Education in the AI apocalypse: A survival guide for teachers

As the tentacles of artificial intelligence (AI) wrap around the world of education, whispered words of doom echo through teachers' waiting rooms: "Will our teachers go extinct like dinosaurs?" Before planning their eternal farewell party, let's ponder the new "AI overlords" with their marvelous tools like ChatGPT and how us "inferior humans" can thrive in this challenging new world.

First and foremost, let's get to know our competitive adversaries: AI-assisted tools like ChatGPT are truly formidable. They are like diligent bookworm students who always have the correct answers. Need to solve a quadratic equation at 3 am? ChatGPT has got your back. Want to debate the human nature portrayed in "The Tale of Kieu"? ChatGPT will make you feel like you're conversing with the great poet Nguyen Du himself.

And if you think AI is only capable of mechanical tasks and listing facts, just wait until you see it grading assignments, taking attendance, and analyzing student test scores at the speed of light and quantum precision. It's like having consumed five cups of coffee but never feeling restless. AI is always energized and intellectually sharp at any given moment!

AI can turn education into a well-oiled machine that never runs out of fuel. But think about it, where's the excitement in life?

In reality, these digital wizards with their AI tools are as emotionally intelligent as a bread toaster. They can't detect the hidden worry behind a student's smile or the spark of curiosity in a child's eyes. They can't offer comforting reassurance when a student is feeling down or urge them to step out of their comfort zone and strive for something greater. They can't ignite a lifelong passion for learning with the enthusiastic dedication of a teacher.

And honestly, who wants to share their teenage anxieties with a robot? As parents, would you be willing and brave enough to do so?

So, what should a teacher do when faced with this fierce AI onslaught? Simple: become more human.

It's time to double down on empathy, creativity, and the art of inspiring young minds. It's time for teachers to empower students to think critically, communicate effectively, and develop empathy towards their peers. Let's transform classrooms into collaborative and exploratory spaces. In short, let's do everything that AI cannot do.

The future of education is not a battle between humans and machines; it's more like a movie of two close friends. Yes, AI certainly poses a significant threat to the survival of the teaching profession. However, this threat is only for those who turn education into a monotonous, cold, and indifferent task of teaching by rote.

It's time for us to embrace and harness these AI tools and focus on enhancing our uniquely human skills.

In conclusion, while AI tools like ChatGPT can serve as a "superhuman dictionary" in the classroom, their inability to replicate the emotional intelligence and humanity of teachers is their kryptonite bullet or Achilles' heel that weakens and can potentially destroy the superhuman. The future of education lies in the collaboration between AI and teachers, with enhanced emotional intelligence.

And remember, if robots can teach, our teachers can undoubtedly learn, adapt, and thrive in this new world.

After all, teaching is not just about knowledge; it's more importantly about nurturing hearts and inspiring souls. And dear colleagues, that is something no AI can ever replicate!

Our teachers have spent their whole lives striving to be "as knowledgeable as machines." Now it's time to change and become more "human." It's truly not an easy task!

Source: Dr. Nguyen Quoc Toan - CEO of EQuest Education Group