In the recent Getting Smart article "Will AI Flip the Role of the Classroom Teacher?", David Ross explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming educational practices. He highlights that AI can handle routine tasks, enabling educators to concentrate on personalized and empathetic student interactions. Ross advocates for integrating AI as a co-teacher to support innovative teaching methodologies, such as flipped classrooms and project-based learning.

Ross's exploration stem from a study of two innovative schools in New England, where he observed the practical application of AI in classrooms. He emphasizes that while AI can enhance teaching efficiency, the human elements of empathy and personalized guidance remain irreplaceable. The article encourages educators to embrace AI as a tool to augment their teaching strategies, rather than viewing it as a replacement.

Tom’s Take: The article places much emphasis on the "flipped classroom" model as a transformative approach for integrating AI into education warrants scrutiny. While the flipped classroom concept gained significant attention a decade ago during a surge in 1:1 device initiatives, it has struggled to achieve widespread adoption due to practical challenges. It raises questions about whether the flipped classroom, a model that has largely remained niche, is the most effective framework for leveraging AI in today’s classrooms.

That said, the article’s emphasis on AI as a collaborator in education is right on, particularly its alignment with project-based learning (PBL). PBL has demonstrated sustained success as a strategy for fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity—skills that students need and skills that AI tools can amplify.