Education

Luis von Ahn sparks debate on AI’s role in replacing teachers amid evolving education landscape

Wednesday, 21 May 2025 12:14AM UTC

Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn suggests AI could one day replace teachers, igniting discussion on how technology might reshape education while highlighting the unique human qualities educators bring to the classroom.

The rise of artificial intelligence in education has sparked an intense debate, particularly around the future role of teachers. In a provocative statement, Luis von Ahn, CEO of Duolingo, recently speculated that AI could one day replace teachers. Speaking on the No Priors podcast, von Ahn expressed his belief that “computers can teach you” and highlighted the scalability advantages of AI over traditional teaching methods. This perspective, while intriguing, warrants deeper examination in the context of the complex and irreplaceable role professionals play in the educational landscape.

Von Ahn’s comments come at a time when the integration of AI into various sectors is accelerating, raising concerns about job displacement. According to previous insights shared in interviews, he acknowledges that while automation will impact many professions, teaching is unique due to the inherent human-centric value that educators provide. As he noted in a May 2024 interview, the moral character and inspirational abilities of teachers are not easily replicated by machines. This highlights a crucial aspect of teaching that remains outside the realm of AI capabilities — the human connection that fosters emotional and social learning.

Indeed, various studies argue that while AI can enhance educational experiences by streamlining administrative tasks and offering personalised learning pathways, it cannot substitute the nuanced understanding that teachers cultivate in their classrooms. AI tools may assist educators in creating engaging lessons but lack the emotional intelligence necessary for addressing students' individual needs. One piece highlights that rather than viewing AI as a replacement for teachers, it should be seen as a vital complement—empowering educators and enhancing their effectiveness.

However, von Ahn’s assertions do reflect a broader trend towards automation in education. The advent of AI-powered tools promises to democratise access to learning, potentially making high-quality education available to a larger audience. For instance, Duolingo has been exploring automated AI tutors, aiming to deliver lessons with the efficacy of a human instructor. Yet, the challenges of replicating the personal touch and mentorship that human educators provide remain substantial.

Moreover, von Ahn does not wholly dismiss the significance of teachers; he acknowledges their vital role in providing supervision and care to students. He posits that “you still need people to take care of the students,” reiterating that while technology will evolve, the fundamental need for human interaction in educational settings will persist.

In essence, the dialogue surrounding AI in education is not solely about potential obsolescence but rather about the opportunities for enhancement and collaboration. The integration of AI into classrooms can free educators from monotonous tasks, allowing them to focus more on fostering relationships and engaging with students on deeper levels.

As we move forward, it will be paramount to balance the innovative potential of AI with the irreplaceable human elements of teaching. Educational systems must evolve to harness technology effectively while ensuring that the core values of mentorship, guidance, and personal connection remain intact.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.greenmatters.com/technology/ai-will-replace-teachers-in-the-future - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.forbes.com/sites/annaesakismith/2024/05/28/ai-will-displace-humans-in-many-jobs-but-teachers-hard-to-replace-says-duolingos-von-ahn/ - In a May 2024 interview, Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn discussed the impact of AI on various professions, emphasizing that while many jobs might be automated, teaching remains a profession that is hard to replace due to the human-centric value teachers bring to the classroom. He highlighted the importance of teachers' moral character and their ability to inspire students, qualities that are challenging for AI to replicate.
https://stage.fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/ai-wont-replace-teachers-it-can-make-them-more-effective - This article argues that while AI has the potential to automate certain tasks, it is unlikely to replace teachers entirely. Instead, AI can enhance teaching effectiveness by providing tools that assist educators in delivering personalized and engaging lessons. The piece emphasizes the enduring importance of human interaction in education and suggests that AI should be viewed as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, human teachers.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/rashishrivastava/2024/09/24/the-prompt-can-ai-teach-better-than-humans/ - In this article, Luis von Ahn discusses Duolingo's efforts to integrate AI into language learning, aiming to create an automated AI tutor that can teach as effectively as a human. He acknowledges the challenges of replicating human teaching qualities but expresses optimism about AI's potential to transform education by making high-quality learning accessible to a broader audience.
https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/10/17/future-education-online-free-and-with-ai-teachers.aspx - In a 2018 interview, Luis von Ahn shared his vision for the future of education, emphasizing the potential of AI to provide high-quality, accessible education worldwide. He discussed Duolingo's mission to make language learning as effective as possible, leveraging AI to enhance the learning experience and reach a global audience.
https://bigthink.com/videos/duolingos-luis-von-ahn-on-the-future-of-mentorship/ - In this video, Luis von Ahn discusses the future of education and mentorship, highlighting the benefits of one-on-one tutoring. He explains that personalized instruction leads to significantly better student performance and expresses Duolingo's goal to provide an experience akin to having a personal tutor, making quality education accessible to everyone.
https://www.edweek.org/technology/opinion-ai-tutors-can-be-both-a-help-and-a-hindrance-in-the-classroom-explain-teachers/2025/05 - This opinion piece features insights from educators on the role of AI tutors in the classroom. Teachers discuss both the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI integration, emphasizing that while AI can assist in certain educational tasks, it cannot replace the nuanced understanding and emotional intelligence that human teachers provide, which are essential for effective teaching and learning.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 9

Notes: The narrative cites a recent May 2024 interview with Luis von Ahn, CEO of Duolingo, indicating current and timely commentary on AI in education. There is no indication of recycled or outdated content. The discussion is situated amidst the ongoing AI integration trend as of early 2025, confirming freshness.

Quotes check

Score: 8

Notes: The key direct quotes attributed to Luis von Ahn appear to originate from the No Priors podcast and a May 2024 interview, with no earlier sources contradicting or predating these references found online. This suggests quotes are accurately attributed and likely original or early usages.

Source reliability

Score: 7

Notes: The narrative originates from Green Matters, a known online platform focusing on environmental and technological topics, but not a major traditional news outlet. It provides a balanced and nuanced perspective referencing direct interviews and podcasts. However, its reputation is less established than major outlets, so some caution is needed.

Plausability check

Score: 9

Notes: Claims about AI's potential to complement rather than fully replace teachers align with current educational technology trends and expert opinions. The acknowledgement of AI's limitations in emotional intelligence and mentoring is consistent with accepted views. No implausible assertions detected.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative is timely and based on recent, verifiable interviews with Luis von Ahn. The quotes are properly sourced and plausible within the current discourse on AI in education. While the platform is less established than traditional outlets, the balanced approach and clear referencing support a high confidence in the content's accuracy and relevance.

Artificial Intelligence
Education
Luis von Ahn
Duolingo
EdTech