Teaching in the Age of AI ... A Renaissance or the End of an Era?
How AI is redefining the classroom (again)
The rise of AI in education is often described as unprecedented. In many ways, it is—but history offers some striking parallels. Technology has reshaped education more than once.
A look back
In the 15th century, Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press broke the monopoly of handwritten manuscripts. Suddenly, books could be mass-produced, making knowledge more accessible to the general public. The impact on education was profound. As one historical analysis points out, "The printing press provided greater access to information for everyone and laid the foundation for the gradual transformation of literacy in society."
Before the printing press, students had to travel to hear lectures or share a single, highly valued copy of a book. Afterward, textbooks and libraries became staples of learning. As books became more affordable and widely available, literacy rates rose.
How did this change the role of teachers?
Teachers were no longer the sole source of knowledge. Instead, t…
