Episode 2: AI in Education – Hype vs. Reality

Mr Graham

Hey legends! Welcome to Rebooting Education: The AI Generation – the podcast where we flip the script on teaching, learning, and the role of AI in education.

Mr Graham

Today, we’re tackling a big one: AI in education – hype vs. reality. Everywhere you look, there are headlines claiming AI is about to revolutionise learning or, depending on who you ask, completely replace teachers. Some say it’s the future of education; others call it a threat.

Mr Graham

So, what’s real, what’s exaggerated, and what should we, as educators, actually focus on? That’s exactly what we’re breaking down today. Let’s get into it.

Mr Graham

Let’s start with the big one: “AI will replace teachers. ”Now, I get it. AI can write lesson plans, summarise content, even mark essays. So, naturally, people assume that if AI can handle these tasks, maybe we don’t need teachers anymore.

Mr Graham

But here’s the reality—AI might be smart, but it’s not human.

Mr Graham

It can’t build relationships, pick up on the subtle struggles of a student who’s too afraid to ask for help, or adapt teaching in real-time to an emotional classroom dynamic. Teaching is more than delivering content. It’s mentorship, encouragement, and connection—things AI just can’t replicate.

Mr Graham

Think about it—if AI were really capable of replacing teachers, wouldn’t we have replaced doctors, therapists, and coaches too? These roles, like teaching, rely on human intuition, empathy, and adaptability.

Mr Graham

But here’s where AI can be powerful: as a support tool. It can help with workload—handling repetitive admin tasks so teachers have more time to actually teach. AI isn’t here to take over—it’s here to enhance what we do best.

Mr Graham

Now, let’s talk about another big claim—“AI will revolutionise education overnight.”Look, AI is a game-changer, no doubt. It can personalise learning, provide instant feedback, and give students access to knowledge like never before.

Mr Graham

But the idea that AI alone will fix education? That’s not how learning works.

Mr Graham

Technology is only as effective as the way it’s used. AI can generate the perfect study guide, but if students don’t engage with it, they’re not learning—they’re just passively absorbing information.

Mr Graham

Real education comes from struggle, effort, and critical thinking. AI can help scaffold that process, but it doesn’t replace it. The best learning happens when students actively engage—discussing, questioning, and applying concepts, not just consuming AI-generated answers.

Mr Graham

So, while AI can make learning more engaging and accessible, it’s not a one-click solution to a better education system. It’s a tool—and like any tool, its impact depends on how we use it.

Mr Graham

Alright, last myth: “AI always gets it right.”

Mr Graham

Here’s a reality check—AI makes mistakes. A lot of them.

Mr Graham

AI tools, including ChatGPT, can hallucinate—which is just a fancy way of saying they confidently produce completely false information. They don’t actually think or understand what they’re saying—they predict words based on patterns.

Mr Graham

This is why AI literacy is so important. If students blindly trust AI-generated responses, they risk learning misinformation. This means we need to teach students to fact-check, verify sources, and think critically about AI-generated content.

Mr Graham

AI is an incredible tool for brainstorming and generating ideas, but it’s not a substitute for judgment, reasoning, and research skills.

Mr Graham

So, with all this in mind—what should we as educators be focusing on?

Mr Graham

Instead of worrying about whether AI will take over or waiting for it to magically fix everything, we should be leveraging it in ways that actually benefit students and teachers.

Mr Graham

Here are three things I think educators should focus on:

Mr Graham

Number 1: Use AI as a co-pilot, not the pilot. AI can assist with planning, resources, and automation, but we remain in control of how it’s used.

Mr Graham

Number 2: Teach AI literacy. Make sure students learn how to evaluate AI-generated content—question, challenge, and cross-check information.

Mr Graham

Number 3: Stay adaptable. AI is evolving rapidly, and as educators, we need to evolve with it. That doesn’t mean adopting every new tool—it means staying informed and being intentional about what actually adds value to teaching.

Mr Graham

Alright, legends—let’s recap.AI isn’t replacing teachers, it won’t revolutionise learning overnight, and it definitely doesn’t always get it right. But when used well, AI is an incredible tool for support, efficiency, and personalisation.

Mr Graham

So, here’s something to think about: What’s one way AI has actually helped your teaching, and what’s one thing it still can’t do?Jump into the conversation—I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Mr Graham

And if you enjoyed today’s episode, stay tuned because next time, we’re diving into an even bigger question—AI and the teacher’s role: What stays human in the age of automation?

Mr Graham

Until then, keep challenging the status quo, embrace the future, and remember—we’re all in this together.