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Tutoring company tells parents to save their money and 'use AI instead'

142 points · 233 comments · theanonymousone

  1. upupupandaway · · focus · HN ↗
    A friend of mine put his kid into a school called Alpha [1]. It has no teachers, only guides (?), who are well paid grads but not formally teachers. Kids go in in the morning, do two hours of computer study with an AI program, and the guide only steps in if the kid has a question or doubt the system cannot answer.

    Then there's recess and afternoon is all taken up with "Life Skills" classes such as entrepreneurship and the likes.

    Kids are tested weekly and progress through grades at will. For example, his kid would officially be in 3rd grade, but she's doing 3rd reading, 5th grade math, and 4th grade writing. She can easily test 3rd grade topics now.

    I am ambiguous about this model. Love the "learn as much as you want" even if it means learning 2, 3 grades ahead, but the no-teacher rule and so much computer use seems a little strange. Also if the kid is not extremely self-motivated, they will be left by the side of the road by the school.

    [1] - <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;alpha.school&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;alpha.school&#x2F;

    Edit: It&#x27;s 40k a year.

    1. graemep · · focus · HN ↗
      I got the benefits of letting kids go at their own pace etc. at a fraction of the cost but with a bit of (mostly fun) effort by home educating my kids. Tutors for two subjects (three in exam terms as English language and literature are separate GCSEs), both Oxford graduates in those subjects. No AI but lots of books and other resources.

      Most kids are motivated given the right environment. Enjoying learning is natural.

      The AI element of what you describe does not appeal to me. The weekly testing and assignment to grades sounds a bit rigid too.

      Considering how much one to one human tutoring 40k an year could buy that does not sound like good value.

      1. xandrius · · focus · HN ↗
        I would love to home school my future (not yet born) kids, how did you get started? Any tips? Recommendations? Etc.
        1. Otterly99 · · focus · HN ↗
          My girlfriend was homeschooled and she would definitely have preferred to go to regular school (which she attended for high school).

          Home schooling sounds good in paper, but as much as school can suck, it is also an irreplaceable opportunity to learn to socialize, which is a much more valluable skill than knowing pre-university curriculum.

          1. xandrius · · focus · HN ↗
            You only know what you experience.

            My schooling was alright but I can imagine a much better version given different circumstances.

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