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Big Tech’s growing influence in US schools sparks debate over AI, corporate influence and teachers’ role in education

Technology companies are steadily gaining a larger role in American schools, with artificial intelligence emerging as the latest area of expansion. Microsoft, Google, Apple and OpenAI are providing teachers and students with training, workshops, software and digital devices, presenting their involvement as a way to modernise classrooms and prepare children for a changing job market.

But the growing presence of these companies is also drawing resistance. Critics argue that schools risk becoming dependent on commercial technology while corporate interests gain greater influence over what children learn, which tools they use and how education is delivered.

AI training partnership raises questions

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has joined hands with Microsoft and OpenAI for an AI training programme worth more than Rs 220 crore. The initiative is aimed at helping teachers understand and use AI tools in classrooms.

Supporters say such programmes can help teachers keep pace with rapidly changing technology. Critics, however, fear that partnerships of this scale could give technology companies an undue say in education policy and classroom practices.

The debate is part of a wider shift in the relationship between schools and the technology industry.

How technology firms enter schools

Technology companies have long used schools as an important route to expand their products and services. Their involvement now stretches well beyond supplying computers.

• Companies provide laptops, tablets, operating systems and educational apps.
• They organise training sessions and workshops for teachers and students.
• They promote digital platforms and services that become part of everyday classroom work.
• Some push for subjects and courses that align with their technological priorities.

Microsoft, for example, uses its Minecraft Education Edition to teach computer science in an interactive format.

From coding lessons to AI classrooms

The technology industry’s focus has also changed. About a decade ago, companies strongly promoted coding in schools as a way to address a shortage of software engineers.

Today, the rise of AI that can generate computer code has changed that argument. At the same time, technology companies themselves have carried out layoffs, making the earlier promise of coding as a direct route into technology jobs less certain.

AI education has consequently become the new priority, with companies increasingly presenting AI skills as essential for students.

Microsoft defends its growing role

Microsoft vice-chair and president Brad Smith has argued that corporate involvement became necessary because public schools often struggled to keep pace with new subjects and the rapidly changing demands of the job market.

Smith has questioned where schools would be today without support from companies such as Microsoft. His argument reflects the central issue in the debate: technology firms say they are filling gaps that public education systems have been unable to address.

Critics, however, say the same assistance can create a long-term dependence on private companies.

Google’s powerful position

Google has built a particularly strong presence in American schools through inexpensive Chromebooks and free applications. Its share of the education market has reached 59 per cent.

Critics contend that the company benefits from introducing children to services such as Gmail and Chrome at an early age. They argue that familiarity can later translate into commercial value through data and advertising.

At the same time, some parents and schools are increasingly concerned about excessive screen use among children.

• Los Angeles Unified School District has decided to stop using iPads and Chromebooks for younger children amid opposition.
• Teachers fear AI could automate important tasks such as giving feedback to students.
• Some parents are questioning whether more technology necessarily means better education.

Tech firms also fund surveys and research reports to promote computer science, AI chatbots and other digital tools as education priorities. Critics say this can create a cycle in which companies fund research that strengthens the case for expanding their own products and services.

Learning from the pharmaceutical industry

Some experts compare the strategy with practices once used by pharmaceutical companies, which organised seminars and other activities to encourage doctors to prescribe newer branded medicines.

Dr Adrienne Fugh-Berman, a professor at Georgetown University, says industries tend to invest money where it can generate influence.

The comparison has raised concerns that technology companies may similarly be using training programmes, research funding and educational partnerships to build long-term acceptance of their products.

The question now facing American schools is not whether technology has a place in education, but who should control its use. Supporters see Big Tech as a source of expertise and resources. Critics want clearer safeguards to ensure that commercial interests do not overpower teachers, parents and students.

As AI becomes more deeply embedded in classrooms, the balance between innovation and independence is likely to become one of the biggest education debates in the United States.