Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic are investing millions to train teachers on how to harness AI in the classroom. Rather than simply developing new tools, these companies recognise that the real change happens through teachers, who are on the front lines every day, shaping how students learn and grow.
We wanted to get Volodymyr Getmanskyi's, Head of Artificial Intelligence Office, perspective on:
- How are teachers' roles shifting in this new AI-driven landscape?
- What challenges and opportunities come with bringing AI into schools?
- And why, despite all the technology, does the human connection remain the key to meaningful education?
This conversation sheds light on the future of teaching and learning — a future where technology supports, but doesn't replace, the essential role of educators.
Why did Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic invest in teacher training instead of creating new educational tools?
Modern educational products lose their effectiveness very quickly. ChatGPT and similar models can already solve standard school assignments, and students actively use them. This means involvement in educational activities no longer guarantees knowledge — there's always the temptation to just 'ask AI.'
Learn more about how AI is transforming Learning Management Systems.
In this context, it's crucial for teachers to understand how AI works, how it generates answers, how to spot plagiarism, and how to evaluate the quality of a student's work. This helps maintain control over the learning process and adapt teaching to new realities.
Moreover, a teacher who uses AI effectively becomes a role model for others. That's why investing in people, not just products, is such a strategic choice.
How to protect the data of students and teachers when using AI?
Data protection is a balance between the technical safeguards provided by developers and the responsibility of the users themselves. Most data leaks don’t happen because of system breaches, but due to irresponsible usage of technology, when users share sensitive information without thinking it through.
Don't overestimate AI: it’s not a family member, friend, or therapist. It’s just a tool.
First, we need to understand what information is truly sensitive. Technical details like a name or birthdate aren’t that critical, but personal issues — family matters, health conditions — should never be shared with AI tools.
Second, most modern systems already have basic protections in place, so the main risk lies with the user. If teachers and students avoid oversharing, the chance of leaks is minimal. And finally, we shouldn’t overestimate AI: it’s not a family member, friend, or therapist. It’s just a tool.
What are the biggest risks of widespread AI integration in schools?
For me, the biggest risk is the decline of students’ cognitive abilities. I see AI increasingly used not just as a support tool, but as a complete replacement for thinking, solving problems, writing texts, and even forming opinions.
That’s a dangerous trend. If children get used to receiving ready-made answers without truly understanding, we risk raising a generation unable to analyse, think critically, or focus for long periods. This isn’t just an education problem — it threatens the future of our economy, science, and culture. How will we train analysts, researchers, or creators if basic thinking skills disappear?
Will the role of the teacher change in the age of AI?
Absolutely, the role of the teacher will change significantly. AI is gradually taking over traditional functions like providing information, helping solve problems, and preparing materials. Teachers are no longer expected to know everything by heart. Instead, their focus shifts to organising the learning process, guiding students, explaining concepts, and sparking interest.
In this new context, teachers become mentors, facilitators, and sources of emotional and social support. They notice ‘weak signals’ — changes in mood, loss of motivation, emotional burnout. This requires sensitivity, trust, and flexible thinking — qualities AI still lacks.
Theoretically, we may see avatars or holograms that provide personalised teaching, remember students’ histories, and imitate human behaviour. But the question remains: can a digital entity truly replace a real teacher — someone with emotions, intuition, and empathy? Education is not just about knowledge, but also relationships, support, and personal development.
So, the teacher’s role won’t disappear; it will transform. The focus will move from delivering information to fostering human connection, guidance, and care.
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