News/Education
Connecticut launches first AI-focused magnet high school this fall
Goodwin University has broken ground on RiverTech, Connecticut's first technology magnet school, which will offer specialized programs in AI, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. The four-year high school program will begin serving freshmen this fall and aims to address workforce needs at major Connecticut manufacturers like Pratt & Whitney while expanding the state's magnet school network established through the landmark Sheff v. O'Neill civil rights case. What you should know: RiverTech represents a significant expansion of Connecticut's School Choice program, which emerged from a successful civil rights lawsuit challenging racial discrimination in public education. The school will occupy a 90,000-square-foot, four-story...
read Jun 4, 2025Push, pull, sniff: AI perception research advances beyond sight to touch and smell
New research suggests that AI models lack a full human-level understanding of sensory and physical concepts due to their disembodied nature, despite appearing sophisticated in their language capabilities. This finding has significant implications for AI development, suggesting that multimodal training incorporating sensory information might be crucial for creating systems with more human-like comprehension. The big picture: Researchers at Ohio State University discovered a fundamental gap between how humans and large language models understand concepts related to physical sensations and bodily interactions. The study compared how nearly 4,500 words were conceptualized by humans versus AI models like GPT-4 and Google's Gemini....
read Jun 4, 2025OECD forms AI Capability Indicators framework to compare AI, human skillsets
The OECD's new AI Capability Indicators framework represents a groundbreaking attempt to systematically measure artificial intelligence progress against human abilities. By establishing standardized benchmarks across nine domains, from language to robotics, this framework provides business leaders, educators, and policymakers with a much-needed "GPS system" for understanding AI's current capabilities and likely developmental trajectory. This development is significant because it cuts through marketing hype to establish a common language for realistic AI assessment. The big picture: The OECD has developed comprehensive AI Capability Indicators that map artificial intelligence progress against human abilities across nine domains, providing clarity in a field often...
read Jun 4, 2025The collected lectures of Radford Neal engage high school students on AI’s promise
Radford Neal's recent lecture series on Artificial Intelligence represents a significant educational contribution that bridges technical understanding with philosophical implications. Delivered at The Abelard School in Toronto, these five comprehensive lectures provide a framework for understanding AI's evolution, current capabilities, and potential future impacts. Though designed for high school students, the series tackles fundamental questions about machine intelligence, consciousness, and the societal implications of AI advancements in a format accessible to broader audiences. The big picture: Neal's lecture series creates a comprehensive foundation for understanding AI by combining historical context, technical explanations, and philosophical considerations. The five interconnected lectures progressively...
read Jun 3, 2025Large Language Poor Role Model: Lawyer dismissed for using ChatGPT’s false citations
The legal profession is confronting the real-world consequences of AI hallucination as recent graduates face career setbacks from overreliance on chatbots. A case in Utah has highlighted the dangerous intersection of legal practice and AI tools, where fake citations in court filings led to sanctions, firing, and a pointed judicial warning about AI's limitations. This incident demonstrates how professional standards are evolving in response to AI adoption, with courts and firms establishing new guardrails to protect both the justice system and vulnerable professionals. The big picture: A recent law school graduate lost his job after including AI-hallucinated legal citations in...
read Jun 3, 2025Turkish students develop AI, robotics for disaster preparedness in earthquake-prone nation
NVIDIA is enabling AI-driven disaster response innovation in Türkiye and Syria through strategic grants following the devastating 2020 earthquake. The company's collaboration with Bridge to Türkiye Fund has provided 100 Jetson Nano Developer Kits and $50,000 in funding to eight awardees, powering projects ranging from search-and-rescue robotics to pathogen detection systems. These initiatives demonstrate how emerging AI technologies can enhance preparedness for future disasters while supporting regional education in robotics and embedded systems. The big picture: NVIDIA's Disaster Response Innovation and Education Grant is yielding tangible results in areas hit by a deadly 7.8-magnitude earthquake that claimed 55,000 lives and...
read Jun 2, 2025AI Security Bootcamp opens applications for August session
A new AI security bootcamp launching in London aims to address the growing need for specialized security skills in artificial intelligence systems. This intensive 4-week program offers fully funded training that bridges the gap between AI safety research and practical security implementation. By combining hands-on exercises with theoretical foundations, the program represents a significant investment in developing the security expertise needed to protect increasingly complex AI infrastructure and models. The big picture: The AI Security Bootcamp (AISB) will run from August 4-29, 2025, in London, providing comprehensive security training specifically tailored for AI researchers and engineers. The curriculum covers three...
read Jun 2, 2025Business schools adapt curricula to AI’s rapid advancements
Business schools are rapidly adapting to the artificial intelligence revolution by transforming their curricula and teaching approaches. Nearly 80 percent of institutions have now incorporated AI into their programs, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council. Rather than focusing on technical coding skills, these schools are prioritizing the development of "strategically fluent leaders" who can navigate AI's implications across business functions. This shift reflects a growing recognition that tomorrow's executives need to understand AI's capabilities and limitations to make responsible decisions in an increasingly automated business landscape. The big picture: Business schools are embracing diverse approaches to AI education that...
read May 28, 2025AI courses from Google, Microsoft and more boost skills and résumés for free
The race for AI skills is transforming the job market as executives increasingly rely on artificial intelligence for critical business decisions. With 74% of executives trusting AI advice more than family and friends, and 55% working at organizations where AI has already replaced traditional decision-making processes, employers now expect baseline AI literacy from virtually all employees. For professionals looking to quickly enhance their résumés with in-demand AI skills, these seven free courses offer efficient, credential-building opportunities that can be completed in as little as a weekend. 1. AI For Everyone (Coursera) This 4-hour course created by AI pioneer Andrew Ng...
read May 27, 2025SUNY receives major funding boost in New York state budget
New York is dramatically scaling up its artificial intelligence capabilities through a strategic expansion of Empire AI, a consortium led by the University at Buffalo (UB) that now encompasses multiple SUNY institutions. This initiative represents a coordinated effort to position New York as a leader in AI research while simultaneously preparing students across the SUNY system for AI-driven careers, reflecting the state's commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence for economic growth and societal benefit. The big picture: New York is significantly increasing its investment in Empire AI, a research hub established last year at the University at Buffalo, to expand computing...
read May 24, 2025Somerset Council trials AI to speed up special educational needs reports
Somerset Council is venturing into artificial intelligence territory to address a critical educational challenge: lengthy waiting times for special educational needs reports. This initiative follows similar approaches by other English authorities, aiming to streamline administrative tasks in creating education, health and care plans (EHCPs) for vulnerable children. The trial represents a balancing act between leveraging technology for efficiency and maintaining appropriate care when handling sensitive information about children with special needs. The big picture: Somerset Council has begun trialing AI to draft special educational needs reports, potentially reducing wait times for vulnerable children while allowing staff to focus on more...
read May 23, 2025Google Colab empowers non-developers to create AI projects
Google Colab represents a significant democratization of AI capabilities, making powerful machine learning tools accessible to non-developers. As organizations increasingly seek to leverage artificial intelligence without specialized technical expertise, understanding platforms like Colab becomes essential for professionals across industries who want to experiment with and implement AI solutions without coding knowledge. What is Google Colab: Google Colab is a free, cloud-based Jupyter notebook environment that requires no setup and provides access to powerful computing resources including GPUs and TPUs for machine learning projects. Why it matters: Colab breaks down traditional barriers to AI experimentation by eliminating the need for local...
read May 23, 2025AI upskilling takes center stage at SHRM Tech 2.0
The United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®) is establishing itself as a key player in the AI workforce development landscape through strategic industry engagement. By participating as a bronze sponsor at SHRM Tech 2.0 in Mumbai, one of India's largest HR technology events, USAII® has positioned its certification programs as solutions to the urgent AI upskilling needs facing organizations across sectors. This engagement highlights the growing recognition that AI literacy is no longer a future consideration but an immediate business imperative, particularly in the rapidly developing Asia-Pacific market. The big picture: USAII® showcased its vendor-neutral AI certification portfolio to over...
read May 22, 2025AI emerges as a bright spot in the struggle to improve math performance in schools
AI shows strong promise in math education, with K-12 leaders increasingly viewing it as a potential solution to address persistent student struggles and below-average math performance revealed in recent national assessments. Technology-assisted approaches could offer a path forward as schools continue to battle learning deficits that remain below pre-pandemic levels. The big picture: A new Education Week survey reveals that nearly 70% of K-12 leaders believe AI will positively impact math instruction, signaling growing acceptance of AI technologies in addressing academic recovery. The nationally representative study surveyed 137 district leaders and 217 school leaders in late 2023 to understand their...
read May 22, 2025Illinois moves to block AI from replacing teachers at community colleges
Illinois is moving to restrict AI from replacing human teachers at community colleges with a state Senate bill that would ban the use of artificial intelligence as the sole source of instruction. The legislation, which passed with a 46-12 vote, comes amid growing tensions about AI's role in education – from concerns about student cheating to controversies over professors using AI tools to generate course materials. This legislative push reflects the broader challenge educational institutions face in balancing technological innovation with maintaining educational quality and preserving the human element in teaching. The big picture: Illinois Senate lawmakers have approved a...
read May 22, 2025How AI has become a trusted ally in overburdened school counseling
School counselors across America are facing overwhelming caseloads, but one innovative educator is using artificial intelligence to extend her reach and impact. Elementary school counselor Hanna Kemble-Mick, a finalist for 2025 School Counselor of the Year, has developed AI chatbots that provide immediate support for students dealing with social-emotional issues, career exploration, and academic assignments. By strategically deploying these digital assistants while maintaining her crucial personal connections, Kemble-Mick demonstrates how AI can serve as a powerful complement to human expertise in addressing the national counselor shortage. The big picture: With 450 students under her care—nearly double the recommended ratio—Kemble-Mick has...
read May 22, 2025How AI is eroding the foundations of intellectual growth
The education profession faces a new challenge as AI writing tools increasingly infiltrate classrooms, creating a tension between technological adoption and authentic learning. This conflict represents a fundamental question about the purpose of education itself - whether it's about efficiently producing work or engaging in the messy, meaningful process of developing human understanding. The critique of AI as an educational "gimmick" raises important considerations about technology's proper role in fostering genuine intellectual growth versus merely simulating productivity. The big picture: AI in education represents the latest "gimmick" that promises efficiency but ultimately undermines the true purpose of learning and teaching....
read May 21, 2025Simplest PyTorch repository for training vision language models
Hugging Face has introduced nanoVLM, a lightweight and accessible toolkit that simplifies the complex process of training Vision Language Models with minimal code requirements. This project follows in the footsteps of Andrej Karpathy's nanoGPT by prioritizing readability and simplicity, potentially democratizing VLM development for researchers and beginners alike. The toolkit's focus on pure PyTorch implementation and compatibility with free-tier computing resources represents a significant step toward making multimodal AI development more approachable. The big picture: NanoVLM provides a streamlined way to build models that process both images and text without requiring extensive technical expertise or computational resources. The toolkit enables...
read May 21, 2025SUNY offers free tech programs to adult community college students
New York state is expanding educational access with a targeted initiative to provide free community college to working-age adults in high-demand fields. SUNY Reconnect, included in the 2025-26 state budget and set to launch this fall, will eliminate tuition and cover expenses for adults 25-55 who pursue degrees in critical workforce sectors including advanced manufacturing, AI, cybersecurity, and healthcare. This program represents a significant investment in addressing workforce shortages while creating new educational pathways for millions of New Yorkers. The big picture: New York's SUNY Reconnect program will offer free community college to adults ages 25 to 55 who enroll...
read May 20, 2025New data shows that students use AI to support and not substitute their writing
AI is revolutionizing the writing process in higher education, with new data showing most students embrace it as a productivity tool rather than a shortcut. A writing professor's perspective challenges the prevailing academic fear that AI undermines learning, suggesting instead that it might be freeing students to engage in deeper thinking by handling routine tasks—revealing a fundamental shift in how writing skills develop in the digital age. The big picture: Recent data reveals that 92% of university students are using AI tools in some form, with many viewing artificial intelligence as the future of writing rather than a threat to...
read May 20, 2025Salem schools pilot AI to detect weapons, smoke, and other threats in real time
AI weapons detection arrives at Salem High School in 2025, introducing a less intrusive security approach than traditional metal detectors. This system represents a growing trend of schools implementing advanced surveillance technology to enhance safety while maintaining a welcoming educational environment. The AI-powered system, which continuously monitors existing camera feeds for weapons and suspicious activity, offers a glimpse into how artificial intelligence is transforming school security protocols across America. The big picture: Salem City Schools is piloting a new AI-powered weapons detection system at Salem High School that monitors existing security cameras for potential threats. The system automatically notifies designated...
read May 20, 2025University of Michigan offers free Google AI and career courses to all students
The University of Michigan has expanded its digital skills offerings through a new partnership with Google, providing free access to career certificates and AI courses for more than 66,000 students across its three campuses. This collaboration represents a significant investment in preparing students for a technology-driven job market, equipping them with in-demand skills while still in college—a strategic advantage as employers increasingly prioritize digital capabilities in new hires. The big picture: University of Michigan students now have free access to Google Career Certificates and AI training courses across all three campuses in Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint. The partnership between...
read May 20, 2025AI in Appalachia: University of Charleston unveils AI degree and legal seminar
The University of Charleston is leading the regional AI education landscape with its new artificial intelligence major launching in fall 2025. This strategic academic expansion positions the institution at the forefront of AI education in West Virginia, offering students specialized training in one of technology's fastest-growing fields while simultaneously extending AI knowledge to the broader community through public educational initiatives. The program represents a notable example of how higher education institutions are adapting curricula to prepare students for an increasingly AI-integrated workforce. The big picture: The University of Charleston is launching a new artificial intelligence major in fall 2025, positioning...
read May 20, 2025Community colleges can lead in AI adoption for mid-career professionals, practical-minded students
Community colleges are uniquely positioned to lead AI integration in education rather than merely respond to it. As AI reshapes the workforce—with 44% of global workers needing reskilling by 2027 and 92% of companies planning increased AI investments—these institutions must prepare their diverse student populations for this technological shift. Community colleges serve those most vulnerable to disruption: mid-career professionals, adults seeking new skills, and first-generation students who need practical, forward-looking education to remain competitive in tomorrow's economy. The big picture: Community colleges must transition from passive AI adoption to strategic leadership that prepares students for an AI-transformed workplace. The World...
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