Computer scientist Jeffrey Hinton, widely known as the “godfather of AI,” doesn’t feel great about the technology he helped develop, but he sees at least one bright spot.
In an interview with BBC Newsnight published last week, Hinton was asked for an example of a great AI use case that made him proud of his role in developing generative AI.
“Use in education,” Hinton said, highlighting Alpha School in the United States in particular.
Alpha School is a network of private institutions that employ AI-based learning for students in kindergarten through grade 12. These schools have adopted a two-hour learning model, allowing students to complete core subjects in just two hours through the use of AI, and spend the afternoon working with teachers on life skills and practical workshops.
Hinton said the model, which allows students to learn using AI instead of classroom lectures and allows teachers to focus their time with students on projects and social interactions, is “a better use of teachers’ time.”
“Typical teachers are in broadcast mode in their classrooms, giving kids answers to questions they haven’t just wondered about,” Hinton said. “On the other hand, with an AI tutor, you can learn much faster because the AI tutor always gives you answers to the questions you have.”
Hinton said Alpha School’s cost is high because AI is expensive, but said he expects it to become much cheaper as the technology becomes more affordable.
Tuition at many Alpha schools in states like California, Florida, and Texas ranges from $40,000 to $75,000 per year. The network also includes places where tuition costs range from $10,000 to $15,000.
Alpha School Principal Joe Lemant said the minimum wage for teachers is $100,000 to attract top talent.
Mr Hinton told BBC Newsnight that while he was optimistic about the use of AI in education, he did not feel the same way about AI in general.
“I have dedicated my life to developing this product and it saddens me that it is now so dangerous that people are not taking it seriously enough,” he said.
