In May 2025, Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn ignited controversy by suggesting that artificial intelligence could surpass human teachers in delivering personalized education. Speaking on the No Priors podcast, von Ahn asserted that AI’s scalability and precision make it a superior teaching tool, predicting a future where schools primarily serve as childcare centers while AI handles instruction. These remarks have drawn significant criticism from educators and the public, raising concerns about the implications of AI in education.
Von Ahn’s comments align with Duolingo’s recent shift towards an “AI-first” strategy, which includes plans to replace contract workers with AI systems and integrate AI into employee performance evaluations. He emphasized that AI can tailor lessons to individual students more effectively than traditional classroom settings, where a single teacher manages multiple learners. However, the backlash was swift, with critics accusing the CEO of undervaluing the human elements essential to education. In response, von Ahn clarified on LinkedIn that he does not foresee AI replacing human employees and that Duolingo continues to hire at its usual pace.
Educational experts have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of AI fully replacing teachers. Matthew Guzdial, an assistant professor at the University of Alberta, pointed out that while AI can assist in learning, it lacks the ability to inspire and provide the nuanced support that human educators offer. Furthermore, studies have shown that AI tools often require human oversight to ensure accuracy and effectiveness, particularly in complex learning environments.
The debate over AI’s role in education reflects broader concerns about technology’s impact on the workforce. While AI offers opportunities for personalized learning, it also poses risks of job displacement and the erosion of human-centric teaching methods. As AI continues to evolve, stakeholders in education must balance technological advancements with the irreplaceable value of human interaction in learning.
Ultimately, the integration of AI into education should aim to augment, not replace, the role of teachers. By leveraging AI’s capabilities to handle administrative tasks and provide supplemental instruction, educators can focus on fostering critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence among students. As the conversation around AI in education progresses, it is crucial to ensure that technology serves as a tool to enhance, rather than diminish, the human aspects of teaching.
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