Teaching methods are constantly evolving, and with the advancement of technology, we are now seeing the emergence of Generative AI tutoring. 

In this blog post, we will compare Generative AI tutoring to human tutoring and explore the advantages and limitations of each method.

Human Tutoring: Limitations and Advantages 

Human tutoring has been a traditional learning method for centuries but has limitations. One of the most significant drawbacks of human tutoring is the cost. Hiring a human tutor can be very expensive, making it inaccessible to many people. Additionally, human tutoring is not easily scalable. There are only so many hours in a day, and a tutor can only work with a limited number of students at a time. This means that only some people who need a tutor can access one.

Another limitation of human tutoring is that it is not always available. Some students may need help outside of a tutor’s working hours or help on short notice. Human tutors cannot always be available to assist in these situations. Furthermore, human tutoring is not always fast. It may take time for a tutor to respond to a student’s question, and the student may not receive immediate feedback.

Despite these limitations, human tutoring does have its advantages. Human tutors can provide personalized, one-on-one attention to students. They can tailor their teaching style to students’ needs and provide a clear learning plan and materials. This can be very effective for students who need a more humanized and personalized learning experience.

Generative AI Tutoring: Limitations and Advantages

Generative AI tutoring offers several advantages over human tutoring. First, it is much more cost-effective and always available, making it possible to provide tutoring services to many more people.

Generative AI tutoring tools can be easily replicated and deployed to multiple students simultaneously, and AI tutors can be available 24/7, so students can receive help whenever needed. 

This is particularly useful for students studying in different time zones or needing assistance outside of traditional classroom or working hours. Students can access a real-time chat or conversation to practice or roleplay any scenario, no matter where they live.

Another advantage of Generative AI tutoring is its speed and real-time feedback. AI tutors can provide immediate feedback, helping students learn more quickly and effectively. This can be especially useful for students struggling with a particular concept or problem.

However, generative AI tutoring still has some limitations. It may be intimidating to some users, particularly those uncomfortable with technology. Additionally, it may only be available in some markets or require a high-performance computer to access. Finally, while AI tutors can provide personalized feedback, the responses may not be perceived as ‘personalized’ like what a human tutor can provide.

Conclusion: Human vs. AI Tutoring

Both human tutoring and generative AI tutoring have their advantages and limitations. Human tutoring can still provide a more personalized, humanized learning experience. However, it can be more expensive and not easily scalable. On the other hand, Generative AI tutoring is fast, accessible, and cost-effective. However, it still may prove intimidating for many learners and requires more technical know-how. 

As technology continues to advance, we will likely see more developments in the field of Generative AI tutoring, making it an increasingly important tool for language learning. But it’s important to remember: the key to maximizing learning is to find the right balance between human and technology and to understand how they can be used together to enhance the learning experience overall.

If you would like to explore language learning with Generative AI, find out how to get early access to ELSA’s AI English Tutor!