What's the most powerful tool in any classroom? In the age of AI, education advocate Matt Wu still believes it's the people. In this hopeful talk, he discusses the nonprofit he leads, Schoolhouse, which pairs students with peer tutors from across the globe, building the crucial human connection that every person needs to thrive. Peer tutoring isn't just teaching students how to learn concepts, says Wu. It's teaching them how to better understand one another.

Why AI will never replace a great teacher

Human connection remains the heart of life-changing education, even as AI tools offer instant, personalized tutoring. Peer tutoring programs have delivered over 100 million minutes of free learning, but the biggest impact comes from students supporting and believing in one another. When a 14-year-old helped a 52-year-old pass algebra, both gained confidence that technology alone cannot spark. True learning is not just mastering concepts, but also learning to listen, empathize, and see new perspectives.

AI Can Teach Facts, Only People Can Inspire Belief

While artificial intelligence can tutor students and customize study plans, it cannot spark the life-changing impact of genuine human relationships. Peer tutoring, where students teach and support each other, has delivered over 100 million free learning minutes to nearly 200,000 students globally. Stories like a 52-year-old learner regaining confidence through a teenager’s guidance reveal that belief and motivation often begin with a caring person, not a machine. True education extends beyond knowledge transfer, nurturing empathy, self-belief, and understanding across differences.