Humanizing AI Education: The MERGE Framework for Supporting Teachers in AI-Enhanced Classrooms

This paper explores the evolving role of teachers in AI-enhanced classrooms, particularly within the context of South Korea's upcoming AI Digital Textbook (AIDT) initiative. As AI technology becomes increasingly integrated into educational systems worldwide, this paper argues that teachers remain indispensable, playing critical roles that AI cannot replicate. The MERGE framework-Monitor, Encourage, Reward, Guide, and Evaluate-is proposed as a model to support teachers in effectively merging traditional educational practices with modern AI technologies. Developed initially in South Korea, the MERGE framework is adaptable to various global educational contexts, ensuring that educators worldwide can harness AI to enhance teaching rather than replace vital human elements. By fostering a co-learning environment where both teachers and students can thrive, this paper underscores the potential for AI to elevate education systems globally, emphasizing the importance of human-centered approaches in the age of AI.