AI cannot replace teachers or students' thinking, UAE education official says

Abu Dhabi: A senior UAE education official has warned that artificial intelligence cannot replace teachers, students' critical thinking abilities, or the dynamics between classmates. Mohammed Al Qasim, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, argued that technology should enhance education rather than supplant the human aspects of learning.

In an interview with CNN Business Arabic, Al Qasim stressed the importance of using AI to assist and speed up the teaching process while optimizing the UAE's education system. He emphasized that integrating AI into education must involve collaboration between technology, educators, and students, rather than allowing digital tools to assume their roles.

"Artificial intelligence is not a substitute for the teacher. Artificial intelligence is not a substitute for the student's mind. Artificial intelligence is not a substitute for students' classmates," he stated. This perspective underscores the significance of sustaining personal connections in classrooms, with educators guiding learning and students actively participating in thinking, comprehending, and interacting with their peers.

Al Qasim explained that AI can serve as a supplementary tool to expedite teaching and bolster the UAE's education system, enabling schools to reap technological advancements without compromising the duties of teachers or learners. He also highlighted the necessity of equipping students with the skills to effectively collaborate with artificial intelligence tools and to utilize the technology responsibly and positively.

These competencies, he said, would be vital as students advance to higher education and eventually enter the workforce, where the capacity to efficiently employ AI will become increasingly crucial.