The Best AI Tool in Education

The best AI tool in education is... a teacher using AI. Sorry to disappoint those expecting a specific tool recommendation.

As science of learning expert Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath expressed in his recent video, teachers matter. In the meta-analysis he references, human qualities such as empathy, reflective adaptability, and the ability to inspire and motivate students underscore the irreplaceable role of teachers in education - attributes that AI cannot replicate.

There’s a saying I often share at Matthew Flinders - one I picked up years ago on Twitter and, unfortunately, can’t attribute directly:

"Pedagogy is the driver, technology is the accelerator, passion is the fuel."

It’s a simple yet powerful way to frame technology integration. As we navigate an AI-infused profession, it remains just as relevant. Intent needs to drive the lessons we plan and their delivery. Like other technology tools, AI can accelerate and enhance this work, but it cannot replace it.

The rise of AI tools for teachers promises to save time, streamline planning, reduce marking loads and even improve student outcomes. But despite AI’s rapid advancements, its effectiveness ultimately depends on the teacher using it. Even AI tools specifically designed for education must be critically examined and guided by an educator’s expertise.

Teaching is both an art and a science - deeply human in nature. While AI may have access to vast pedagogical knowledge, that breadth is also its flaw. How does AI determine what’s best? The short answer: it shouldn’t. That’s the role of the teacher. Pedagogical decisions must be informed by an educator’s understanding of their students, curriculum, and context - not an algorithm’s assumption of what works best.

How does AI determine what’s best? The short answer: it shouldn’t. That’s the role of the teacher.

When we discuss bias in AI, we often focus on issues like gender bias, but pedagogical bias is just as significant. AI-generated lesson plans, assessments, and curriculum materials are built on models influenced by their creators. What biases - intentional or not - exist in those models? What educational philosophies underpin the outputs? If teachers aren’t critically engaging with these questions, they risk embedding flawed assumptions into their practice.

Teachers cannot afford to outsource their thinking to AI. The quality of AI’s contributions is directly tied to the skills and knowledge of the educator guiding it. A skilled teacher has deep connections to their subject matter and, more importantly, their students - something AI cannot replicate… yet. AI is a powerful assistant, not a substitute. It excels at administrative tasks, organising resources, generating ideas, and automating repetitive work, but only once the teacher has set the intent and approach.

There is a real danger in teachers placing too much trust in AI - but an equally significant risk in ignoring it altogether.

When generative AI first emerged, a common quote was: “AI won’t replace teachers, but teachers using AI will.” While designed to provoke, it still holds some truth. The job of a teacher is expanding. Educators who embrace AI, refine their skills, and integrate it thoughtfully into their practice are streamlining their workload and enhancing their teaching. Meanwhile, colleagues who avoid it are left struggling under growing demands, using time-consuming methods that only add to their workload. Burnout may be inevitable for those unwilling or unable to adapt.

At the end of the day, teachers remain the most vital force in education. An expert teacher working with AI isn’t just an asset - it’s the best AI tool we have.