Can the teacher shortage be solved with AI?

Over the past year, AI, especially ChatGPT, has become a hot topic in education. Our strategic director, Karel, explains: "Young people immediately saw the benefits of AI, particularly in making book reports and essays." AI allows tasks to be handled more efficiently. "If there's anywhere efficiency can be harvested, it's in schoolwork. So it's logical that they use those tools," says Dado.

However, AI is also seen as a threat to education. "Young people will no longer be able to think for themselves," is the concern. Dado illustrates this: "For example, if AI helps them structure stories, it can take away the learning opportunity." The question then arises to what extent students are still developing basic skills if they rely on technology.

Of course, the situation doesn't have to be so dramatic. "The calculator also changed the way we calculate," says Dado. "AI will evolve in a similar way. But we need to be aware of the skills that are becoming less important."

Dado also sees many opportunities for AI in education. Traditional education is often generic and not tailored to the individual needs of students. An AI tutor, working alongside the physical teacher, could perfectly assess what a child is good at and where they need extra help.

Today, AI is mostly used for simple problem solving, such as quickly generating text or answers. "The latest AI platforms will not only provide solutions, but also help students think and offer additional exercises. This shift could profoundly transform learning processes," Dado said.

With AI, we can not only alleviate the teacher shortage, but also improve the quality of education. A personalized learning experience with AI will allow students in the future to receive the specific attention and support they need.

Want even more insight into the impact of technology on the lives of Generation Alpha? Then be sure to listen to our podcast By Humans.

Listen to By Humans: episode 3