I've changed my mind. Historically I've been opposed to computers being a panacea for education.
At the MIT Media Lab I was one of the earliest critics of the strategy and effects of the One Laptop Per Child project.
I've changed my mind.
There are real issues certainly, beyond AI making things up, encouraging risky behavior, or kids asking it naughty questions. Things like, can it damage a kids social skills, create echo chambers, or push them towards propaganda.
But the upside is incredible. Integrating an LLM like GPT4 into a more kid-centered suite of models unlocks tons of potential.
The first thing I built into my AI tutor system was the ability for it to look up facts from reputable websites, and to help kids answer questions for themselves.
Then I taught the AI to help a kid develop their interests, so they take a topic they're curious about and dive deeper in to it.
And then I taught the AI to notify me if there are topics that are more appropriate for a parent to engage in.
The tool I'm building actually helps kids become more curious, creative, and thoughtful.
It isn't perfect yet, but the truth is kids spend 7 hours a day on screens already. I'm very excited at the possibilities.
At the MIT Media Lab I was one of the earliest critics of the strategy and effects of the One Laptop Per Child project.
I've changed my mind.
There are real issues certainly, beyond AI making things up, encouraging risky behavior, or kids asking it naughty questions. Things like, can it damage a kids social skills, create echo chambers, or push them towards propaganda.
But the upside is incredible. Integrating an LLM like GPT4 into a more kid-centered suite of models unlocks tons of potential.
The first thing I built into my AI tutor system was the ability for it to look up facts from reputable websites, and to help kids answer questions for themselves.
Then I taught the AI to help a kid develop their interests, so they take a topic they're curious about and dive deeper in to it.
And then I taught the AI to notify me if there are topics that are more appropriate for a parent to engage in.
The tool I'm building actually helps kids become more curious, creative, and thoughtful.
It isn't perfect yet, but the truth is kids spend 7 hours a day on screens already. I'm very excited at the possibilities.
Let me know if you'd like to try it!
seth@gotwonder.com