AI and the Individual Learner: Personalisation Without Losing the Human Touch
For parents and educators, the promise of artificial intelligence in education is both exciting and daunting. We’re told that AI can tailor reading programmes, identify strengths and weaknesses, and recommend bespoke pathways faster than ever before. But as personalised learning technologies become more sophisticated, an essential question arises: How do we ensure personalisation doesn’t come at the expense of the human connection fundamental to learning?
Understanding Personalisation: The New Edge in EdTech
Personalisation means more than auto-generated reading lists or smart assessments. In today’s EdTech landscape, AI is helping children learn at their own pace, spotlighting those who need extra support and celebrating unique learning journeys. Tools powered by machine learning, like the technology underpinning Fonetti’s Read Aloud Challenge, adapt to each child’s progress offering encouragement when needed and new challenges when ready.
While algorithms can identify patterns far more quickly than humans, they lack the empathy and intuition that only caring adults can provide. Without this human element, there is a real risk that education becomes a transactional process, reducing students to mere data points instead of nurturing them as individuals.
The Irreplaceable Role of Human Connection
Research continually shows the value of teachers and parents who listen, understand, and advocate. When a child struggles with reading, it goes beyond correcting mistakes; The actual goal is to build confidence, resilience, and joy. AI can highlight which words are stumbling blocks, but it’s the adult’s patience and praise that make the breakthrough moments truly memorable.
In fact, many literacy experts believe the best results come from “AI-plus-human” partnerships. AI can suggest new books, flag disengagement, and recommend intervention, but only people can read the room, pick up on subtle emotional cues, and nurture lifelong curiosity.
Designing for Both: Lessons from EdTech Innovation
Personalisation must always serve a human-centric learning experience. When developing speech recognition technology for reading aloud, the Fonetti team prioritises transparency and trust, where parents can track progress, and children always see their achievements celebrated by real people. Our technology never replaces the adult or teacher, but enhances and augments their feedback.
Thoughtful design ensures that every child’s reading journey feels personal, not impersonal. That means AI recommendations support, rather than dictate, choices, and young learners feel seen, heard, and understood.
Questions for the Future: Where Do We Draw the Line?
As AI continues to evolve, the education community faces big questions. How far should automation go before it risks alienating the very learners it aims to help? What checks and balances ensure that EdTech remains accountable and inclusive? Further how do we support parents and teachers to harness AI’s power without sacrificing the warmth and wisdom that only humans bring?
At every step, the principle remains clear: personalisation must lead to connection, not isolation.
Conclusion: Empowered Learners, Human Teachers
EdTech is reshaping classrooms and living rooms across the country. The challenge isn’t whether to use AI, but how to use it wisely. By keeping human connection at the heart of personalisation, we can help every learner reach their potential and ensure that technology supports, but never replaces, the magic of learning together.
