Athira Sethu
Kochi, 22 Oct 2025
Individuals tend to be concerned that new technologies will replace jobs or render individuals less relevant. The same argument is now being presented regarding artificial intelligence (AI). Some are concerned that AI might replace teachers in the future. However, the reality is that AI will not replace good teachers. Rather, it will transform the way teaching is performed.
Technology continues to develop and evolve. Whether we are ready or not, AI already exists. It has benefits and problems alike. It’s not a matter of waiting until we are ready: it’s a matter of figuring out how to use it wisely.
Teachers everywhere are beginning to incorporate AI in various ways. Some utilize it to assist with lesson planning. Others utilize it to develop learning activities for students with varying levels of skills. AI also assists teachers in saving time by grading, organizing resources, or summarizing student information.
But AI is only a tool. How we use it is what matters most. Just as a hammer can be used to build or destroy something, AI can assist or hurt learning, depending on the user.
AI can assist teachers by taking over tedious or repetitive work. That leaves teachers free to do what only they can do: engage with students, mentor them, and encourage them to think deeply. That’s particularly useful right now, as schools struggle with teacher shortages and burnout.
For teachers to be assisted by AI, they have to review and edit what it produces. They should utilize their experience as well as their knowledge of the learners to ensure the work meets their requirements. AI cannot substitute the human aspect of teaching, such as care, empathy, and judgment.
To employ AI effectively, teachers require training. Schools and training institutions need to train teachers on how to effectively use these tools. Without this training, even good technology will be left unused or misused.
Students also must learn how to effectively use AI. They must not depend on it to think for them. Rather, they must be taught when and how to apply AI as one of many tools.
Ultimately, AI is not here to replace us. It’s here to assist. But it’s up to humans, particularly teachers, to take the lead with empathy, intention, and wisdom.
