Artificializing Schools through the Prism of Class of 1999: Between Expectations and Reality

Abstract

This paper brings to the fore some of the multi-dimensional scrupulous and rogue aspects of student-machine interaction in the era of artificial intelligence through the prism of Mark Lester’s movie titled Class of 1999 (part I), with a special focus on the duality of expectations vs. reality. It puts into question the platonic narratives spun around the role of robotic machines in solving such educational problems as disruptive behaviors, rape and drug abuse. It seeks to explore the extent to which these machines can effectively help address these problems. The study and analysis of the film events reveal that there is a discrepancy between educational stakeholders’ expectations and reality. The movie shows that AI is a profitable business which has the potential to generate risks for students and educators. It cautions us against AI bias which serves the interests of cash-oriented AI specialists and businessmen. It also warns against turning students into lab rats in top-down governmental AI experiments which can have counter-productive outcomes and render schools apocalyptic and dystopian spaces.