News/Education
Central Connecticut State unveils AI corridor with holograms
Pioneering AI integration in higher education: Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) has established an innovative Artificial Intelligence Corridor, marking several firsts in the integration of advanced AI technologies within a university setting. CCSU is the first U.S. university to collaborate with AI companies in developing a holographic synthetic human and integrating it alongside students and faculty. The AI Corridor, located in the basement of Vance Academic Center, showcases various cutting-edge technologies, including holograms, robot dogs, and an AI-powered synthetic human. This 5,000-square-foot project represents an investment of nearly $1 million in equipment and technology. Key features of the AI Corridor:...
read Nov 4, 2024How AI will allow museums to track visitors and offer personalized experiences
A new deep learning-based system for tracking museum visitors is transforming how cultural institutions engage with their audience and optimize their exhibitions. The technology behind the innovation: The system employs Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and commercially available RGB cameras to track visitors wearing simple badges, offering a cost-effective and non-intrusive solution for behavior analysis. The technology identifies visitors' movement patterns and interactions with specific exhibits, providing valuable data on engagement levels. By leveraging machine learning, the system can integrate collected data to create personalized recommendations for visitors, addressing psychological needs for autonomy and competence. This approach allows for real-time, unobtrusive...
read Nov 3, 2024The big question in AI and education: How do we handle homework?
The AI revolution in education: The advent of powerful AI tools like ChatGPT is challenging traditional educational methods and raising questions about the future of homework, assessment, and learning. Deedy Das, an IT leader and software engineer, sparked a debate by using a large language model to complete Stanford homework in just five minutes, prompting discussions about the impact of AI on education. The AI tool was able to identify problems, acquire resources, solve questions, and generate a PDF, demonstrating its potential to automate academic tasks traditionally used to assess student learning. Contrasting viewpoints on AI in education: The use...
read Nov 3, 2024Google’s new conversational AI tool will teach you just about anything
Google's AI-powered learning initiative: Google has launched "Learn About," a new platform within Google Learning that aims to revolutionize education through interactive AI tools. The platform is designed to cater to learners of all levels, from students to professionals and lifelong learners. "Learn About" offers a suite of interactive tools and templates covering a wide range of topics, from cooking to space exploration. Users can input their own questions or explore curated topics aligned with their learning goals. AI-driven personalized learning experience: The core of Google Learning is an AI conversational learning companion that adapts to each user's knowledge level...
read Nov 3, 2024Stanford researchers develop AI that boosts performance of tutors
AI-powered tutor assistance: A new frontier in educational technology: Stanford University researchers have developed an AI system called Tutor CoPilot, built on OpenAI's ChatGPT, which is designed to enhance the effectiveness of human tutors in teaching mathematics to young students. Tutor CoPilot is integrated into FEV Tutor, a platform that facilitates virtual connections between students and tutors. The AI system was trained on 700 real tutoring sessions, featuring experienced teachers working with 1st-5th grade students on mathematics. Tutors can access Tutor CoPilot's suggestions on explaining concepts to students by pressing a button during their sessions. Promising results from initial studies:...
read Nov 2, 2024How higher education institutions must adapt to exponential change in 2025
The rise of AI in higher education: The rapid adoption of generative AI technologies like ChatGPT is forcing colleges and universities to fundamentally rethink their approach to technology integration and organizational structure. Mark Roman, managing partner for education at Info-Tech Research Group, highlighted the unprecedented rate of AI adoption at the annual EDUCAUSE conference, noting that ChatGPT reached 1 million users in just five days. Roman argues that this rapid integration of AI into everyday life signals the accelerating pace of technological change that higher education institutions must adapt to in order to remain competitive and relevant. Historical context of...
read Nov 2, 2024How AI shaped government innovation in 2024 and what it means for next year
AI's growing influence in government technology: The year 2024 saw artificial intelligence making significant inroads across various sectors of government technology, with both promising developments and challenges emerging. Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest in the U.S., launched an AI-powered individualized learning platform in March, showcasing the potential of AI in education. The district's implementation faced setbacks when the company behind the student adviser chatbot "Ed" encountered severe financial difficulties, highlighting the fragility of some AI initiatives. AI's impact extended beyond education, affecting areas such as accessibility, cybersecurity, government experience, and public safety. Key trends in government technology...
read Nov 1, 2024AI training gap persists for 50% of teachers
AI training gap persists among educators: Despite increased professional development efforts, a majority of teachers still lack formal training on artificial intelligence, potentially impacting their ability to effectively integrate this technology in the classroom. A recent EdWeek Research Center survey of 1,135 educators revealed that 58% of teachers have received no training on AI, two years after the release of ChatGPT. The survey, conducted between September 26 and October 8, shows a significant increase in AI training, with 43% of teachers reporting at least one training session, up from 29% in the spring. Experts emphasize the importance of AI literacy...
read Oct 31, 2024MIT launches postdoc program to advance AI across disciplines
Advancing AI across disciplines: MIT launches new postdoc program: The MIT Schwarzman College of Computing has introduced the Tayebati Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, aimed at supporting research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and specific scientific and artistic disciplines. Program overview and focus: The program will support up to six postdocs for a one-year term, with the possibility of renewal for a second year. Research areas include biology/bioengineering, brain and cognitive sciences, chemistry/chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, physics, and music composition and performance. Each fellow will have faculty mentors in both their disciplinary area and AI, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Funding...
read Oct 30, 2024AI gun scanners attract funding amid school safety concerns
Rise of AI-powered security in schools: The growing threat of gun violence and heightened public concern are driving a surge in investment in advanced security technologies for educational institutions across the United States. Lancaster County School District in South Carolina is considering allocating $2 million for AI-powered weapon detection systems following a recent hoax threat, reflecting a broader national trend. The US school-security industry, valued at $3 billion according to IHS Markit, has experienced rapid growth since the pandemic, fueled by public pressure and new funding streams. Evolv Technologies Holdings Inc., a provider of AI-powered scanning systems, has seen a...
read Oct 30, 2024Stanford AI fellowship propels students into public service roles
The big picture: Stanford's Tech Ethics & Policy (TEP) Fellowship Program is bridging the gap between technical expertise and public policy by placing tech-savvy graduate students in key roles within Washington, D.C.'s policymaking ecosystem. Addressing a critical need: The program aims to tackle the shortage of AI expertise in public service, where less than 1% of new AI doctoral graduates currently work. Stanford HAI, in collaboration with the McCoy Family Center for Ethics in Society, established the TEP Fellowship in 2023 to address this issue. The program is led by Rob Reich, HAI senior fellow and Stanford professor of political...
read Oct 30, 2024University of Michigan embraces generative AI in education
Generative AI initiatives at the University of Michigan: The University of Michigan (UM) has embarked on an ambitious journey to integrate generative AI into its academic and administrative operations, showcasing a commitment to responsible technological innovation in higher education. In June 2023, UM published a report outlining recommendations for the future use of AI, including the creation of a generative AI committee and an online information hub for the campus community. The report emphasized UM's potential to lead in the development and appropriate use of generative AI, citing the university's intellectual depth, resources, and extensive networks. U-M GPT: A customized...
read Oct 26, 2024MIT researchers are teaching children to program AI models
AI education for children: A new frontier: MIT researchers have developed a program called Little Language Models to teach children about artificial intelligence by allowing them to build small-scale versions of language models. The program, created by PhD researchers Manuj and Shruti Dhariwal at MIT's Media Lab, aims to introduce complex AI concepts to children in a hands-on, interactive manner. Little Language Models helps demystify AI by allowing kids to visualize and build concepts in practice, rather than learning through theoretical lectures. Key features and concepts: The program starts with a dice-based exercise to demonstrate probabilistic thinking, which underlies modern...
read Oct 22, 2024Why universities are investing big in AI-driven curricula
The AI revolution in education: Generative AI platforms are poised to transform higher education, with universities projected to invest heavily in AI-driven curricula and AI expected to significantly boost graduation rates by 2025. Experts forecast that universities will invest up to $20 million in AI-driven curricula over the next five years, indicating a growing commitment to integrating AI into higher education. AI is predicted to boost graduation rates by 43%, highlighting its potential to enhance student success. The focus is shifting from whether to use AI in education to how to redefine teaching and learning in an AI-driven era. Balancing...
read Oct 21, 2024Applying AI to education? Check out these tools from Microsoft
AI in education: Microsoft's innovative approach: Microsoft is introducing a suite of AI-powered tools and initiatives designed to transform the educational landscape, focusing on accelerating learning, preparing students for the future, and enhancing efficiency in educational institutions. Key AI innovations for education: Microsoft's new offerings span a range of products and services, each targeting specific aspects of the learning and teaching process. Microsoft Copilot, an AI-powered web chat tool, provides enterprise-level data protection, making it suitable for educational environments. Learning Accelerators, including tools like Reading Coach, create adaptive content to support personalized learning experiences. Teams for Education now features AI...
read Oct 17, 2024How to defend yourself from AI cheating accusations
False AI Cheating Accusations: Navigating the Challenge: Students falsely accused of using AI tools for academic assignments face a complex situation that requires careful handling and presentation of evidence to prove their innocence. Documenting the Writing Process: Utilizing built-in software features can provide a clear trail of a student's work and thought progression. Google Docs' version history and Microsoft Word's file history offer timestamped records of document changes, illustrating the gradual development of ideas and content. These tools can effectively demonstrate the natural evolution of an assignment, countering accusations of AI-generated work. Demonstrating Research Efforts: Presenting tangible evidence of research...
read Oct 16, 2024AI cheating lawsuits are here: Parents sue high school over cheating allegations
AI-related cheating accusation sparks legal battle: A Massachusetts family has filed a federal lawsuit against their son's high school after he was accused of cheating by using artificial intelligence for a history assignment. Jennifer and Dale Harris, parents of a Hingham High School student, claim their son used AI only for research purposes and not to write the paper itself. The student faced detention and a grade reduction as a result of the accusation, according to the family. The lawsuit alleges that the student would suffer "irreparable harm" due to the incident, particularly as he is applying to elite colleges...
read Oct 16, 2024How AI avatars will modernize education
AI avatars transforming education: The integration of AI avatars in educational settings is emerging as a powerful tool to enhance learning experiences and address systemic challenges faced by educators in the United States. AI avatars are designed to complement, not replace, human teachers by serving as digital assistants that can handle routine tasks and provide personalized support. This technology aims to free up teachers' time, allowing them to focus on complex teaching tasks, one-on-one interactions, and inspiring students. Enhanced student engagement: AI avatars have the potential to significantly boost student participation and motivation in the learning process. Research indicates that...
read Oct 16, 2024Center for Universal Education launches task force to assess AI in education
The AI education dilemma: The Center for Universal Education has launched a task force to proactively assess the potential impacts of generative AI on education, aiming to guide its integration thoughtfully rather than reactively studying its effects after widespread adoption. The initiative seeks to address two crucial questions: identifying potential risks of generative AI to children's education, learning, and development, and exploring ways to harness AI's opportunities while mitigating these risks. This proactive approach draws parallels with the advent of smartphones, highlighting how technological innovations can lead to both positive and unforeseen negative consequences in educational settings. The task force's...
read Oct 16, 2024How to build mental fitness in the age of AI
The rise of AI in writing: A double-edged sword for education and creativity: The advent of AI-powered writing tools has introduced both opportunities and challenges in the realms of education, creativity, and intellectual growth. AI writing tools can produce content on a wide range of topics at an astonishing speed, tempting students and writers with quick solutions to assignments and deadlines. However, the use of AI in writing raises concerns about plagiarism, originality, and the development of critical thinking skills. Comparing human and machine-generated writing: Recent experiments have highlighted the significant differences between AI-generated content and human-authored pieces. Novelist Curtis...
read Oct 16, 2024Could humanoid robots save an ailing education system?
The future of education: AI robots on the horizon: Elon Musk's unveiling of the advanced AI-powered humanoid robot Optimus at Tesla's recent "We, Robot" event has sparked discussions about the potential integration of such technology in educational settings. Musk projected that Optimus, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing approximately 125 pounds, could be priced between $20,000 and $30,000, making it potentially affordable for organizations and households. The robot is equipped with advanced AI, machine learning, and sensors like LIDAR and computer vision, allowing it to interact smoothly in dynamic environments. Musk claimed that Optimus could perform various tasks,...
read Oct 15, 2024Princeton launches initiative to bridge gap between cognitive science and AI
Princeton's AI and Cognitive Science Initiative: Princeton University has launched the Natural and Artificial Minds research initiative, aiming to bridge the gap between cognitive sciences and artificial intelligence to accelerate discoveries in both fields. The initiative is part of the Princeton Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence, alongside two other research initiatives: AI for Accelerating Invention and Princeton Language and Intelligence. Co-directors Tania Lombrozo and Sarah-Jane Leslie emphasize the importance of collaboration between experts in cognitive science and artificial intelligence to advance understanding of both natural and artificial minds. The initiative seeks to answer fundamental questions about how humans and machines think...
read Oct 15, 2024The most popular early use cases of AI in education
AI's transformative impact on education: Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the landscape of learning and teaching across all educational levels and throughout life, promising to revolutionize how we acquire and impart knowledge. AI is significantly influencing both learners and educators, from early childhood education to lifelong learning and professional development. The technology's impact extends beyond traditional academic settings, affecting how people learn for their jobs, hobbies, and personal interests. Personalized learning experiences: AI is enabling a shift from one-size-fits-all education to highly tailored, individual-centric learning approaches. AI-powered systems can adapt to each student's unique pace, learning style, and preferences, addressing individual...
read Oct 14, 2024Stanford research delves into how LLMs can streamline classroom curricula
AI-powered curriculum development: Stanford researchers propose using large language models (LLMs) to streamline the creation and evaluation of new K-12 educational materials, potentially accelerating the delivery of high-quality content to students. The traditional process of developing classroom curricula is time-consuming and complex, involving extensive testing with students under various conditions. Stanford computer science scholars explored the possibility of using AI to improve this process, focusing on LLMs' potential to mimic experts in creating and evaluating educational materials. Research methodology and findings: The study, supported by a Hoffman-Yee Research Grant, involved training LLMs to act as teachers and evaluate new learning...
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