One of my senior professors at college, Mr. Ramesh, always came to class with a smile. I couldn’t remember a single day when I saw him agitated or dull. His smile was so infectious that it made sitting through the entire one-hour class bearable. Every day, I observed a consistent routine. He was always meticulously prepared. As soon as he entered, he would organize his notes, set up the presentation, and greet us warmly. He'd briefly ask us about our day before outlining the lecture. Without fail, this happened throughout the semester.
One student once asked him why he had put so much effort into each lecture. Didn't teaching the same material to different students every year become monotonous? And what sir said that day once again reaffirmed why being a teacher is far more than a job—it’s a devotion to shaping this nation’s future. He said that teachers create something far more valuable than money. Students, he said, are priceless. To mold young minds, to witness their growth: this is their purpose, their passion. Every student is unique, so even though teachers teach the same content, each class is a new experience. I couldn’t help but agree that no one can ever replace teachers. This personal experience with Mr Ramesh made me introspect why human connection remains critical in education, even as AI and technology have increasingly become a part of our classrooms.
With the advent of AI and machine learning, a new argument has emerged recently about whether AI will replace teachers. As AI continues to evolve, it is proving to be instrumental in many domains. But can AI ever become what a teacher is to their students? I don’t think so. There’s no denying that the evolution of technology has made the classroom experience even more engaging and seamless for teachers. Yet, teaching is a raw and unfiltered journey. It's messy, often monotonous, and undeniably exhausting. Within its imperfections, it’s still altruistic. It works on student empowerment, it nurtures growth, an unpredictable and often nonlinear process. A teacher unlike the AI is not building codes or machines, but a HUMAN. A human that’s filled with curiosity, complexity, and boundless talent.I have heard a lot of people saying that teachers are not well-equipped, it’s no longer a lucrative job, and AI can give answers to multiple questions, unlike teachers who can’t teach beyond their syllabus. But I believe if teaching meant just “content delivery” and the process of learning was synonymous with memorizing, then we would have lost our teachers a while back. If learning is all about doing assignments, assessments, and following a set of instructions, then yes, AI might eventually do things better than teachers. But learning involves more than just memorizing information. It's about understanding concepts, developing skills and mindsets, and building emotional intelligence that helps students maneuver through this unpredictable world.
Today, with our world grappling with political instability, inequality, and social fragmentation, teachers emerge as catalysts for change. Fostering a generation of problem solvers and global citizens, they encourage them to seek innovative solutions for such complex challenges. Education drives innovation, which fuels economic growth. Teachers inspire their students to think creatively and critically which is then reflected in their work culture or the careers they pursue. A thriving organization is fueled by a talented workforce. This workforce is driven by innovative ideas that are born in the classrooms where students learn to think, observe, and imagine. And this ultimately contributes to a nation’s economic prosperity and global standing, therefore making teachers the architects of their nation.
I believe a teacher gives their student the most powerful ability: the ability to dream. To dream of becoming an author, storyteller, artist, or engineer. Not everyone can dream, but a teacher shows their students exactly what they need to do to achieve anything they dream of. They plant a seed of hope and cultivate dreams that eventually blossom into unwavering resolve. They make the unimaginable imaginable—ideas that seemed far-fetched not long ago. And that’s the beauty of creative classrooms and the power of an innovative teacher.
While AI cannot replace the irreplaceable role of teachers, it can certainly enhance the learning experience. Agreed, AI won't motivate the students during examinations, but it can at least help them with their practices and assignments, right? AI tools can help streamline certain administrative tasks like personalized learning assessments or revisions so that teachers can dedicate themselves to what truly matters: building meaningful connections with their students. For instance, the global pandemic profoundly changed how a teacher’s role is perceived. Teachers not only adapted to online platforms but also navigated the individual needs of their students; all this while mastering new technological tools. This clearly shows how teachers have been evolving from traditional lecturers to guiding mentors for their students even during unprecedented changes.
Additionally, teachers also encourage their students to become critical consumers and thinkers, not only in their interactions with AI but in also identifying the biases, inequity, and exploitation that might be a part of these tools that they are using. AI works on algorithms that are developed on the principles of machine learning– it’s programmed and it curates information based on available data on the internet. So eventually, whatever information it shows, isn’t always credible. Further, personal data can be often manipulated and exploited by AI which might be predisposed to discrepancy, raising grave ethical issues for students.
Nonetheless, it’s their teachers who serve as a mirror, reflecting objectivity and honesty in their actions. By modeling these values, they help their students to differentiate right from wrong, not only while using these tools but also while navigating life’s complexities. Therefore, the influence of a teacher extends beyond the classroom helping students to tackle social issues with astute judgment and integrity.As I reflect on my time in Mr Ramesh’s classroom, I understand why AI, no matter how advanced it is, can never replicate the impact of teachers who dedicate themselves to nurturing the minds and hearts of their students. And I get it now, being a teacher isn’t easy. It’s the most rewarding yet tiring job. Nonetheless, it yields a nation, a nation developed on ideas, ideas that come from classrooms, where students get inspired and become the living testimony of their teachers, carrying their legacies forward.
Of course, AI will continue to penetrate our lives more often now, but human values can never be threatened because of it. The architects of conscience, teachers sculpt their students into ethical and responsible citizens. They encourage storytelling and creativity in students.
Unfolding a new story within their classrooms every day, they discover the vast spectrum of humanity within those four walls. They ignite a spark of ethical awareness, helping them traverse the complexities of their lives. They empower their students to become future leaders. Their impact extends beyond academic success, shaping students into responsible and well-rounded individuals with strong character. Our gurus—the craftsmen of our progressive mindset, teachers are truly the unwavering champions of our potential.
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