Duolingo CEO Predicts AI Will Transform Education and Redefine Schools
Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn shared insights on how artificial intelligence (AI) will reshape education. While schools won’t disappear, their role will shift from traditional teaching to more of a supervisory function. AI’s ability to scale personalized learning will change how education is delivered.
Von Ahn explained that teaching with AI is far more scalable than relying solely on human teachers. He emphasized that teachers won’t vanish but will focus more on supervising students rather than direct instruction. Schools may evolve into places mainly providing childcare and supervision while AI handles the core educational tasks.
AI Provides Personalized Learning at Scale
In a typical classroom with around 30 students, teachers face challenges delivering personalized attention. AI can fill this gap by offering real-time feedback tailored to each student’s strengths and weaknesses. This level of individualized monitoring is difficult for one teacher to manage simultaneously.
Von Ahn noted, “The computer can know very precisely what you're good at and bad at — something a teacher just can't track for 30 students at once.” This capability allows AI to support students more effectively and efficiently than current methods.
Impact of ChatGPT and AI Adoption in Education
The launch of ChatGPT in 2022 accelerated AI adoption among students and educators. Educational institutions are adapting quickly to integrate AI-driven learning tools. Duolingo has been an early adopter and is restructuring its operations to prioritize AI use.
Recently, Duolingo announced it would phase out contractors performing tasks AI can now handle, marking a shift toward an AI-first approach. Von Ahn compared this change to the company’s bold move in 2012 when it prioritized mobile platforms over web-based learning.
In a company-wide memo, von Ahn stated, “Duolingo is going to be AI-first. AI is already changing how work gets done. It’s not a question of if or when. It’s happening now.” The company also plans to use AI for employee performance assessment and limit new hires except where automation is not possible.
What This Means for Educators
- AI will handle many instructional tasks, allowing educators to focus on student care and supervision.
- Teachers will need to adapt by integrating AI tools to enhance learning outcomes.
- Schools may transform into environments focused more on social and emotional support rather than traditional teaching.
For education professionals, understanding and adopting AI tools is becoming essential. Those interested in learning more about AI applications in education and other fields can explore relevant courses at Complete AI Training.
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