In a significant shift in education, David Game College in London is launching the UK’s first “teacherless” classroom. This private school is using artificial intelligence (AI) to guide 20 GCSE students through their studies. These students will use a combination of AI platforms on their computers and virtual reality (VR) headsets, allowing them to learn at their own pace with lessons tailored to their individual needs.The AI systems monitor each student’s progress, identifying areas where they excel and where they need more help. This personalized approach means that students spend less time on topics they already understand and more time on subjects where they struggle. The aim is to create an adaptive learning environment where each student can thrive without the constraints of traditional classroom settings.The initiative, known as the Sabrewing Programme, is not entirely devoid of human interaction. Although AI handles most of the teaching, human learning coaches are available to monitor students’ progress, offer support, and teach subjects that AI systems currently struggle with, such as art. These coaches play a crucial role in ensuring that the students receive the necessary guidance and mentorship alongside their AI-driven education.John Dalton, co-principal of David Game College, believes that AI can achieve a level of precision and continuous evaluation that is difficult for human teachers to match. He argues that AI can pinpoint exactly why a student is not learning and adjust the lessons accordingly, something that human teachers, despite their best efforts, might miss.The use of AI in education is part of a broader trend supported by the UK government, which recently invested £4 million ($5.2 million USD) in generative AI tools to help teachers with lesson planning and grading. The government also released research highlighting the potential of AI to transform various aspects of education. However, the move towards AI-driven classrooms is not without controversy.Critics, such as Chris McGovern, a retired headteacher and former government advisor, warn that relying too heavily on technology could have negative consequences. McGovern argues that while AI can be a useful tool, it lacks the human touch that is essential for effective teaching. He worries that the overuse of AI could dehumanize the learning process, stripping away the interpersonal interactions that are vital for developing social skills and emotional intelligence in students.Despite these concerns, David Game College is pressing ahead with its innovative approach, seeing it as a potential model for the future of education. With tuition fees of around £27,000 ($35,000 USD) per year, the school is in a unique position to explore cutting-edge technologies that could redefine how students learn.As the Sabrewing Programme unfolds, it will be closely watched by educators and policymakers alike. The success or failure of this experiment could have far-reaching implications for the future of education, not just in the UK, but globally. Whether AI-driven classrooms will become the norm or remain a niche approach will depend on the outcomes of such pioneering initiatives.
AI Classrooms in UK Challenge Traditional Teaching
