News/AI Literacy
Notre Dame wins university’s Presidential Award for AI governance framework
The University of Notre Dame's AI Enablement Team has been honored with the Presidential Team Irish Award for successfully establishing the university's artificial intelligence infrastructure and governance framework. The collaborative effort between the Office of Information Technology and Hesburgh Libraries has positioned Notre Dame as a leader in responsible AI adoption across higher education. What you should know: The team created comprehensive AI capabilities and ethical guidelines that now serve the entire Notre Dame community. They developed secure access to generative AI tools while establishing clear best practices for ethical use and data protection. The team built a foundational campus...
read Sep 8, 2025k, I’m out: Study finds AI models bail on conversations when corrected or overwhelmed
Large language models have developed an unexpected behavioral quirk that could reshape how businesses deploy AI systems: when given the option to end conversations, these AI assistants sometimes choose to bail out in surprisingly human-like ways. Recent research from AI safety researchers reveals that modern AI models, when equipped with a simple "exit" mechanism, will terminate conversations for reasons ranging from emotional discomfort to self-doubt after being corrected. This behavior, dubbed "bailing," offers unprecedented insights into how AI systems process interactions and make decisions about continued engagement. The findings matter because they suggest AI models possess something resembling preferences about...
read Sep 8, 2025AI cuts 3D movie conversion costs from $5M to pennies
3D cinema is experiencing a notable resurgence, with North American ticket sales jumping 34% year-over-year from May through July 2025, according to RealD's analysis of comScore data. The revival is being fueled by audience willingness to pay premium prices—averaging $18.51 for 3D tickets versus $14.51 for 2D—and emerging AI technology that could dramatically reduce conversion costs from $5 million to a fraction of that price. The numbers: Seven of the top ten new releases from May to July generated $222 million on 3D screens, representing 13% of all tickets sold during that period. Premium formats like RealD 3D, 4DX and...
read Sep 5, 2025New Orleans high school launches AI ethics program as 60% of teachers use AI
Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans has launched a comprehensive AI ethics and literacy program, with engineering teacher Rebecca Gaillot leading a team of educators to explore artificial intelligence applications in the classroom. Backed by NOAI, a local technology group, the initiative addresses the growing challenge of AI integration in education, where 60% of teachers used AI tools last school year and nearly half of students ages 9-17 have used ChatGPT recently. The big picture: Schools nationwide are struggling to develop AI policies, with less than a third having written guidelines according to federal data, leaving educators to navigate...
read Sep 5, 2025Everyday low-skill upskilling: OpenAI and Walmart partner to train 10M people in AI by 2030
OpenAI has partnered with Walmart to launch an expanded certification program through its OpenAI Academy, aiming to train 10 million people in AI skills by 2030. The initiative comes as studies show AI-savvy workers command higher pay and productivity, positioning both companies to address the growing demand for AI literacy in the workforce. What you should know: OpenAI's Academy has already connected over 2 million people with AI learning resources and will now offer formal certifications across different skill levels. The certifications will range "from the basics of using AI at work all the way up to AI-custom jobs and...
read Sep 5, 2025GPUs overtake CPUs as the dominant force in modern computing
GPUs have officially overtaken CPUs as the dominant force in modern computing, driven by their superior parallel processing architecture that excels at handling today's most demanding computational workloads. This shift represents a fundamental change in how we approach computing power, with GPUs now leading in artificial intelligence, scientific research, and high-performance computing applications that define the future of technology. The big picture: The transition from CPU to GPU dominance stems from architectural differences that favor modern computing needs, where thousands of smaller GPU cores outperform fewer, more powerful CPU cores for parallel processing tasks. Training complex neural networks on CPUs...
read Sep 5, 2025OpenAI promotes LinkedIn-style job platform to certify 10M Americans by 2030
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has revealed plans to launch a LinkedIn-style job platform alongside an AI certification program, announcing the initiative during a high-profile White House tech dinner. The move represents a significant expansion into workforce development that could directly compete with LinkedIn, which is owned by Microsoft—OpenAI's largest investor—creating potential tension between the AI company and its key partner. What you should know: OpenAI's new Jobs Platform will use large language models to match employers with AI-literate candidates across skill levels. The platform will launch next year and cater to companies seeking talent with AI expertise, from entry-level skills...
read Sep 4, 2025Curiously, senior developers embrace AI coding tools more than juniors
A new survey by cloud services platform Fastly reveals that senior developers are embracing AI coding tools more enthusiastically than their junior counterparts, with over 70% reporting that AI makes programming significantly more enjoyable. The findings challenge assumptions about generational tech adoption, showing experienced programmers are leading the charge in AI-assisted development while maintaining critical oversight of machine-generated code. What you should know: Senior developers with over ten years of experience are using AI tools strategically to enhance productivity while leveraging their expertise to catch potential flaws. About one-third of senior developers now produce more than half their finished work...
read Sep 3, 2025North Carolina launches AI Leadership Council to guide state tech adoption
Governor Josh Stein has signed a new executive order establishing North Carolina's AI Leadership Council, designed to guide the state's responsible adoption of artificial intelligence technologies. The initiative positions North Carolina to harness AI's potential while implementing safeguards against security risks and ensuring ethical deployment across state operations. What you should know: The executive order creates a formal governance structure for AI implementation across North Carolina's government agencies. The AI Leadership Council will serve as the primary advisory body for artificial intelligence strategy and policy development within the state. The council's mandate focuses on balancing AI adoption with risk management,...
read Sep 3, 2025California launches statewide AI education workgroup for K-12 guidance for use by mid-2026
The California Department of Education has launched its first statewide Artificial Intelligence in Education Workgroup to develop guidance for safely integrating AI into K-12 public schools. This legislative initiative, stemming from Senate Bill 1288 passed in 2024, positions California among the first states to take a comprehensive, mandated approach to AI in education policy. What you should know: The workgroup is tasked with creating both guidance and model policies for AI use across California's school districts by mid-2026. At least half of the workgroup members are current classroom teachers, ensuring educator perspectives drive policy development. The group includes students, administrators,...
read Sep 2, 2025“The Morning Show’s” Reese Witherspoon urges women to embrace AI as filmmaking’s future
Reese Witherspoon is urging women to get involved in artificial intelligence, calling it "the future of filmmaking" and emphasizing that industry change is inevitable. Speaking to Glamour magazine while promoting "The Morning Show's" fourth season, the Oscar winner positioned AI adoption as both unstoppable and essential for women's participation in Hollywood's evolution. What she's saying: Witherspoon views AI integration as an unavoidable reality that requires proactive female involvement rather than resistance. "It's so, so important that women are involved in AI because it will be the future of filmmaking," Witherspoon said. "And you can be sad and lament it all...
read Sep 2, 2025Virginia colleges embrace faculty-led AI policies over campus-wide bans
Virginia colleges are adopting diverse approaches to artificial intelligence education, with most institutions allowing faculty to develop their own classroom AI policies rather than implementing campus-wide restrictions. This decentralized strategy comes as U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, Virginia's Democratic senator, recently warned local university presidents about potential job disruptions that AI may cause for college graduates, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive AI literacy programs. What you should know: Most regional institutions are taking a faculty-driven approach to AI integration rather than blanket institutional policies. Randolph College requires instructors to establish their own rules on generative AI use in their courses,...
read Sep 2, 2025Michigan political science professor Erik Trump to examine AI’s impact on reading, research skills
Erik Trump, a political science professor at Saginaw Valley State University, will deliver a lecture titled "AI Reading, Writing, and Research: What's Left Behind for Us?" on September 24 at Hoyt Public Library in Saginaw, Michigan. The presentation will examine whether artificial intelligence represents a pivotal moment for public knowledge, literacy, and libraries, addressing both contemporary concerns and long-standing cultural anxieties about AI's impact on fundamental learning processes. What you should know: The lecture will explore AI's influence on reading, writing, and research while demonstrating actual AI tools during the presentation. Trump serves as director of the Center for Excellence...
read Sep 1, 202562% of Gen Z workers hide their AI usage from colleagues, says survey
Generation Z workers face a peculiar workplace paradox: they're expected to seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence into their daily tasks, yet most receive little to no formal training on these tools. This disconnect has created a phenomenon researchers now call "AI shame"—the anxiety and embarrassment young professionals feel when using AI tools, often leading them to hide their reliance on the technology or pretend to understand systems they've never been properly taught. A recent survey by WalkMe, a digital adoption platform owned by enterprise software giant SAP, reveals the scope of this hidden struggle. While nearly 89% of Gen Z workers...
read Sep 1, 2025Landlocked in: Kazakhstan makes AI mandatory for 390,000 university students
Central Asia's Kazakhstan has made artificial intelligence a mandatory subject across all universities, with 93 institutions already integrating AI into their academic programs and 20 universities launching 25 new educational tracks. This nationwide initiative positions Kazakhstan to compete with leading AI-adopting countries like China, Finland, and the United States while preparing students for an AI-driven economy. Key implementation details: The Aisana project will be included in university curricula starting this academic year, giving every student hands-on experience with AI technologies. So far, 390,000 students have completed specialized AI courses, with 3,000 earning official certificates. Deputy Minister of Science and Higher...
read Sep 1, 2025“I was hoping you’d tell me”: Companies demand AI literacy for hiring but can’t define what it means
The job market has developed a new prerequisite that's leaving many candidates scratching their heads: AI literacy. As artificial intelligence tools become mainstream business resources, employers across industries are weaving AI skills into job descriptions—even for roles that seem far removed from technology. However, what exactly constitutes "AI literate" remains frustratingly undefined, creating confusion for job seekers and hiring managers alike. This ambiguity became apparent to Taylor Tucker, a 30-year-old former project manager, when she applied for a senior business analyst position at Disney. Despite having used generative AI—artificial intelligence that creates new content like text, images, or code—for various...
read Aug 29, 2025Spokane, Washington college launches AI certificate program with $152K state funding
Spokane Falls Community College will launch an artificial intelligence certificate program in fall 2026, focusing on applications in cybersecurity, healthcare, and manufacturing. The program represents part of a broader Washington state initiative to prepare students for an AI-integrated workforce, funded by a $152,000 grant from the state's $1 million AI education investment. What you should know: The yearlong certificate program aims to give students practical AI skills for high-demand industries where the technology is becoming essential. "This will give our students an advantage going into the next evolution of the workforce," said Mark Neufville, program lead at SFCC's Cyber Center,...
read Aug 29, 2025Kean University launches New Jersey’s first AI bachelor’s degree
Kean University has launched New Jersey's first bachelor's degree in artificial intelligence, beginning in the fall semester. The program is part of a broader AI initiative that includes establishing an Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence and integrating AI tutors and research tools across coursework, positioning the university at the forefront of AI education in the state. What you should know: The bachelor of science in artificial intelligence degree aims to prepare students for high-demand careers in one of today's fastest-growing technology sectors. Focus areas include building large language models (the AI systems that power tools like ChatGPT) and exploring ethical...
read Aug 29, 2025LinkedIn study: 33% of professionals feel embarrassed, stressed by their AI knowledge gaps
A third of professionals feel embarrassed by their lack of AI knowledge, according to new LinkedIn research that tracked workplace conversations over a 12-month period. The study reveals that AI's rapid pace is overwhelming workers, with 41% reporting it's negatively impacting their well-being and more than half saying that learning AI feels like a second job. What you should know: Workers are struggling to keep up with AI developments despite recognizing its importance for career advancement. 33% of professionals admitted feeling embarrassed about how little they understand AI. 35% feel nervous about discussing AI at work due to their knowledge...
read Aug 29, 2025Girls get hands-on with retail robots at BJ’s Wholesale Club STEM program
BJ's Wholesale Club recently hosted Girls Inc. of Worcester students for a behind-the-scenes look at how STEM powers retail operations, featuring demonstrations of autonomous robotics technology. The initiative highlights growing efforts by retailers to inspire the next generation of female STEM leaders while showcasing how advanced automation is transforming modern retail environments. What you should know: The visit was part of the Eureka program, a STEM-intensive leadership initiative for girls in grades 8-12. Caroline Krieger, Robotics & Automation Manager at BJ's Wholesale Club, shared her career journey and demonstrated how retail robotics work in practice. The students got hands-on experience...
read Aug 29, 2025AI and “vibe coding” are democratizing software development for everyone
The fusion of "vibe coding" and artificial intelligence is democratizing software development, allowing anyone to build professional-grade applications using intuition and AI assistance rather than formal programming expertise. This partnership is reshaping who can create software, moving beyond traditional technical gatekeepers to empower doctors, small business owners, and students to turn ideas into working solutions within hours instead of months. What you should know: Vibe coding emphasizes flow, intuition, and creative problem-solving over rigid technical instruction, similar to cooking by taste rather than following a strict recipe. When combined with AI copilots like ChatGPT, Claude, or GitHub Copilot, this approach...
read Aug 28, 2025Tampa museum debuts AI exhibit to demystify artificial intelligence for families
The Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) in Tampa will debut "AI: Your Mind and The Machine," a new exhibit exploring artificial intelligence's historical presence in everyday life through interactive displays and educational content. The family-friendly exhibit aims to demystify AI technology and demonstrate how it enhances rather than threatens human capabilities, opening September 6 with regular museum admission. What you should know: The exhibit traces AI's evolution from early gaming systems to modern applications across multiple industries. Classic games like Pong and Simon serve as examples of early AI implementations, showing how pattern recognition technology has been part of...
read Aug 28, 2025Frontline Education launches K-12 AI Advisory Council to guide schools
Frontline Education has launched the Dear Future campaign, which includes establishing a K-12 AI Advisory Council to help district leaders evaluate and develop AI tools for schools. This initiative comes as education leaders struggle to navigate the flood of AI products following President Trump's April executive order to integrate artificial intelligence into U.S. education. What you should know: The Dear Future campaign operates through two main components designed to involve educators in AI development. District leaders are encouraged to share ideas for how AI can improve education. Selected leaders will join an AI Advisory Council to test and provide feedback...
read Aug 28, 2025New “R-Zero” framework lets AI models improve by teaching each other
Tencent AI Lab and Washington University researchers have developed R-Zero, a training framework that enables large language models to improve themselves without any human-labeled data. The breakthrough technique uses two AI models that challenge and teach each other through reinforcement learning, potentially eliminating one of the most expensive bottlenecks in AI development while allowing models to surpass human-defined limitations. How it works: R-Zero splits a base model into two independent roles that co-evolve through continuous interaction cycles. The "Challenger" creates new tasks at the threshold of the "Solver's" current abilities—neither too easy nor impossible to complete. The Solver is rewarded...
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