If you’re like most people, you probably remember that one teacher who made going to school fun and who inspired you to pursue your passion. Students at a new charter school in Arizona won’t have that chance, because they aren’t going to have teachers. Instead, the two hours of academic instruction they receive each day — yes, just two hours — will be directed entirely by artificial intelligence (AI). By a 4-3 margin, the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools approved an application from Unbound Academy to open a fully online school serving grades 4-8. Unbound already operates a private school that uses its AI-dependent “2hr Learning” model in Texas and is currently applying to open similar schools in Arkansas and Utah. Under the 2hr Learning model, students spend just two hours a day using personalized learning programs from companies like IXL and Khan Academy. Students work through lessons on subjects like math, reading and science, with the AI system analyzing their responses and time spent on tasks. The school said this ensures that each student is consistently challenged at their optimal level, preventing boredom or frustration. Spending less time on traditional curriculum frees up the rest of the students’ day for life-skill workshops that cover financial literacy, public speaking, goal setting, entrepreneurship, critical thinking and creative problem-solving. Not everyone agrees with this type of teaching, with some people pointing out that the goal of charter schools is to reduce costs by eliminating teachers and increasing shareholder profits, while education and learning is irrelevant.
