At a time where AI is reshaping the contour of education, what becomes more valuable is what LLMs and complex AI models can’t replicate- human connection.
When I began working in edtech around 2011, simply holding online classes was enough to set a school or district apart. In my current company, live online classes provided a relatively unique value for some time. Until 2020, when usually-slow growth of online components in education at large was turned up to 11, and a major differentiator was largely erased. We had more time learning how to be effective online and provide a great student experience, but the existence of online classes by itself was no longer enough.
Now, educators around the world are finding ways to adopt AI. Content generation is the most visible first effect, as entire lessons and courses can be created nearly instantly. Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn announced staff reductions in order to focus on AI, admitting willingness to “rather move with urgency and take occasional small hits on quality than move slowly and miss the moment.” Improved AI grading tools, chatbots for classroom discussion, and personalized AI tutors are more complex but already entering the scene.
As educators, we have a rare opportunity to differentiate by emphasizing human relationships, empathy, and mentorship. Human connection, a natural part of education for centuries, becomes a competitive advantage in an AI-first world.
What AI Can’t Replace
At Williamsburg Learning, we refer to our instructors as ‘mentors’ rather than teachers. In some sense this is semantics- they fulfill the role of a teacher, lead their classes like one would expect from a teacher, and have teaching licenses in their fields. But the focus on mentorship over simple instruction highlights the role as a human being guiding the student.
Large language models are trained on massive amounts of data, anything the companies could vacuum up. It’s what gives them their massive knowledge base, but it’s also what makes their output so ‘samey.’ LLMs don’t work within a specific cultural context, apply particular moral reasonings, or account for subtle interpersonal dynamics. When AI give you lemons, make Gatorade. Be different. Be human.
In Practice
There are many areas for AI to help teachers focus on what’s important in education. I want my teachers doing what they do best- teaching! If AI can help them plan lessons, give feedback, or complete paperwork, they can focus on students. What does this look like? What makes education truly human?
- High-touch mentoring models- how can instructors get as many opportunities to connect with students as possible?
- Collaborative discussions- let students and teachers make, support, acknowledge, and refute arguments to refine critical thinking skills
- Relational pedagogy- focus on trust and understanding in the classroom. AI models don’t provide empathy or respect, and students are allergic to inauthenticity.
Conclusion
Don’t resist AI, pair it with what it’s missing- us.
The future of education isn’t less human. It’s more human than ever.