Schools are catching on to Big Tech’s playbook by adopting AI-driven curricula, mirroring the tech industry’s 15-year strategy of promoting computers and coding in education. According to Natasha Singer, AI companies are now providing free resources and lesson plans, ensuring students don’t fall behind in the AI race. However, this integration isn’t without its quirks—just as Big Tech promised seamless tech adoption, schools are now grappling with AI’s own set of challenges.

First, the promise of AI in education is akin to a tech company’s marketing slogan: “AI will transform learning!” Yet, the reality often feels like a beta version—full of glitches and occasional overreliance on buzzwords. For instance, AI tools like chatbots can be brilliant at generating essays, but they sometimes produce the same generic insights as a first-year college student on a caffeine binge. The assumption that AI will automatically make students job-ready overlooks the fact that many roles still prize critical thinking over algorithmic output.

Moreover, the pro bono curriculum from AI giants often aligns with their own product ecosystems. Google’s AI might favor its tools, while IBM’s could push for its Watson. This means schools sometimes learn AI in a way that’s more about showcasing the tech than solving real educational problems. The assumption that free resources equate to optimal learning overlooks deeper questions: Is the AI curriculum tailored to students’ needs, or is it simply a marketing tactic to get schools hooked on Big Tech’s latest gadgets?

Finally, the narrative that schools are catching on to Big Tech’s playbook suggests a one-size-fits-all approach. However, just as not every student thrives on standardized testing, not every school will seamlessly integrate AI. Some districts might struggle with infrastructure, while others might resist the shift due to teacher training or budget constraints. The counterpoint is that AI in schools is still evolving, much like a teenager trying to find its style—sometimes it looks sharp, other times it’s a bit awkward, but eventually, it will figure out what works best. So, while AI is certainly a star player in education’s playbook, it’s still learning to dance without stepping on its own feet.