Computer scientist Jeffrey Hinton, often referred to as the “godfather of AI,” highlighted positive use cases for artificial intelligence (AI). In a recent interview, he said education is one of the most promising use cases for the technology he helped develop, but he also expressed mixed feelings about its broader impact. Hinton cited Alpha School’s AI-based learning model as an example of how technology is being applied to education. In a recent interview with BBC Newsnight, Hinton was asked to share an example of a successful AI use case that made him proud of his role in developing generative AI. “It’s for use in education,” Hinton answered, highlighting Alpha School in the United States in particular.Hinton said in an interview. “Typical teachers are in broadcast mode in their classrooms, giving kids answers to questions they haven’t just wondered about. On the other hand, with an AI tutor, your AI tutor will always give you answers to the questions you have wondered about, so you can learn much faster that way. ”Alpha School is a network of private institutions that provides AI-based learning to students in kindergarten through grade 12. These schools employ a two-hour learning model, where students use AI to complete core subjects in just two hours and spend the afternoon working with teachers on life skills and practical workshops. Hinton said this model, where students learn using AI instead of classroom lectures and where teachers focus their time on students, projects and social interactions, “Teachers’ time can be used more effectively.”He pointed out that because AI is expensive, so is the cost of Alpha School. But Hinton said he expects the price to drop further as the technology becomes more affordable.Tuition at many Alpha schools in California, Florida, Texas, and other states 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 talent.
Jeffrey Hinton says AI is ‘very dangerous’
While Hinton is optimistic about the use of AI in education, he said he doesn’t 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.
