Artificial intelligence, or AI, has become a powerful source of information in recent years. AI is similar to the human mind: it can problem solve, find answers to problems, be creative, and analyze data.
In recent years, newer inventions have been created using AI. Websites like ChatGPT exist where people can find any information or image they want by asking. Self-driving cars also exist, using AI like Waymo.
Some schools in America, like Alpha School, are fully AI. Mackenzie Price, who is an influencer and co-founded Alpha School, believes that these schools are our future. They can be found in many different states like California, Texas, Arizona, North Carolina, and New York. They are growing rapidly.
Alpha School has two hours of learning core classes like math, English, science, and history through advanced technologies. This allows students to work at their own pace. A second grade student at Alpha School states that he is able to learn third and fourth grade material since he can work at his own pace.
Ella Bouyea, who is a sophomore at Carolina Forest High School (CFHS), was asked if she thinks other peers hold her up/distract her during class and if so, would you think teaching yourself using AI will help you go at your pace?
Bouyea stated, “I think they do district me a little bit during class, but I think that adds just to the friendly environment and helps me get back into focus and not just be bored like I would be with an AI school.”
After the academics, the students learn life skills by working with each other. They use creativity, problem solving and communication skills to complete fun activities. For example, students have created entire dirt bikes during this workshop time.
Instead of teachers in this situation, the adults in the room are called “guides.” The creators of Alpha School believe that when it’s not like the normal and traditional student-teacher relationship, the guides can be more motivational and have emotional support for their students.
Bouyea shared she would not feel comfortable with a guide.
“I like having a teacher that can explain things to me fully. AI is just bad for the environment, so I don’t think it’d be worth it if I’m not going to fully understand the concept.”
An article by the New York Times states, “The A.I.-led lessons free up guides to focus on motivating students instead of on time-intensive tasks like lesson planning and grading…”
Brogan Will, a teacher at CFHS, disagrees, “Consider the image in a mirror: we can look at our reflection, but the mirror itself cannot see. AI functions in a similar manner—it reflects the knowledge, intentions, and creativity of the one who uses it, but it does not generate purpose or meaning on its own. This distinction is especially important in education. An AI-generated lesson is only as strong and thoughtful as the educator who shapes it. Teachers who lean on AI as a substitute for their own responsibility risk shortchanging their students, reducing education to something mechanical and shallow. But those who approach AI as a supportive instrument—one that enhances rather than replaces their craft—will continue to foster genuine learning and deeper understanding in their classrooms,” commented Will.
NextGen Academy, which is located in Austin, Texas, is another great example of an AI-led school that follows a similar plan. They have two hours of learning core classes; then students focus on video gaming.
There are benefits to these AI-led schools and to AI in general; it just has to be utilized in the correct way. People use it as a tool to enhance their original work. If you are stuck on a problem or many sentences don’t sound right, AI could help make it better. A wrong way to use it is when a person copies from AI and uses it as their own work; this is considered plagiarism.
Since it is a newer technology, there are flaws seen in AI. Problems that these students could face are things like trusting solely on AI instead of checking for credibility from other sources as well. AI has also been known to show a lack of common sense.
Since AI is such a popular tool and is rapidly growing, will it take over classrooms in 20 years?
Will replied, “The philosopher René Descartes famously said, ‘I think, therefore I am.’ His words remind us that consciousness and agency lie within the thinker, not in the tools or reflections around them. In much the same way, artificial intelligence only carries the power and direction that we, as human beings, choose to give it. If we misuse or abuse this tool, the consequences will reflect that misuse. If we choose instead to guide and restrain it with wisdom, then its impact will remain within our control.”
AI-led schools are becoming more and more popular across America, but many argue the positive and negative effects. As these schools continue to grow, our society needs to consider how AI will shape the future of learning.
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