'Three Or Four Times Better': AI 'Godfather' Geoffrey Hinton Says AI Tutors Could Soon Outperform Humans And Make Degrees Obsolete

Artificial intelligence could soon do more than help with homework—it might replace traditional universities altogether. Geoffrey Hinton, known as the "Godfather Of  AI," made that prediction during an interview on "The Agenda" with Steve Paikin, a TVO Today program.

Hinton, one of the recipients of a Nobel Prize in Physics in 2024 for his work on neural networks, warned that AI-powered tutors will soon become drastically more effective than human teachers.

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AI Tutors Are Gaining Ground—And Fast

"If a private tutor that's a person is like two times better," Hinton said in the video, "these [AI tutors] will be three or four times better." He explained that by analyzing data from millions of students, AI systems could quickly identify a learner's unique gaps and offer precise, tailored feedback—at scale.

This kind of hyper-personalized learning isn't theoretical anymore. In China, platforms like Squirrel AI are already deploying adaptive tutoring technology. According to a breakdown by Digital Defynd, students using Squirrel AI regularly outperform peers in traditional classrooms. The platform uses algorithms to customize content delivery in real-time based on a student's performance.

A Harvard study also backs up Hinton's claim. It found that students using AI tutors learned more than double the material compared to those in active learning classrooms—and they did it in less time. AI tutors don't get tired, they don't get distracted, and they adapt instantly to each learner's pace.

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Meanwhile, formal education systems are starting to respond. The University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School recently launched a curriculum focused entirely on artificial intelligence.

Wharton School Dean Erika James said in an April 2 statement,"It’s no longer a question of if, but how artificial intelligence will fundamentally alter every aspect of business and society." She added, "Business schools have a crucial role to play in ensuring that AI adoption leads to positive outcomes."

In Beijing, AI education is now compulsory for students starting in elementary school. Business Insider reported that Chinese students are now required to complete at least eight hours of AI instruction each year.

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But the generational shift isn't without anxiety. A Gallup poll from March revealed that 41% of Gen Z respondents say AI tools make them anxious. About 44% expressed concerns that reliance on AI might weaken their critical thinking skills. 27% of the respondents were hopeful, and 36% were excited about the prospect of AI becoming mainstream in education.

AI tutor critics argue that while these systems are fast and accurate, they still lack emotional intelligence. "They can't inspire, grasp human behavior, or connect on a human level," explained a recent piece from Robin Waite, a business strategist who's written extensively on AI's role in education.

Still, Hinton's forecast raises a tough question for universities, especially those offering degrees in technical subjects like computer science. If an AI tutor can offer individualized, affordable, around-the-clock instruction that outperforms even the best professors, will students still spend thousands on a four-year degree?

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