Artificial Intelligence

The women in AI making a difference

Published

6 months ago

May 30, 2024

To give AI-focused women academics and others their well-deserved — and overdue — time in the spotlight, TechCrunch is launching a series of interviews focusing on remarkable women who’ve contributed to the AI revolution. We’ll publish several pieces throughout the year as the AI boom continues, highlighting key work that often goes unrecognized. Read more profiles here.

As a reader, if you see a name we’ve missed and feel should be on the list, please email me and I’ll seek to add them. Here are some key people you should know:

Irene Solaiman, head of global policy at Hugging Face

Eva Maydell, member of European Parliament and EU AI Act adviser

Lee Tiedrich, AI expert at the Global Partnership on AI

Rashida Richardson, senior counsel at Mastercard focusing on AI and privacy

Krystal Kauffman, research fellow at the Distributed AI Research Institute

Amba Kak creates policy recommendations to address AI concerns

Miranda Bogen is creating solutions to help govern AI

Mutale Nkonde’s nonprofit is working to make AI less biased

Karine Perset helps governments understand AI

Francine Bennett uses data science to make AI more responsible

Sarah Kreps, professor of government at Cornell

Sandra Wachter, professor of data ethics at Oxford

Claire Leibowicz, AI and media integrity expert at PAI

Heidy Khlaaf, safety engineering director at Trail of Bits

Tara Chklovski, CEO and founder of Technovation

Catherine Breslin, founder and director of Kingfisher Labs

Rachel Coldicutt, founder of Careful Industries

Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick, member of the Georgia House of Representatives

Chinasa T. Okolo, fellow at the Brookings Institution

Sarah Myers West, managing director at the AI Now Institute

Miriam Vogel, CEO of EqualAI

Arati Prabhakar, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

The gender gap in AI

In a New York Times piece late last year, the Gray Lady broke down how the current boom in AI came to be — highlighting many of the usual suspects like Sam Altman, Elon Musk and Larry Page. The journalism went viral — not for what was reported, but instead for what it failed to mention: women.

The Times’ list featured 12 men — most of them leaders of AI or tech companies. Many had no training or education, formal or otherwise, in AI.

Contrary to the Times’ suggestion, the AI craze didn’t start with Musk sitting adjacent to Page at a mansion in the Bay. It began long before that, with academics, regulators, ethicists and hobbyists working tirelessly in relative obscurity to build the foundations for the AI and generative AI systems we have today.

Elaine Rich, a retired computer scientist formerly at the University of Texas at Austin, published one of the first textbooks on AI in 1983, and later went on to become the director of a corporate AI lab in 1988. Harvard professor Cynthia Dwork made waves decades ago in the fields of AI fairness, differential privacy and distributed computing. And Cynthia Breazeal, a roboticist and professor at MIT and the co-founder of Jibo, the robotics startup, worked to develop one of the earliest “social robots,” Kismet, in the late ’90s and early 2000s.

Despite the many ways in which women have advanced AI tech, they make up a tiny sliver of the global AI workforce. According to a 2021 Stanford study, just 16% of tenure-track faculty focused on AI are women. In a separate study released the same year by the World Economic Forum, the co-authors find that women hold only 26% of analytics-related and AI positions.

In worse news, the gender gap in AI is widening — not narrowing.

Nesta, the U.K.’s innovation agency for social good, conducted a 2019 analysis that concluded that the proportion of AI academic papers co-authored by at least one woman hadn’t improved since the 1990s. As of 2019, just 13.8% of the AI research papers on Arxiv.org, a repository for preprint scientific papers, were authored or co-authored by women, with the numbers steadily decreasing over the preceding decade.

Reasons for disparity

The reasons for the disparity are many. But a Deloitte survey of women in AI highlights a few of the more prominent (and obvious) ones, including judgment from male peers and discrimination as a result of not fitting into established male-dominated molds in AI.

It starts in college: 78% of women responding to the Deloitte survey said they didn’t have a chance to intern in AI or machine learning while they were undergraduates. Over half (58%) said they ended up leaving at least one employer because of how men and women were treated differently, while 73% considered leaving the tech industry altogether due to unequal pay and an inability to advance in their careers.

The lack of women is hurting the AI field.

Nesta’s analysis found that women are more likely than men to consider societal, ethical and political implications in their work on AI — which isn’t surprising considering women live in a world where they’re belittled on the basis of their gender, products in the market have been designed for men, and women with children are often expected to balance work with their role as primary caregivers.

With any luck, TechCrunch’s humble contribution — a series on accomplished women in AI — will help move the needle in the right direction. But there’s clearly a lot of work to be done.

The women we profile share many suggestions for those who wish to grow and evolve the AI field for the better. But a common thread runs throughout: strong mentorship, commitment and leading by example. Organizations can effect change by enacting policies — hiring, education or otherwise — that elevate women already in, or looking to break into, the AI industry. And decision-makers in positions of power can wield that power to push for more diverse, supportive workplaces for women.

Change won’t happen overnight. But every revolution begins with a small step.

Artificial Intelligence

The Growing Influence of AI in Education

Published

5 months ago

June 22, 2024

Mark Sikaundi

The Impact of AI in Education

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we learn and teach in the education sector. With the integration of AI technology, students and teachers have access to personalized learning experiences that cater to their individual needs and preferences. Whether it’s through AI-powered tutoring systems, virtual classrooms, or adaptive learning platforms, AI is revolutionizing the way we approach education.

One of the key benefits of AI in education is its ability to provide personalized learning experiences for students. By analyzing data on student performance and behavior, AI algorithms can tailor lesson plans and exercises to each student’s individual learning style and pace. This not only helps students achieve better academic results, but also fosters a deeper understanding of the material being taught.

Furthermore, AI technology can also assist teachers in managing their classrooms more effectively. From grading papers and providing feedback to identifying areas where students may be struggling, AI tools can help educators streamline their workload and focus on delivering quality instruction. This allows teachers to spend more time engaging with students and less time on administrative tasks.

In conclusion, the growing influence of AI in education is undeniable. As technology continues to advance, it’s essential for educators to embrace AI tools and incorporate them into their teaching strategies. By leveraging AI technology, we can create more personalized and effective learning experiences for students, ultimately leading to improved academic outcomes.

The Role of AI in Shaping the Future of Education

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the role of AI in education is becoming increasingly important. AI-powered tools and platforms are revolutionizing the way we teach and learn, offering new opportunities for personalized and adaptive learning experiences.

One way in which AI is shaping the future of education is through the use of virtual classrooms. With the rise of remote learning and online education, AI technology is being used to create virtual classrooms that simulate the traditional classroom experience. These virtual classrooms allow students to interact with teachers and peers in real-time, collaborate on projects, and participate in group discussions – all from the comfort of their own homes.

Another key area where AI is making a significant impact is in the development of adaptive learning platforms. These platforms use AI algorithms to analyze student performance data and adjust the curriculum to meet each student’s individual needs. By tailoring lesson plans and exercises to each student’s strengths and weaknesses, adaptive learning platforms can help students achieve better academic results and foster a deeper understanding of the material being taught.

Overall, the growing influence of AI in education is transforming the way we approach teaching and learning. By embracing AI technology, educators can create more personalized learning experiences for students, enhance their teaching effectiveness, and prepare them for success in an increasingly digital world.

The Future of AI in Education

As we look to the future, the role of AI in education will only continue to grow and evolve. From AI-powered tutoring systems to virtual classrooms and adaptive learning platforms, AI technology is reshaping the way we teach and learn.

One potential area of growth for AI in education is the development of intelligent tutoring systems that can provide students with personalized feedback and guidance. These systems use AI algorithms to analyze student performance data and identify areas where students may be struggling. By providing targeted support and resources, intelligent tutoring systems can help students overcome challenges, master difficult concepts, and achieve better academic outcomes.

Furthermore, AI technology is also being used to enhance the quality of education by automating administrative tasks for teachers. From grading papers and providing feedback to managing lesson plans and curriculum materials, AI tools can help educators streamline their workload and focus on delivering quality instruction. This allows teachers to spend more time engaging with students and less time on mundane administrative tasks.

In conclusion, the future of AI in education is bright and promising. As technology continues to advance, educators must embrace AI tools and platforms to create more personalized and effective learning experiences for students. By leveraging AI technology, we can prepare students for success in an increasingly digital world and empower them to achieve their full potential.

Artificial Intelligence

The Impact of AI in Education

Published

5 months ago

June 22, 2024

Mark Sikaundi

The Growing Influence of AI in Education

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way students learn and educators teach in the 21st century. With advancements in technology, AI is being integrated into various aspects of education to enhance the learning experience for students. AI-powered platforms are able to provide personalized learning experiences tailored to individual student needs, track student progress, and even provide feedback in real-time. This allows educators to better understand student performance and tailor their teaching methods accordingly. The impact of AI in education is truly transformative, making learning more engaging and effective for students of all ages.

Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusivity in Education through AI

One of the key benefits of AI in education is its ability to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for all students, including those with learning disabilities or other challenges. AI-powered platforms can provide support for students with special needs by offering personalized learning tools and resources, such as audio assistance, text-to-speech capabilities, and adaptive learning modules. This helps to level the playing field and ensure that all students have equal access to quality education. Additionally, AI can help educators identify and address individual student needs more effectively, leading to improved outcomes for all learners. The impact of AI in education is not just about enhancing learning outcomes, but also about creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities of AI in Education

While the impact of AI in education is largely positive, there are also challenges that need to be addressed in order to fully realize its potential. Privacy concerns, data security, and ethical considerations are just some of the challenges that educators and policymakers need to navigate when incorporating AI into educational settings. Additionally, there is a need for ongoing training and professional development for educators to ensure that they are equipped to effectively utilize AI tools in the classroom. Despite these challenges, the opportunities presented by AI in education are vast. From personalized learning experiences to enhanced accessibility and inclusivity, AI has the potential to revolutionize the education sector and improve learning outcomes for students around the world. By embracing AI and addressing the challenges head-on, we can create a more engaging, inclusive, and effective educational experience for all.

Artificial Intelligence

AI Powered Education Platforms

Published

5 months ago

June 22, 2024

Mark Sikaundi

The Future of Education: AI Powered Platforms

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the world of education with the development of AI powered platforms. These platforms use advanced algorithms to personalize learning experiences for students, providing them with tailored lessons and feedback based on their individual strengths and weaknesses. This level of customization allows students to progress at their own pace and ensures that they are receiving the support they need to succeed.

One of the key benefits of AI powered education platforms is their ability to adapt to each student’s unique learning style. By analyzing data on how students interact with the platform, AI can identify patterns and preferences to create a personalized learning experience that is tailored to each individual. This not only improves student engagement and motivation, but also helps to maximize learning outcomes.

In addition to personalized learning, AI powered platforms also offer teachers valuable insights and data-driven recommendations to help them support their students in the most effective way. By analyzing student performance data, teachers can identify areas where students are struggling and provide targeted interventions to help them improve. This data-driven approach to teaching can lead to better student outcomes and a more efficient use of teacher resources.

Overall, AI powered education platforms have the potential to transform the way we teach and learn, offering a more personalized, adaptive, and data-driven approach to education. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of AI in the education sector, creating more engaging and effective learning experiences for students around the world.

The Impact of AI in Education

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the field of education, offering new opportunities to improve learning outcomes and enhance the teaching experience. AI powered education platforms are revolutionizing the way we teach and learn by providing personalized, data-driven insights that help students and teachers achieve their full potential.

One of the key benefits of AI in education is its ability to personalize learning experiences for students. By analyzing data on student performance and behavior, AI can identify individual learning needs and preferences to create customized lessons and activities that cater to each student’s unique strengths and weaknesses. This level of personalization not only improves student engagement and motivation, but also leads to better learning outcomes.

In addition to personalization, AI powered education platforms also offer teachers valuable insights and recommendations to help them support their students more effectively. By analyzing data on student performance, AI can identify areas where students are struggling and provide targeted interventions to help them improve. This data-driven approach to teaching can help teachers optimize their teaching strategies and resources to ensure that each student is receiving the support they need to succeed.

Overall, AI is having a profound impact on education, offering a more personalized, adaptive, and data-driven approach to teaching and learning. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of AI in education, helping to create a more engaging and effective learning experience for students around the world.

The Future of Learning: AI Powered Education Platforms

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, AI powered education platforms are poised to revolutionize the way we teach and learn. These platforms leverage the power of artificial intelligence to provide personalized, adaptive, and data-driven learning experiences that cater to the individual needs of each student.

One of the most exciting aspects of AI powered education platforms is their ability to create customized learning pathways for students. By analyzing data on student performance and behavior, AI can identify areas where students are struggling and provide targeted interventions to help them improve. This personalized approach to learning not only enhances student engagement and motivation, but also leads to better learning outcomes.

In addition to personalization, AI powered education platforms also offer teachers valuable insights and recommendations to help them optimize their teaching strategies. By analyzing data on student performance, AI can identify patterns and trends that can help teachers better understand their students’ learning needs and preferences. This data-driven approach to teaching can help teachers tailor their instruction to meet the individual needs of each student, leading to a more effective and efficient learning experience.

Overall, AI powered education platforms have the potential to transform the way we teach and learn, offering a more personalized, adaptive, and data-driven approach to education. As these platforms continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of AI in the classroom, creating a more engaging and effective learning experience for students of all ages.