Can AI Tutors Replace Teachers? Here's What Experts Say
AI tools help teachers streamline tasks but fall short in building meaningful student relationships.
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AI is coming to classrooms—In fact, last week, Morehouse College just introduced AI-powered teaching assistance for improved student support. Even resembling teachers themselves, experts now voice the most pressing question: can AI replace them?
Now, the support means that educators can use the ability to manage digital content while working with their students; for example, if a student asks whether any animals don't need water, teachers illustrate the answer within seconds. Students are reportedly more comfortable as well, due to a lack of perceived judgment, and they can access help in and out of school.
However, The Hechinger Report shared that while AI can assist with tasks, its ability to engage and motivate students falls short compared to human teachers.
In fact, AI fails in its attempt to create student motivation and interest—the very elements of learning itself. Meaning, it will answer questions or create quizzes but will not make the personal connection and offer encouragement that the human teacher does.
Read Also: Why Higher Education Must Equip Future Graduates to Learn and Control AI's Expanding Impact
Experts on AI Tutors
Experts have a common consensus that AI works well with complement rather than replacement. For instance, Merlyn Mind's assistant allows teachers to focus on their students instead of staying in front of computers.
Other AI tools allow the teachers to auto-perform repetition and then aid them in involving as many students as possible more effectively in a class. Per The Hechinger Report, some provide step-by-step assistance to students through problems as well as encouragement and tailored feedback.
While other also used AI to give tutors feedback about how to ask better questions, thus increasing student engagement. These are examples that show AI can support human efforts but not replace the human connection necessary for learning.
A key challenge is whether students will truly engage with AI tools over time. Unlike human tutors, AI lacks genuine care or investment in student success. Studies show that strong student-tutor relationships significantly impact learning outcomes, which AI cannot replicate.
Looking forward, the role of AI in education is expected to grow, especially as emotionally intelligent AI advances. These tools may analyze tone and facial expressions to respond empathetically, but they will still lack the authenticity of human interaction. Experts emphasize that no matter how sophisticated AI becomes, it will never genuinely care about students' success.
