News/Education
UK students explore AI’s role in modern workplaces to boost both career prospects and understanding
Since 2024, the University of Plymouth has been integrating AI education into its business and marketing curriculum to prepare students for an increasingly AI-driven workplace. Students are learning to leverage generative AI tools for tasks like content creation and business automation, marking a shift in how universities approach technological literacy in business education. Core curriculum focus: The university's Business and Marketing program now includes dedicated lessons on using generative AI software for automated content creation and business tasks. Students learn to create podcasts and social media content using AI-powered tools The coursework emphasizes proper prompt engineering techniques to generate text,...
read Feb 22, 2025Texas Southern University seeks $6.6M to boost AI programs
The historically Black Texas Southern University (TSU) is seeking significant funding for artificial intelligence and technology initiatives to modernize its operations and enhance student outcomes. The university's funding request comes amid growing adoption of AI tools in higher education to improve administrative efficiency and student success rates. Primary funding request: Texas Southern University has submitted a $6.6 million legislative appropriations request for an AI initiative called "AI-Driven Excellence: Transforming Student Success from Recruitment to Graduation." The initiative aims to leverage AI technology for improving student recruitment, admissions processes, academic progression tracking, and graduation rates Key components include AI-powered personalized marketing...
read Feb 22, 2025New AI publishing platform lets readers talk with their favorite classic books
The study of complex philosophical and literary works has long challenged readers seeking deeper understanding without direct access to scholarly expertise. Rebind, a new electronic publishing platform launched by UMass Lowell professor John Kaag, combines artificial intelligence with expert commentary to make challenging texts more accessible and interactive. The innovation: Rebind has developed an AI-powered platform that allows readers to interact directly with expert commentary on classic literary works through a web browser interface. The platform features built-in chatbots trained on extensive commentary from leading scholars and authors Readers can type or speak questions about specific passages, receiving instant expert...
read Feb 21, 2025Sam Houston State to launch new AI and IT college
The COVID-19 pandemic and rapid technological advancement have created new workforce demands in Texas, particularly in IT and AI sectors. Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is responding to these challenges by establishing its ninth academic college, focused on providing practical technical education and certifications. The big picture: Sam Houston State University's new polytechnic college, SamPoly, will launch in fall 2025 with online certificate and associate degree programs focusing on information technology, artificial intelligence, and paralegal studies. The initiative aims to address statewide learning gaps and job shortages in rapidly evolving technical fields Students can begin enrolling in summer 2025 for...
read Feb 20, 2025How AI tools are reshaping coding education for new programmers
The evolution of coding education has shifted dramatically between 2019 and 2025, as AI-powered development tools have become increasingly prevalent in programming workflows. A student's personal journey learning to code without AI assistance highlights important considerations about the role of AI in programming education. Initial learning experience: Learning to code in 2019 meant relying on traditional resources like documentation, tutorials, and community forums to understand programming concepts and solve problems. The learning process required careful examination of code to understand functionality Manual debugging and problem-solving were essential parts of the learning journey Community resources like Discord and Stack Overflow provided...
read Feb 20, 2025Stanford AI Lab merges with HAI under Carlos Guestrin’s leadership
The Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab (SAIL), founded in 1963 by Professor John McCarthy, has been a pioneering force in AI development for six decades. Stanford University has now appointed Carlos Guestrin, the Fortinet Founders Professor of Computer Science, as SAIL's new director as the lab joins forces with the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI). Leadership transition and strategic vision: Carlos Guestrin, a distinguished leader in machine learning with extensive experience in both academia and industry, takes over from Christopher Manning to lead SAIL into its next phase of innovation. Guestrin brings valuable experience from leadership roles at Apple's machine...
read Feb 20, 2025Scalpel, Please: AI sharpens medical training at NYU Langone with advanced LLMs
The medical education landscape is undergoing significant changes as teaching hospitals explore AI integration. NYU Langone Health's innovative AI system represents one of the first large-scale implementations of AI-assisted medical training at a major academic medical center. System Overview: NYU Langone Health has developed a specialized large language model that functions as an AI-powered research companion and medical advisor for physicians in training. The AI system performs nightly analysis of electronic health records, automatically matching patient data with relevant research, diagnostic guidelines, and clinical background information Medical students and residents receive personalized daily emails containing detailed patient summaries, condition refreshers,...
read Feb 20, 2025Nvidia’s new AI platform aims to simplify sign language learning
Artificial intelligence tools are being increasingly deployed to help people with disabilities navigate everyday life, with major tech companies developing new assistive technologies. Nvidia's latest contribution to this space is Signs, an AI-powered platform designed to teach American Sign Language (ASL), developed in partnership with the American Society for Deaf Children. Project Overview: Signs is a free AI-powered language learning platform that uses a 3-D avatar to teach American Sign Language, the third most prevalent language in the United States. The platform incorporates real-time video feedback to assess users' signing accuracy as they practice At launch, Signs features 100 distinct...
read Feb 20, 2025San Jose State University appoints first ever AI librarian
The big picture: San Jose State University (SJSU) has created one of the first dedicated AI librarian positions in the United States, appointing Sharesly Rodriguez to manage and develop AI-related resources and services at the university's academic library. The position was announced in February 2025, marking a significant step in how academic libraries are adapting to AI technologies Rodriguez, who has worked at the university library since 2020, will focus on integrating AI technology into library services while addressing ethical considerations and academic integrity Role and responsibilities: Academic librarians traditionally work with faculty and IT staff to provide resources and...
read Feb 14, 2025Why universities and workplaces are increasingly demanding AI literacy
The integration of artificial intelligence into daily life has exposed significant challenges, as demonstrated by Apple's recent suspension of its AI news alerts due to false reporting. This incident, along with similar AI mishaps, has accelerated the push for comprehensive AI literacy across educational institutions and workplaces. Current landscape: The widespread deployment of AI systems in critical areas like healthcare, legal services, and finance has created an urgent need for better understanding of both AI's capabilities and limitations. Apple's AI-powered news feature generated fabricated headlines, highlighting the risks of deploying AI beyond its current capabilities Research shows chatbots produce incorrect...
read Feb 14, 2025Critics, defenders weigh in on CSU’s plans to be first large-scale AI-powered university
The California State University (CSU) system has announced a $16.9 million partnership with major tech companies including OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft to integrate AI technologies across its 23 campuses. This initiative comes as CSU faces a significant budget shortfall of $428 million to $1 billion next year, sparking debate among university administrators and faculty about the implications for education quality and resource allocation. Core initiative details: The CSU system aims to become America's first large-scale AI-powered university system through a comprehensive technology integration program. CSU has purchased ChatGPT Edu, an education-specific version of OpenAI's chatbot, for all staff, faculty, and...
read Feb 14, 2025How Blended Labs is reimagining K-12 education with AI
The education technology landscape is being transformed by AI-driven solutions that streamline school operations and enhance learning outcomes. Blended Labs, a German edtech company, has developed Blended OS, an AI-native school operating system powered by Llama 3.1 that serves over 10,000 users across multiple educational roles. Key Innovation: Blended Labs' SphereAI framework, built on Llama 3.1, enables personalized learning pathways and administrative efficiency through AI-native workflows that integrate seamlessly into the educational environment. The system's Teacher's AI Productivity Suite saves educators approximately 10 hours per week through automated grading, lesson planning, and performance analysis tools New Llama 3.2 vision model...
read Feb 13, 2025AI-powered tech in California higher education raises concerns for faculty, students
The California State University (CSU) system recently announced plans to become the nation's first AI-powered public university system through partnerships with major tech companies including Alphabet, Nvidia, and OpenAI. This initiative, backed by the governor's office, aims to integrate AI technology across all 23 CSU campuses, despite facing significant budget cuts and staff layoffs. The core initiative: The CSU system plans to implement AI technologies across its campuses for training, teaching, and learning purposes, though specific implementation details remain unclear. A new AI Workforce Acceleration Board, composed exclusively of technology corporation officers, will oversee the creation of an AI-skilled graduate...
read Feb 13, 2025Educational institutions grapple with how and whether to use DeepSeek
The rapid development of AI language models has led to new players entering the market, with Chinese company DeepSeek's R1 model emerging as a potential competitor to established platforms like ChatGPT. Educational institutions are now grappling with how to evaluate and potentially implement this new open-source AI tool while considering security and ethical implications. Key developments: DeepSeek has created the R1 large language model for under $6 million without using restricted U.S. AI chips, claiming capabilities that exceed ChatGPT at a significantly lower cost. The model is open-source and freely available, making it potentially attractive for educational institutions seeking affordable...
read Feb 12, 2025Educators cautiously embrace AI tools in effort to streamline grant applications
Artificial intelligence tools are increasingly being adopted by education professionals to streamline the complex grant application process, with the U.S. Department of Education now providing official guidance on AI use in grant proposals. Universities are developing specialized AI tools and training programs to help applicants navigate the grant writing landscape more effectively. Current landscape and adoption: The integration of AI into grant writing represents a significant shift in how educational institutions approach funding applications, though experts emphasize the need for careful human oversight. The U.S. Department of Education has established formal policies regarding AI use in grant proposals Universities are...
read Feb 12, 2025Stanford launches AI hub for K-12 education research
Stanford University has launched a new Generative AI for Education Hub to help K-12 educators navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence tools in education. The initiative, part of the university's Systems Change Advancing Learning and Equity (SCALE) program, aims to bridge the gap between emerging AI technologies and evidence-based educational practices. The big picture: The research hub serves as a centralized repository of studies on AI implementation in K-12 education, providing school leaders with searchable evidence to guide their technology investment decisions. The platform features filters for study design, intended users, and AI tool purposes Each study includes...
read Feb 10, 2025West Chester University faces backlash for using AI announcer at commencement
The controversy over AI-powered name announcements at graduation ceremonies has sparked debate about the balance between technological accuracy and personal touch in academic traditions. West Chester University (WCU) recently found itself at the center of this discussion after contracting with Tassel, a graduation services company, to address long-standing issues with name mispronunciations at commencement ceremonies. Initial controversy and student response: West Chester University faced significant backlash from students over the use of AI-generated name announcements at graduation ceremonies. More than 1,000 people signed a petition organized by senior Elisa Magello, calling for the return of human announcers to preserve tradition...
read Feb 10, 2025How Georgia Tech is preparing its students for an AI-driven future
The advancement of artificial intelligence has created an urgent need for universities to prepare students for an AI-driven workforce. Georgia Tech has emerged as a leader in AI education by implementing comprehensive programs and resources that make advanced computing accessible to students across all disciplines. Pioneering AI Infrastructure: Georgia Tech and NVIDIA have established the first AI supercomputer specifically designed for student use at a U.S. university, marking a significant shift in democratizing access to advanced computing resources. The AI Makerspace, powered by this supercomputer, is available to all students regardless of their field of study A team of 60...
read Feb 7, 2025Musk’s DOGE team is allegedly feeding sensitive government data into AI systems
Twitter CEO Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staff members are using artificial intelligence tools to analyze sensitive Education Department data, raising concerns about data security and proper AI implementation in government operations. Operational overview: Young staffers at DOGE are leveraging AI software through Microsoft Azure to examine Education Department programs and spending patterns. The initiative involves analyzing sensitive data, including grant manager information and internal financial records DOGE employees are accessing personal information of millions of federal student loan recipients The exact nature and capabilities of the AI tool being used remain unclear Official response: Education Department leadership...
read Feb 6, 2025AI tools for education take center stage at FETC25’s TECHShare Live
FETC25's TECHShare Live event showcased emerging AI tools designed to enhance educational accessibility and teacher efficiency, featuring demonstrations of translation, transcription, and content creation technologies. Event Overview: The Future of Education Technology Conference in Orlando concluded with TECHShare Live, a session highlighting innovative educational technology solutions. The showcase focused primarily on tools promoting inclusiveness, accessibility, and efficiency in education Leslie Fisher, Adam Phyall III, and Adam Bellow led demonstrations of AI-powered educational tools Thousands of conference attendees witnessed presentations of dozens of cutting-edge technologies Key Technologies Demonstrated: The session featured a diverse range of AI-powered tools addressing various educational needs....
read Feb 6, 2025Ivy League AI symposium unites diverse faculty to explore real-world applications
Princeton's Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence has convened its first AI Collaboration Symposium to foster interdisciplinary research partnerships and explore novel applications of AI technology across academic disciplines. Event Overview: The symposium, held at Robertson Hall on January 22, brought together faculty from diverse fields to discuss unsolved problems and potential AI applications. AI Lab Director Tom Griffiths emphasized the focus on addressing unresolved challenges rather than showcasing existing solutions The event highlighted three major research initiatives: Princeton Language and Intelligence, AI for Accelerating Innovation, and Natural and Artificial Minds The symposium included presentations from traditional AI-adjacent fields like computer science...
read Feb 5, 2025AI tool CodeSignal simulates difficult conversations to train better leaders
CodeSignal has launched an AI-powered conversation simulation tool that makes leadership training accessible at a fraction of traditional costs, expanding beyond its core technical assessment business. Core innovation: CodeSignal's new platform uses voice-enabled AI to create realistic workplace scenario simulations, featuring an AI mentor named Cosmo that provides real-time coaching. The system allows users to practice challenging workplace conversations like delivering feedback and resolving conflicts Traditional leadership training programs typically cost $20,000-$40,000 per person for a one-month program The new platform is priced at $25 monthly for individuals and $39 per user monthly for enterprise licenses Market impact and adoption:...
read Feb 4, 2025OpenAI, CSU partner to bring ChatGPTEdu to 500,000 students
OpenAI and California State University (CSU) have formed a partnership to provide ChatGPTEdu to 500,000 students and faculty members, marking the largest organizational deployment of ChatGPT globally. The partnership scope: This unprecedented collaboration between OpenAI and the nation's largest four-year public university system aims to integrate AI technology directly into the educational experience. The initiative will provide broad access to ChatGPTEdu, a specialized version of ChatGPT designed for educational use The deployment will reach half a million users across the CSU system This represents the largest organizational implementation of ChatGPT worldwide Educational benefits and objectives: The partnership seeks to transform...
read Feb 4, 2025AI’s deep roots in chess history shape its future moves
The intersection of chess history and artificial intelligence development offers unique insights into how traditional games evolve alongside technological advancement. Historical context and evolution: Chess, an ancient game with multicultural roots, has experienced significant transformations through its journey from Persia to Europe and into the modern era. The game originated as Shatranj in Persia before making its way to Europe through Andalusia and Sicily around the 10th century Different cultures contributed unique pieces and terminology, such as the elephant piece still present in many languages' chess vocabulary The game's evolution reflects broader cultural and societal changes, including the religionization during...
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