At a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is ubiquitous, code is generated in seconds and everything suddenly seems easier, an uncomfortable question arises: what does knowledge really mean in a world where answers are instantly available? The true value lies not in what AI can produce, but in what humans can understand, verify and translate into reliable systems.
This is precisely where education makes the difference. And this is precisely where the 42 Zurich model comes into its own. It is not about pursuing every technological innovation, but about shaping profiles that can develop in an environment where AI is a powerful but never autonomous tool among many. In the era of generative AI, it is no longer about collecting answers, but about asking the right questions, testing hypotheses, understanding limits and accepting the technical consequences of one’s own decisions.
AI as a revealer: Why pedagogy is more important than the tool
At first glance, AI appears to be ushering in radical change in the field of education. Never before have tools been as accessible, powerful or spectacular as they are today. Generating code, explaining complex concepts, translating, correcting, summarising – tasks that used to require expert knowledge are now just a click away.
But on closer inspection, it becomes clear that the real successes in integrating AI into education are not among the early adopters, but among those who already have a solid foundation: a digital culture, activating pedagogy and genuine autonomy for learners. AI does not create these conditions, it reveals them.
Learning to think like a developer, not just consuming answers
This is where the connection between AI and education becomes particularly interesting. Because learning in the age of AI is not about teaching tools, but about developing an attitude. An attitude of methodical doubt, verification, experimentation and iteration. This is exactly what is expected today of developers or engineers who work with complex systems that integrate AI models.
The educational model at 42 Zurich adapts to this logic. It does not teach “AI” in the traditional sense, but rather presents learners with situations in which the use of AI presents a problem that needs to be solved, rather than a magical solution.
From “vibe coding” to industrial reality
This distinction is crucial when demonstration and production are often confused. AI tools give the impression of simplicity and speed, sometimes referred to as “vibe coding”, where a result works without really understanding what is behind it. But in a professional context, this illusion quickly dissipates. Implementing a solution with AI means mastering architectures, data flows, performance, security and maintenance requirements.
It is precisely this transition – from enthusiastic experimentation to robust, understandable and maintainable solutions – that 42’s teaching method prepares students for. By engaging with concrete projects, real-world constraints and peer evaluation, it promotes a key skill in the age of AI: the ability to transform a technically appealing idea into a reliable solution.
The true significance: AI expertise
At the heart of discussions about AI in education is a central concept: AI literacy. The real challenge is not to use AI, but to use it with discernment. Working with a large language model (LLM) does not mean formulating good prompts, but rather being able to test, understand and verify results and integrate them into reliable, secure and maintainable systems.
This is precisely the attitude cultivated by 42 Zurich. Through peer learning and collective intelligence, 42 focuses on people where others focus on automation. AI can support and accelerate, but in-depth learning remains a social process.
In this context, 42 Zurich does not promise any miracle cures. It offers a solid educational model that can evolve with AI without losing its strengths: shaping people who can understand, build and adapt.
Summary
- AI is not a substitute for education, but rather a tool that only becomes truly valuable when combined with a solid foundation and critical thinking.
- 42 Zurich does not educate in AI, but through AI – by teaching skills that go beyond the tools themselves.
- The challenge of the future is AI competence: not just using it, but understanding it, questioning it and shaping it responsibly.
- 42 Zurich is committed to an educational approach that enables learners to recognise and exploit the opportunities and limitations of AI in order to build systems that respect human and social values.
In a world where AI is becoming increasingly prevalent, education is not obsolete, but more crucial than ever. 42 Zurich focuses on training people who understand technology, can design it responsibly and critically evaluate its impact.
Translated with Deepl.