With AI being the talk of the town, its role in the education industry remains a topic of debate. In this opinion article, Dr. Suchi Dubey, Head of the BBA Program at Symbiosis Dubai, discusses whether AI can replace teachers.

In a world where students can have personalized, tireless tutors available around the clock, the dream of enhanced learning seems closer than ever. However, this idea raises a concern: Could such assistance turn into an overwhelming experience? As artificial intelligence transforms education, it presents a paradox where the benefits of efficiency and innovation may come at the cost of the human connection that is so vital in teaching. While AI tools can enhance learning, they lack the warmth, empathy, and inspiration found in human educators, leading to the pressing question of whether AI can truly fill the unique role that only a human teacher can fulfill.

Imagine the following scenario:

Aditi is a dedicated undergraduate finance student with a strong interest in financial mathematics. She initially enjoyed practicing with AI-based workbooks, which were designed to adapt to individual learning needs and allowed her to refine her skills at her own pace. At first, Aditi was highly motivated by the dynamic challenges presented by the system. 

However, as time went on, the algorithm's relentless increase in difficulty began to overwhelm her. Mistakes resulted in the need for extra practice sets, and the automated progression became a source of frustration. What was once a motivating tool turned into a monotonous and anxiety-inducing routine. Have you ever experienced this? We may come across many individuals like Aditi—some thrive happily with AI, while others feel overwhelmed by its challenges. This raises the question: Can AI ever truly replace teachers?

Historically, teachers were revered as custodians of knowledge, with a mission that extended beyond mere education to develop well-rounded individuals. They taught across disciplines while imparting essential human values, fostering emotional intelligence and social awareness. 

These educators served as Moral Architects, responsible for instilling strong moral values through education and equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for their time, ensuring they stayed ahead of the learning curve. If you're reading this article, it's likely that you've never encountered these Moral Architects, as I am referring to an era long gone. However, it is important to reflect on the evolution of teachers, who have transitioned from the role of "sage on the stage" to their modern responsibilities.

The second turn of the wheel occurred in the pre-digital era, during which teachers took on the role of Scholarly Guides. They acted as subject-matter experts and gateways to knowledge, relying on traditional resources such as textbooks, encyclopedias, academic journals, and their own accumulated expertise. This approach allowed them to deliver comprehensive, accurate, and contextually rich education that was carefully tailored to meet the needs of their students.

With the rise of the internet and the rapid advancements in AI, the role of teachers has undergone a remarkable transformation. Initially viewed as Moral Architects who nurtured values and wisdom, teachers have evolved into Scholarly Guides, focusing on imparting deep subject knowledge. Today, they are stepping into the role of Learning Architects, designing and facilitating transformative educational experiences.

According to Statista Market Insights, the global online education market is projected to reach $203.8 billion by 2025, with user penetration expected to increase to 50.2 million by 2029. Additionally, Grand View Research estimates that AI in the education market, valued at $5.88 billion in 2024, will experience a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.2% from 2025 to 2030. These advancements demonstrate that AI is a powerful tool for enhancing education. However, as remarkable as AI-based learning is, it lacks the essential elements that make human teaching irreplaceable: empathy, encouragement, and the ability to inspire.

Humans are inherently social beings, seeking meaningful interactions and emotional support. The strength of modern educators lies not only in imparting knowledge but also in nurturing motivation, morale, and holistic development - qualities that AI cannot replicate.

Learning Architects must adapt to the evolving landscape of education in this new era. By combining the efficiency of AI with the essential human touch, they can create learning environments that inspire, support, and empower students for the future. AI functions best as an assistant, managing tasks such as personalized learning, automation, and data analysis. This allows teachers to concentrate on fostering creativity, empathy, and collaboration—areas where human interaction is crucial.

Aditi’s experience underscores the importance of balance in education. While AI can enhance efficiency and scalability, the human element of teaching is essential. Teachers are the architects of learning, ensuring that education is not solely about achieving results but also about personal growth. As such, they will always be irreplaceable.

Let’s come together to honor and uplift our teachers as they adapt to their changing roles in our dynamic world. They’re evolving from moral architects to scholarly guides and now stepping into the role of learning architects.