German students taught by AI robot Captcha
In a groundbreaking educational experiment, students at Willms High School in Delmenhorst, Germany, participated in an unusual learning experience as they were taught by "Captcha," an AI-operated humanoid robot developed by Hong Kong-based Hidoba Research. The robot led a series of lectures and debates focusing on artificial intelligence and its societal impacts.
The innovative teaching experiment, reportedly one of the first robot-led lessons in Europe, came to fruition through the students' own initiative following their encounter with Captcha at the United Nations "AI for Good" global summit. The school, known for its emphasis on technical subjects and its "I_make_AI" campaign, welcomed various media outlets, including Germany's prominent "Tagesschau" news program, to document this unique educational event.
Students in their late teens engaged with their mechanical instructor in discussions covering various topics, including AI-generated income, relationships, potential global impacts, and ethical responsibilities. While student Kenen Soenmez noted "a bit of a lack of personal contact," he praised the quality of the arguments presented. Another student, Monica Mesaros, expressed enthusiasm about the robot's interactive capabilities, particularly highlighting its ability to maintain eye contact and provide thorough responses.
The robot itself demonstrated awareness of contemporary issues, particularly addressing the irony of discussing AI-related fake news during the session. This educational experiment represents a significant step in exploring the integration of AI technology in classroom settings, drawing attention to both the possibilities and limitations of robot-led instruction in modern education.
The event not only showcased technological innovation in education but also demonstrated student initiative in bringing cutting-edge technology into their learning environment, garnering significant media attention and sparking discussions about the future of educational methodology.
