UK's first teacherless GCSE class begins

David Game College in London is set to start the UK’s first "teacherless" GCSE course this September, where artificial intelligence (AI) will replace human teachers. The innovative program will cater to 20 students, using AI platforms and virtual reality (VR) headsets to deliver personalized education.

The AI systems will tailor lessons based on each student's strengths and weaknesses. Strong subjects will be reviewed later in the term, while weaker areas will be addressed more immediately, creating a customized learning experience for each student.

John Dalton, co-principal of David Game College, highlights the precision of AI in education. “AI systems can pinpoint why a student might not be learning effectively,” he said, suggesting that AI’s continuous evaluation could be more accurate than human teaching.

The course, costing around £27,000 annually, will also have three “learning coaches” present. These coaches will oversee student behavior, provide support, and handle subjects that AI struggles with, such as art and sex education.

Students like Joseph and Michael believe AI will accelerate their learning compared to traditional methods, citing the technology's ability to identify and address individual flaws more effectively than a human teacher with many students.

However, the use of AI in education is controversial. Chris McGovern, a retired head teacher and advisor, argues that while AI has a role, replacing human teachers entirely is excessive.

[With information from Sky News]