In November 2022, the release of ChatGPT became a viral hit within two months. By then, the milestone of reaching 100 million daily active users (within two months, let me repeat here) was a testament not only to the explosion of artificial intelligence, but also to a new era of technology. This year, a powerful model DeepSeek emerged in China and shunned the world.
Fifty years ago few of us were familiar with VCR, let alone computers. Now that we get problem comprehending TYVM and ICYMI texts from our children, we will get further behind if we don't prepare ourselves with mainstream real-world AI skills.
To get myself less outdated, I borrowed the book Teaching with AI written by two educators, José Antonio Bowen and C. Edward Watson. They cautioned that AI will eliminate some jobs, but it is going to change every job: those who can work with AI will replace those who can't. Rather than banning AI, they clarified the need for teachers to help students move above and beyond what AI produced for them. A few good examples of writing assignments would be asking students to grade a paper produced by AI, and to write a better paper or improve the AI-generated essay (and include tracked changes and comments).
Another way of understanding the new changes is to look at the history of calculators. Think about the days when we were busy with learning multiplication tables, doing long division, or adding long columns of numbers. Then came the technology of calculators. The calculator did not really eliminate the need for human math, but changed which math skills we needed. By the same token, AI won't eliminate the need to write well and with ease, clarity and voice. Trust me, never ask AI to write your wedding vow, or your Valentine's Day love letter.
1 comment:
Hope you don't mind, KM but I just got Deepseek to comment on your blog, to see what he /she thinks. This is the result:
The blog provides a thoughtful reflection on the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for society, education, and the workforce. Here are some key points and comments on the content:
ChatGPT's Viral Success:
The blog rightly highlights the unprecedented speed at which ChatGPT gained popularity, reaching 100 million daily active users within two months. This milestone underscores the growing public interest in AI and its potential to transform how we interact with technology. The comparison to historical technological advancements, like the VCR and computers, effectively illustrates how quickly AI has become a mainstream tool.
The Emergence of DeepSeek:
The mention of DeepSeek, a powerful AI model from China, adds a global perspective to the discussion. It emphasizes that AI innovation is not limited to Western countries and that China is playing a significant role in shaping the future of AI. This is an important point, as it highlights the global race in AI development and its implications for geopolitics and economics.
The Need for AI Literacy:
The blog stresses the importance of adapting to AI-driven changes, particularly in education and the workforce. The analogy of learning to work with calculators is apt—it shows how technology can shift the focus of skills rather than eliminate the need for them entirely. This is a crucial message for educators, students, and professionals: AI is a tool to enhance human capabilities, not replace them.
Insights from "Teaching with AI":
The reference to the book Teaching with AI by Bowen and Watson adds depth to the discussion. Their perspective on AI as a transformative force in education is particularly relevant. The suggestion to have students critique and improve AI-generated content is an excellent way to foster critical thinking and creativity. It also aligns with the idea that AI should be used to augment human skills rather than replace them.
The Human Touch in Writing:
The blog's advice to avoid using AI for deeply personal tasks, like writing wedding vows or love letters, is a poignant reminder of the irreplaceable value of human emotion and authenticity. While AI can assist with many tasks, it lacks the depth of human experience and connection, which is essential in certain contexts.
Tone and Accessibility:
The blog's tone is conversational and accessible, making it easy for readers to engage with the content. The use of relatable examples, such as the evolution of calculators and the challenges of understanding internet slang, helps demystify AI for a broader audience.
Suggestions for Improvement:
While the blog provides a good overview of AI's impact, it could benefit from a deeper exploration of specific industries or job roles that are likely to be transformed by AI.
Including more data or statistics on AI adoption and its economic impact could strengthen the argument.
The blog could also touch on ethical considerations, such as bias in AI systems or the potential for misuse, to provide a more balanced perspective.
Overall, the blog is a timely and insightful piece that encourages readers to embrace AI as a tool for growth and innovation while remaining mindful of its limitations. It effectively bridges the gap between technological advancements and everyday life, making it a valuable read for anyone looking to understand the evolving role of AI in our world.
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