The launch of GPT-4 in March has sparked concerns and important questions, especially within the education sector. The advancements in AI technology could lead to a universal tutor based on GPT, which could transform the way we learn. This AI tutor would possess knowledge and lack the fads and misconceptions that often hinder teaching. Additionally, AI tutoring could be personalized, tailored to the needs of individual learners. Such advances in pedagogy could make past improvements seem trivial in comparison and help raise standards exponentially.
Khan Academy is currently using GPT-4 to offer a personalized AI tutor that uses mastery learning to ensure that learners internalize units properly. Duolingo is also planning to deploy GPT-4-based services for its 100 million-plus customer base. However, these GPTs require enhancement; they need long-term memories, a world view, and the ability to test and assess the provenance of their knowledge. Achieving these aspirations would enable GPTs to become fully-fledged Aristotelian personal tutors and bring us much closer to AGI.
Bill Gates has also noted that the impact of advanced AI would be felt in healthcare and education. GPT technology could pose a threat to the incomes of white-collar workers much more than blue-collar workers. AI could enable us to balance this better and cultivate better learning in less wealthy parts of our community.
Education has long been immune to the charms of technology, with all attempts to harness it often failing. However, the launch of GPT-4 has the potential to change all that. Donald Clark, CEO of the AI learning company WildFire, believes that AI will transform education and healthcare and raise standards enormously.
