchool website as they enjoy the extra tutoring assistance for themselves as educators.
If you have time to delve into these resources, I would like to learn your thoughts and insights before this inquiry road ends. Thanks!
Reference
Spencer, J. (2023). The AI roadmap: Human learning in the age of smart machines. Blend Education Publishing.
Matt
Thanks for the link to Spencer’s blog about why ai won’t replace teachers. Despite his nostalgic references to things like musical instruments, hardcover books, and the “lo-fi” experiences of previous generations, he is not simply an old timer yearning for the past. His core argument is about the irreplaceable value of human elements such as: context, divergent thinking, curiosity, and empathy in the learning process – qualities he believes AIs fundamentally lack. And while that’s currently true, do we think it will be this way forever?
Where I think the author may miss the mark is in fully appreciating how the current generation of K-12 students has been shaped by growing up in a digital world from birth. While he celebrates making art with spray paint in the garage, today’s students are just as likely to find creative expression through digital media, online communities, and technology tools.
The author rightly points out that learning is about more than just content delivery, but I question the statement ““Personalized learning is human-driven. The AI is merely a tool” (Spencer, 2023, p. 155)”. I think many of us underestimate how fluent modern students are in using technology for creative self-expression, exploration of interests, and self-directed learning – elements that align with his advocacy for student voice, choice, and authentic learning experiences.
So I guess my question is: once AIs understand and can demonstrate context and empathy, what’s left for the human teacher?
Brenna
Learning, fundamentally, is relational, which I think is a key component that is missing from a lot of AI hype at the moment. Especially as we enter this interesting moment of model collapse with many of the most popular tools, this gulf between output and expectation is emerging — it will be interesting to see if the space between is bridged or if we just learn to accept lower quality outputs as good enough. The latter is what worries me, especially for cash-strapped public institutions.
MagicSchool is interesting — what I am curious about is the value-add over using a straightforward AI engine, though I suppose the prompting support is the key. I confess I was a little disheartened to see the reference letter generator!
Marni Russell
Hi Brenna and Matt,
I agree with Brenna about learning being fundamentally relational. Therefore, to envision AI being completely empathetic in nature is difficult for me. At this point, I’ll need to see it to believe it.
I know your question was about the future, Matt. Since I don’t know the answer, I tried out Copilot and encountered this response about AI being “unlikely” to replace teachers:
You
Will AI replace teachers
Copilot
In the context of education, AI is unlikely to fully replace teachers. While AI can enhance teaching processes, foster personalized learning, and streamline administrative tasks, the human element remains essential for emotional intelligence, empathy, and meaningful student-teacher relationships. Teachers and AI can collaborate effectively to create a harmonious educational environment. 🌟📚🤖
—
I was relieved to see that AI was not overconfident about its abilities in the response. Thanks for this engaging dialogue.
Cheers,
~M
Radhika
I’m really impressed by how you’ve dived into Dr. John Spencer’s work and all the resources he offers; it sounds like a really interesting resource to keep exploring. It’s awesome how you’re exploring his book, website, and podcasts to understand AI in education better. Have you come across any ideas or concepts from his stuff that really clicked with you or made you think differently? How do you think this understanding will change how bringing AI tutoring tools into our educational communities? Also, thanks for sharing about the MagicSchool podcast and that AI tool for educators—it sounds super handy.
– Radhika.A