Google VP Chris Phillips: AI in Education Supports Teachers, Not Replaces Them

Google VP Chris Phillips: AI in Education Supports Teachers, Not Replaces Them

In a significant statement from New Delhi, Chris Phillips, Vice President and General Manager of Education at Google, has clarified that artificial intelligence is designed to support teachers as an assistant, not to replace them. This perspective comes as AI tools like Gemini are increasingly integrated into educational settings, aiming to open doors for personalized learning experiences.

AI as a Teaching Assistant

Phillips, who participated in the AI Learning Forum in Delhi, debunked the notion that AI-based learning tools are intended to supplant educators. "We believe very strongly that teachers are critical, and that the ongoing connection between teachers and students is essential," he said. He emphasized that AI can help scale teachers' efforts, allowing them to spend more time building human connections with students.

According to Phillips, AI tools such as Gemini are most effective when they supplement teachers' efforts. "This is about helping teachers be successful and giving them more time for human connection," he added, highlighting that AI can assist in planning syllabi, coursework, and assignments, thereby freeing up valuable time for educators.

Enhancing Student Learning

Phillips outlined how AI can benefit students by:

• Deepening understanding of concepts through multimodal learning formats like visuals, videos, and audio.
• Enhancing critical thinking skills by allowing students to explore subjects at their own pace.
• Fostering creativity through interactive tools that encourage brainstorming and questioning.

He cited examples such as NotebookLM, which can generate audio overviews and presentations based on specific curricula, making learning more accessible. "Some students are visual learners, while others benefit from repetition or audio explanations to reinforce a topic," Phillips noted, underscoring the personalized approach AI enables.

New Initiatives in India

At the AI Learning Forum, Google announced new initiatives to place AI at the center of education in India, with a focus on science topics. Key developments include:

1. Full-length Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) practice tests available in Gemini, in partnership with education firms like PhysicsWallah and Careers360 to ensure content quality.
2. A new AI Mode feature in Search to help students create study guides and interactive quizzes.
3. Tools for educators, such as Gemini integration in Google Classroom, AI-powered feedback, and usage insights.

Phillips highlighted that India is a major hub for AI-powered learning, leading in daily Gemini usage for education and generating over 3 million learning outputs with NotebookLM in the past month alone.

Addressing Concerns and Future Directions

While critics argue that AI tools might negatively affect cognitive development, Phillips defended Google's approach. "We've built learning science into our tools and have a very strong conviction around pedagogical standards," he said, focusing on active learning to ensure deep understanding rather than quick answers.

He stressed the importance of establishing clear policies for AI use in education, involving academic affairs, governments, and technology companies. "We are rolling out AI in a responsible way, ensuring age-appropriate experiences, strong data protection for students, and clear controls for administrators," Phillips concluded, advocating for a balanced integration of AI to support both teachers and students effectively.