Teacher creates AI-generated images of her students to motivate them to pursue their dream careers

With changing times, a role model should adopt evolving teaching practices to inspire those around them. A true educator keeps their inner student alive, striving to know more about anything and everything around them. A dedicated junior instructor from Turkey tried to do the same by bringing technology into the classroom in the most uplifting way. Gülümser Balci—who goes by @gulumser_ogretmenim on Instagram—took the help of artificial intelligence (AI) to make her students' dreams come true.

In a video shared online, Balci, who works at Atatürk Primary School in the Gündoğdu neighborhood of Borçka district, Turkey, can be seen handing over AI-generated pictures to her students. The Arvin-based educator’s initiative is aimed at inspiring young minds to chase their dreams without any fear. “They told me their dream jobs, and I made their dreams come true,” read the loosely translated video caption, originally written in Turkish.

The AI-generated images showed the potential futures of the young students. The youngsters were amused by the shocking results that portrayed their potential futures if they pursued their dreams. Their excitement levels peaked at cloud nine upon seeing themselves in professions such as doctors, teachers, engineers, officers, pilots, astronauts, artists and football players.

The video showed Balci calling the tiny tots one by one to unveil the surprise. A day before the wholesome act, the educator—who relies heavily on intelligence games and creative drama for teaching—asked her students what they would want to do professionally after growing up. The results in the AI-generated images reflected their answers. “I wanted to shed light on my students’ dreams by listening to them and making them come true in an artificial intelligence environment. They had unforgettable moments and were very happy. Their happiness makes us happy too,” Balci told local news agency DHA. More so, the class teacher hoped her students’ beautiful dreams would eventually come true in the future.

However, the one-and-a-half-minute video has a rather unusual ending, with Balci showing her own potential future. The results showed the obvious: an elderly educator with a smile and a head full of grey hair, standing in front of a chalkboard. “They all loved it except one person. Surprise ending,” she added in the video’s caption, poking fun at herself. While congratulating Balci for successfully conducting the exercise, the Provincial Director of National Education, Fahri Acar, said, “All these efforts are to prepare the children for the future in a way that will be beneficial to both our country and their families.”

The video of the students’ joyful moments has garnered over 73k views on the platform. “What a beautiful thing you have done. Now, those children are one step closer to achieving their dreams. Thanks to your dedication. Long live teachers like you—the smiles on those faces are priceless. You are truly remarkable, my teacher,” @mrlatesscetinkaya commented. @_mehta_10 added, “The photo at the end alone completed the emotions. How beautiful it is to see our students coming to the most beautiful places. I wish you all the hairs grow and may all your efforts be filled with scratches on your faces.”

You can follow Gülümser Balci (@gulumser_ogretmenim) on Instagram for more educational content.