AI won’t replace magic of teachers, says Google’s Ben Gomes in UAE

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not here to replace teachers, but to give them back their most precious resource: time, says Ben Gomes, Chief Technologist for Learning and Sustainability at Google.

At the two-day World Schools Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Gomes outlined a vision of classrooms where AI acts as a true assistant, amplifying educators’ impact rather than diminishing it.

“Imagine an AI that acts as a true teaching assistant, helping overburdened educators draft lesson plans, differentiate instruction, and create new activities,” Gomes told Gulf News on the sidelines of the Summit, hosted by T4 Education, Aldar Education, and the Emirates Foundation, and supported by CIFF, Google, Microsoft, and HP.
“This doesn't replace the magic of the teacher; it aims to free them up, giving them back their most precious resource, which is time – time to inspire, motivate, spark joy, foster curiosity, and build the meaningful human relationships that are the true catalyst for growth.”

Gomes, who once led Google Search, drew parallels between AI in classrooms and search engines in everyday life.
“When I was overseeing Search, I saw it as a place where you came to get information, but sometimes that information changes how you think. You take it with you and you are a different person with that information. And that's the goal of education writ large. I see the possibility of AI to be that companion with you in the context of these learning institutions, because the inspiration I still think is people, the teachers, the faculty members.”

Gomes pointed out the transformative power of teachers, citing his own experience.
“Almost everybody had some teacher they remember as like that person. For me, it was my mother, a chemistry teacher, who changed my life. It wasn’t the book. It was that person and the way they loved what they taught. And when you get teachers who do that together with technology that really works to bring a student along, I think you have magic. And I think you have the potential for that magic here in spades.”

Gomes also addressed concerns that AI could dull students’ independent thinking or problem-solving skills.
“Our goal must be to design AI that promotes deep thinking and does not replace it. The goal is not maximal struggle for the student, and AI can help remove barriers such as content that is at the wrong level so that the focus can be on the mental work that truly matters – problem solving, critical thinking.”

Google is working closely with global education experts to embed pedagogical principles into its AI models and ensure tools reflect decades of research into effective learning.

Asked about preparing students for jobs that don’t yet exist, Gomes said learners need critical thinking and domain knowledge to build both expertise and adaptability for tomorrow’s careers.
“Educators and policymakers, meanwhile, should prioritise building systems to support a resilient labour force that can evolve as jobs do. While AI presents challenges, it also presents new opportunities for learning and teaching of new skills throughout life.”  

Gomes highlighted Google’s commitment to ensuring AI education tools reach under-resourced schools worldwide.
“Ensuring that the benefits of AI are widely distributed requires tools that are accessible, affordable, and culturally and linguistically relevant. We are investing to ensure our models are trained on varied and global sources from the ground up, helping reflect many cultures and context. Everyone should have help to use AI meaningfully and safely for educational purposes, and an understanding of when and how to responsibly use AI.”