Arizona will see a shift in education as at least one school adopts artificial intelligence (AI) as the primary teaching tool in 2025. The Arizona State Board for Charter Schools recently approved an application for Unbound Academy, an AI-based virtual academy.
Unbound Academy, which already operates under the name Alpha Schools in Texas and Florida, claims its innovative approach can double learning efficiency. By using a two-hour AI-guided learning plan tailored to individual students, the academy believes it can replace traditional human-led classrooms.
The daily schedule at Unbound Academy begins with two hours of academic instruction covering standard subjects such as language, math, and science. This instruction is personalized in real-time by AI, which adjusts lesson plans based on each student’s performance. Unlike conversational AI programs like ChatGPT or Google Gemini, Unbound’s system is designed specifically to maximize student outcomes through tailored educational experiences.
While AI handles the academic components, human adults remain present in the classroom, though not as traditional teachers. Instead, they act as motivators and emotional support personnel to ensure students stay engaged.
Unbound Academy also emphasizes non-academic skill development during the afternoons, taking advantage of the time saved by its AI-driven model. Dean of Parents Tim Eyerman explained that the academy’s afternoon sessions focus on life skills such as teamwork, entrepreneurship, leadership, and social interaction.
Eyerman provided specific examples of these activities, including a Harvard Business study simulation of climbing Mount Everest. In this exercise, students collaborate, provide feedback, and identify their strengths and weaknesses to virtually “scale” the mountain as a team. Another example included role-playing scenarios in games like Dungeons & Dragons to build creativity and narrative skills.
Unbound Academy plans to begin with grades four through eight and may expand to a full K-8 structure depending on its success. Beyond Arizona, the academy has also applied to establish schools in Utah and Arkansas, signaling a broader push for this AI-driven educational model.
Are We Getting Ahead Of Ourselves?
The decision to rely on artificial intelligence for teaching duties at Unbound Academy has sparked significant debate, with critics highlighting several concerns about the potential drawbacks of such a model.
A primary criticism revolves around the dehumanization of education. Teaching is not solely about delivering content but also about fostering relationships, understanding individual student needs on an emotional level, and adapting in ways that AI cannot replicate.
Critics argue that replacing human teachers with AI removes an essential human element from the classroom. Teachers not only educate but also mentor, inspire, and serve as role models for students—roles that an AI system cannot fulfill.
Another concern is the potential impact on social development. While Unbound Academy claims to focus on life skills such as teamwork and leadership, critics question whether these can be effectively taught in a largely virtual and AI-driven environment.
Interpersonal skills often develop organically through daily interactions with peers and teachers in traditional classrooms. Relying on role-playing games or simulations may not provide the same depth of experience.
There are also worries about equity and access. AI-driven education requires robust technological infrastructure, which may not be consistently reliable or available to all students. Technical glitches, internet connectivity issues, or software errors could disrupt learning.
Additionally, the reliance on AI could disproportionately disadvantage students with special needs or those who require personalized attention that goes beyond academic performance.
The program’s emphasis on a two-hour learning block raises questions about the depth and retention of knowledge. Critics argue that condensing academic instruction into such a short period may lead to a superficial understanding of subjects.
While AI can personalize content delivery, it may not foster critical thinking, creativity, or the ability to apply knowledge in complex, real-world scenarios.
Furthermore, concerns about data privacy loom large. AI systems require vast amounts of data to operate effectively, raising questions about how student information is collected, stored, and used. Critics worry about the potential misuse of this data and the long-term implications for student privacy.
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Also, the reliance on AI may exacerbate teacher shortages rather than addressing them. By shifting teaching responsibilities to AI, the profession risks being devalued, discouraging talented individuals from pursuing careers in education.
Critics argue that instead of replacing teachers, resources should be directed toward improving working conditions, salaries, and training to attract and retain skilled educators.
While the innovative approach of Unbound Academy may appeal to some, it raises significant concerns about the long-term implications of integrating AI into education. Critics caution that the rush to adopt such models should not come at the expense of holistic student development, equity, and the invaluable role of human educators.
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