Wells College, in New York, announced Monday that it will close at the end of the spring term. The private nonprofit institution said it has faced prolonged financial distress that it was unable to address through fundraising or other measures. Wells also cited demographic challenges, the pandemic, inflation and “an overall negative sentiment towards higher education.” In its notice, which came just days before the planned closure, Wells leaders said they had recently had “conversations with other academic partners,” to no avail.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
DeepMind researchers discover impressive learning capabilities in long-context LLMs - Ben Dickson, Venture Beat
In a few years, large language models (LLMs) have gone from handling a few hundred words of input to several books’ worth of content at the same time. These expanded input capacities, also referred to as the “context window,” are enabling new applications and use cases that were previously impossible without extensive engineering efforts. A new study by researchers at Google DeepMind explores the “many-shot” in-context learning (ICL) ability of LLMs that have very long context windows. Their findings show that by fitting hundreds or even thousands of training examples in the prompt, you can improve the model’s abilities in ways that would previously require fine-tuning.
AI has taken over education technology. What will come next? - Pavithra Mohan, Fast Company
For a time, online learning platforms were ascendant, meeting the moment when workplaces and schools alike went remote (and later, hybrid). With the public debut of ChatGPT in 2022, edtech companies—such as edX, which was one of the first online learning giants to launch a ChatGPT plugin—jumped at the opportunity to integrate generative AI into their platforms, while teachers and administrators tried to understand what it could mean in the classroom. It quickly became clear that the technology needed guardrails when it came to student use. Companies like Khan Academy set about trying to create GPT-powered tools that would enhance the online learning experience and offer personalized support—but without enabling students to cheat. The result was Khanmigo, a chatbot that Khan Academy launched to help students edit essays and solve math problems.
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
11 Online Learning Trends to Know Now - Sarah Wood, US News
While hastily planned remote instruction differs from fully planned online college programs, education experts say recent cultural shifts and a desire for flexibility accelerated the growth of online learning. Colleges are now poised to offer more choices in distance learning, but it takes time, expertise and resources to develop quality online degree programs, says Lisa Templeton, vice provost for Oregon State University’s Ecampus and division of educational ventures. "Many of our faculty and students that would've never wanted to teach online or take an online course had to during the (coronavirus) pandemic," she says. "I think they learned that you can connect in meaningful and transformative ways."
OpenAI is rumored to be dropping GPT-5 soon — here's what we know about the next-gen model - Ryan Morrison, Tom's Guide
Chat GPT-5 is very likely going to be multimodal, meaning it can take input from more than just text but to what extent is unclear. Google’s Gemini 1.5 models can understand text, image, video, speech, code, spatial information and even music. GPT-5 is likely to have similar capabilities. One of the biggest changes we might see with GPT-5 over previous versions is a shift in focus from chatbot to agent. This would allow the AI model to assign tasks to sub-models or connect to different services and perform real-world actions on its own.
The best free AI courses (and whether AI 'micro-degrees' and certificates are worth it) - David Gewirtz, ZDnet
So, do certificates have any value? Yes, but how much value they have depends on your prospective employer's perspective. A certificate says you completed some course of study successfully. That might be something of value to you, as well. You can set a goal to learn a topic, and if you get a credential, you can be fairly confident you achieved some learning. Accredited degrees, by contrast, are an assurance that you not only learned the material, but did so according to some level of standard and rigor common to other accredited institutions.
Monday, April 29, 2024
Confronting the ethical issues of human-like AI - James Thomason, Venture Beat
As AI output quickly becomes indistinguishable from human behavior, are we prepared to handle the ethical and legal fallout? The practice of designing AI to intentionally mimic human traits, or “pseudoanthropy”, is raising urgent questions about the responsible use of these technologies. Key among these are questions of transparency, trust and the potential for unintended harm to users. Addressing these concerns, and minimizing potential liability, is becoming critical as companies accelerate the adoption and deployment of AI systems. Tech leaders must implement proactive measures to minimize the risks. The appeal of pseudoanthropy lies in its potential to humanize and personalize experiences. By emulating human-like qualities, AI can theoretically create more intuitive, engaging and emotionally resonant interactions. However, recent real-world examples illustrate how these same capabilities also open the door for deception, manipulation and psychological harm.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/confronting-the-ethical-issues-of-human-like-ai/
More than half of U.S. has tried generative AI according to Adobe Analytics - Carl Franzen, Venture Beat
Just how far has generative AI — the latest tech trend from Silicon Valley, which rocketed to prominence with the November 2022 release of ChatGPT by OpenAI — permeated the mainstream? In the U.S., around 53 percent of people have tried it, according to a new survey of 3,000 participants from Adobe Analytics. By and large, the survey provides good news for gen AI vendors including Adobe, which offers its stand-alone Firefly generative AI text-to-image model and associated gen AI features across its popular Creative Cloud software programs such as Photoshop and Premiere Pro. In fact, 82% of respondents agreed with the idea that gen AI is a tool that will enhance their creativity and simplify their lives.
Llama 3 launches alongside new stand-alone Meta AI chatbot - Carl Franzen, Venture Beat
It’s been anticipated for a while now, but today it’s finally here: Llama 3, the latest large language model (LLM) from Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Threads, Oculus VR and more, is making its debut with claims of being among the most powerful “open source” AI models yet released. The release comes just hours after Llama 3 appeared on Microsoft’s Azure cloud service in an apparent early leak. The Llama 3 family initially includes two versions — an 8 billion and 70 billion-parameter version, referring to the connections between artificial neurons within each model — with a 400 billion parameter model being actively trained by Meta now (though there is no timetable on when it might be released).
https://venturebeat.com/ai/llama-3-launches-alongside-new-stand-alone-meta-ai-chatbot/
Sunday, April 28, 2024
What’s the world without innovation? - McKinsey
Innovation is the lifeblood of progress and the driving force behind the advancement of sustainable development goals. In a business context, it’s the ability to conceive, develop, deliver, and scale new products, services, processes, and business models. Innovation can create value, enhance productivity, and foster competitiveness. The potential of innovation fuels hope. But all too often, that hope is dashed by ineffective execution. What does it take to really spur innovation? “Efforts to focus an organization’s culture on innovation must be both systematic and intentional,” say McKinsey’s Matt Banholzer, Andy West, and coauthors. This World Creativity and Innovation Day, check out our insights to learn how top innovators outperform peers, drive innovation with generative AI, and create a culture that accounts for the human side of innovation.
Application of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in language teaching and learning: A scoping literature review - Locky Law, Science Direct
The results of this scoping review highlight several implications and future directions for research and practice. Firstly, there is a clear need for more empirical studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the short and long-term effectiveness and impact of GenAI tools. This includes exploring both text-based and multimodal-based tools and their specific applications in language education. Secondly, continuous and regular investigations are required to explore the ethical considerations and potential limitations of these fast-changing technologies. As GenAI tools continue to advance, there is a need to address concerns related to data privacy, security, and the responsible use of these technologies in educational settings. Thirdly, future research should focus on specific language skills, such as writing or speaking in different languages, to provide targeted interventions using GenAI tools. By understanding how these tools can support and enhance specific language skills, educators can develop more effective instructional strategies. Lastly, stakeholder engagement is crucial in shaping the implementation and use of GenAI programs [19].
AI ‘blind spots’ the biggest threat to universities - John Ross, Times Higher Ed
Nevertheless, universities could not afford to ignore AI because it was revolutionising many of the disciplines they taught, from medicine to information technology. Students denied insights into these changes faced a “complete mismatch” between their subject knowledge and workplace realities after they graduated. “Regulatory, technological, pedagogical, societal – you need to be aware of it on all of these levels,” Mr Bielik said.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
If AI takes over more work of college graduates, where does that leave higher ed? - Ben Unglesbee, Inside Higher Ed
With massive increases in computing power and data storage, AI can perform some of the same tasks through the blunt forces of processing and analysis that higher ed has traditionally helped to hone in humans. “So a whole realm of activity that, until very recently, we thought was out of reach of these technologies turns out not to be,” Susskind said. “And it’s often concentrated in the world of white collar work.” The best response to this potential disruption is training and education, according to Susskind. This could mean focusing education on preparing students for tasks that can’t yet be automated or to outperform AI systems.
Keeping qualifications relevant in an ever-changing world - Kevin Ebenezer, University World News
The world in 2044 will be very different to that in 2024. As educators, we must do our best to equip students to be ready for this new world. In the face of such transformation, a significant challenge for international qualification providers like Cambridge is recognition: ensuring that we develop the kinds of qualifications universities want – ones that help students not only ‘get in’ to university but equip students with the skills and attitudes to ‘get on’ when they get there, and that universities around the world continue to understand the value of our programmes.
Steady progress in approaching the quantum advantage - McKinsey Digital
Quantum technology could create value worth trillions of dollars within the next decade. The third annual Quantum Technology Monitor synthesizes the latest opportunities in this burgeoning field. A year of strong funding coupled with sturdy underlying fundamentals and significant technological advances reflected strong momentum in quantum technology (QT). Updated McKinsey analysis for the third annual Quantum Technology Monitor reveals that four sectors—chemicals, life sciences, finance, and mobility—are likely to see the earliest impact from quantum computing and could gain up to $2 trillion by 2035.
Friday, April 26, 2024
How to be a better leader in the age of AI - Fran Maxwell, Fast Company
A recent paper written by professors from Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, and New York University has determined that the vast majority of jobs will be impacted by artificial intelligence. Our research suggests that talent management strategies of the past will not adequately serve organizations in 2024, a year that will bring a new age of AI advancement. Leaders need to take action to position their organizations to face risks, both known and unknown. Here are three strategies that can help you become a better leader in the age of AI.
Integrating AIGC into product design ideation teaching: An empirical study on self-efficacy and learning outcomes - Kuo-Liang Huang, et al; Science Direct
The emergence of artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) in the realm of education, notably in product design, signifies a watershed moment, heralding significant enhancements over conventional pedagogies by potentially catalyzing unparalleled innovation. This investigation assesses the ramifications of assimilating AIGC into product design instruction, focusing on its advantages, constraints, and consequent influence on students’ design cognition across a spectrum of proficiency levels. The study encompassed 119 scholars with a focus on product or industrial design, delineated into three distinct echelons of proficiency.
LLAMA 3 *BREAKS* the Industry - Wes Roth,AI Unleashed - The Coming Artificial Intelligence Revolution and Race to AGI
llama 3 has climbed all the way to the top of the leaderboard. Only GPT 4 is above clad 3 including Opus the large model is in the rear view mirror openai's massive Advantage is gone. We now have a top open-source Contender. There are so many things here that are legitimately stunning shocking whatever you want to call it. Number one is that llama meta's model is now just about the same level as GPT 4. That facebook/ meta is the closest competitor number two is that it's a 70 billion model compared to the 1.7 trillion or whatever that number is for GPT 4. And, finally, it's open source; how's this happening?
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Higher Education and the Four Industrial Revolutions - Ray Schroeder, Inside Higher Ed
This is not the first time Western civilization and American higher education have encountered a massive change impacting the mission, technologies and vision of higher learning. When we look in this historical context, the challenges that loom ahead for higher education do not seem much more daunting than those that were confronted in prior industrial revolutions. Jobs and careers will be lost; other careers and jobs will be created. Learning will remain a constant requirement for success. Once again, we will need to reinvent our structures, methods and modes of delivery to best meet the higher learning demands of our changing society. The time to begin is now!
AI Agents: Coming Soon to a User Near You - Babak Pahlavan, Spiceworks
NinjaTech AI’s CEO, Babak Pahlavan, sheds light on this burgeoning phenomenon of AI Agents. Offering a glimpse into the intricacies and implications of reshaping our daily interactions in this tech-driven world. There’s been accelerating publicity lately around “AI agents.” In November 2023, Bill Gates wrote on his blog about how AI agents will completely change how we use computers. In non-technical terms, this means that AI agents can save each user more time and more money and make them more productive by taking over entire tasks for the user rather than helping them synchronously while they work. In many ways, AI agents are akin to having a personal or executive assistant to solve specific problems.
Beyond Skills: Hiring For The Qualities AI Can't Replicate - Aditya Malik, Forbes Technology Council
By recognizing and nurturing these distinctly human qualities, organizations can build a future-proof workforce that thrives in an AI-powered world. Robots won't replace these individuals but will learn to collaborate with them, harnessing their computational power while injecting the human touch that fuels innovation, builds strong relationships and drives success. In this transformed landscape, the winners will not be those who simply possess skills but those who embody the very essence of what it means to be human: adaptable, empathetic and constantly evolving.
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