Duolingo CEO Predicts AI Will Surpass Human Educators In The Future, Sparking Backlash

Artificial intelligence isn’t just showing up in your news feed anymore; it’s turning up in your classroom, workplace, and now, your language app.

With each new tech breakthrough, the question remains: How much should we let machines take over human roles, especially in areas like education, where connection and communication are everything?

This conversation is heating up again, thanks to some eyebrow-raising comments from Luis von Ahn, the CEO of Duolingo. In a recent appearance on the No Priors podcast, he made the bold claim that AI might be a better teacher than any human.

"Ultimately, I’m not sure that there’s anything computers can’t really teach you," von Ahn said.

That statement alone was enough to ignite a fire online. But he didn’t stop there. He explained that teaching with AI is “a lot more scalable” than using human teachers. In other words, AI can be duplicated, scaled, and made available to millions without hiring more staff.

The implication? Significant changes could be coming to schools and classrooms around the world. Von Ahn clarified that he doesn’t think teachers or schools will vanish overnight.

“You still need people to take care of the students,” he said. “I also don’t think schools are going to go away because you still need childcare.”

Controversy erupts around Duolingo CEO.

But what got people talking was this part:

“If it’s one teacher and like 30 students, each teacher cannot give individualized attention to each student. But the computer can. And really, the computer can actually … have very precise knowledge about what this one student is good at and bad at.”

For some listeners, this sounded like a glimpse into a brighter, more efficient future. For others, it came off as tone-deaf and out of touch with the reality of teaching and learning.

The online response was swift and not exactly friendly. “These tech guys have a real problem relating to actual humans,” one Reddit user wrote. Another added, “We need more teachers and fewer CEOs.” A third chimed in: “Imagine what all the teachers he has ever had thought when they heard this.”

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Duolingo, for its part, seems committed to leaning into AI despite the backlash. The company recently outlined its intention to become “AI-first” in a post on LinkedIn.

That includes shifting how it works with contractors, using AI in hiring decisions and performance reviews, and only increasing headcount if a team cannot automate more of its work.

“Being AI-first means we will need to rethink how much we work,” the company said in the statement. “Making minor tweaks to systems designed for humans won’t get us there.”

The Role of Human Connection

Dr. George Couros, an education expert, emphasizes that while AI can enhance learning, it can't replace the essential human connection in education. He states, 'Learning is a deeply social process, and the emotional connections fostered by educators are irreplaceable.' As students navigate complex emotions, supportive educators help them develop resilience and critical thinking skills.

To balance AI's advantages with the need for human interaction, schools can implement blended learning environments. This combines AI-driven tools with personalized educator mentorship, allowing for a more holistic approach to learning.

"No Priors Ep. 114 | With Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn "

But not everyone’s convinced. After removing all their social media posts over the weekend, some wonder whether Duolingo is already second-guessing the rollout or rethinking how it talks about it.

This isn’t the first time high-profile voices have stirred up debate about AI. Stephen Hawking and Bill Gates have issued warnings about the long-term risks, while Elon Musk has been openly experimenting with AI across multiple companies.

AI is no longer the stuff of science fiction; it’s a tool many businesses are already building their future around.

Still, people have questions about something as personal and human as education. Can an algorithm understand a struggling student’s mindset? Can a chatbot inspire curiosity?

If schools start to rely too heavily on machines, what does that mean for the role of teachers, not just as instructors but also as mentors and role models?

The answers aren’t clear yet. What is clear is that AI in education isn’t hypothetical anymore. It’s here. And depending on who you ask, that’s either exciting or a little bit worrying.

In response to Luis von Ahn's predictions, experts caution against underestimating the value of human educators. Dr. Angela Duckworth, known for her research on grit, notes that motivation and persistence are often cultivated in interpersonal settings. She argues that teachers play a pivotal role in nurturing these traits, which are essential for long-term success.

To enhance educational outcomes, schools should integrate AI tools while ensuring teachers have the training to use them effectively. This approach empowers educators, allowing them to focus on fostering critical soft skills that machines cannot replicate.

Practical Steps for Healing

As the debate surrounding AI's role in education continues, it's crucial to remember the irreplaceable value of human connections. Research shows that effective teaching goes beyond mere knowledge transfer; it involves building relationships that foster emotional and intellectual growth. Experts like Dr. Ken Robinson advocate for a balanced approach, blending technology with strong teacher-student relationships to create engaging learning environments.

Moving forward, educational institutions should prioritize professional development for teachers, equipping them with the skills to leverage AI while enhancing their unique contributions to student development.