Artificial Intelligence in Higher Ed
UPDATE
Ray Schroeder, UPCEA Sr. Fellow
UPCEA Annual 2024
March 27, 2024
Photo by Daniel Korpai on Unsplash O
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Artificial Intelligence: the near future in higher ed
Here are some quick definitions to assure we all are at the same place:
Generative AI vs. Traditional AI
Essentially, the relationship between artificial intelligence and generative AI is hierarchical. AI refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that previously required human intelligence. Typically, such tasks involve perception, logical reasoning, decision-making, and natural language understanding (NLU).
Machine learning is a subset of AI that focuses on discriminative tasks. It involves the development of algorithms that enable computers to make predictions or decisions based on data without being explicitly programmed how to do so.
Generative AI is a subset of machine learning (ML) that focuses on creating new data samples that resemble real-world data.
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/34633/generative-ai
Levels of artificial intelligence
There are three main levels of artificial intelligence:
Artificial narrow intelligence (ANI): ANI is the most common type of AI today. It focuses on specific tasks, such as image recognition or natural language processing. For example, a facial recognition software used in security systems is an ANI application. (today)
Artificial general intelligence (AGI): AGI possesses human-like intelligence and can perform any intellectual task that a human can. It is capable of learning, reasoning, and adapting to new situations. Currently, true AGI does not exist, but research and development efforts are ongoing. [Some suggest that early models have already been achieved ; other predictions just out are that it will be announced in November THIS November!] (2024?)
Artificial super intelligence (ASI): ASI surpasses human intelligence and can potentially solve problems that are currently beyond the capabilities of humans. For instance, an ASI system could potentially design highly efficient energy systems or develop new medical treatments. However, ASI is still largely theoretical and remains a topic of debate and speculation. Yet, at least one expert in the field predicts it could arrive as early as 2027.(2027?)
https://cloud.google.com/discover/what-is-artificial-general-intelligence
How Will Artificial Intelligence Affect Jobs 2024-2030?
The World Economic Forum has estimated that artificial intelligence will replace some 85 million jobs by 2025. Freethink says that 65% of retail jobs could be automated by that year, saying that this is largely due to technological advancements, rising costs and wages, tight labor markets, and reduced consumer spending....
https://www.nexford.edu/insights/how-will-ai-affect-jobs
AI Intelligent Agents
We are hearing more about the rapid development of "AI Intelligent Agents." By the end of the year, you may using such an agent of your own to carry out tasks with minimal supervision.
AI Digital Agents: Sending Advanced Computer Agents Personal Tasks - Ray Schroeder, Inside Higher Ed 3/27/2024
In short, it means we humans will be able to virtually replicate and extend our personae in multiple simultaneous forms around the world. Our agents will be in many places simultaneously. Our AI-extended knowledge, values and personalities will be omni-present. Imagine the implications for exceptional faculty members in their roles as teachers and researchers! One early model is “Devin,” who can be tasked with software engineering. Developed by Cognition, Devin, as Will Knight describes in Wired “is just the latest, most polished example of a trend I’ve been tracking for a while—the emergence of AI agents that instead of just providing answers or advice about a problem presented by a human can take action to solve it.”
Follow-up - Stunning demo and info about Devin! Swarms of AI Agents STUN the Entire Industry | 100 Million Jobs GONE? | Devin, Maisa, Groq & more (Warning - you may not sleep after watching)
One more demo of an AI Agent - 01 - open source Open Interpreter, Do Engines, and Using LLMs to Enable Actions https://open.substack.com/pub/synthedia/p/open-interpreter-do-engines-and-using?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
One more Follow-up - in an nterview with Lex Fridman, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says GPT-5, perhaps under a different name will be released mid-summer with access to OpenAI Intelligent Agents!!!
And, yet one more Follow-up - it appears that OpenAI plans assistants that may have voices and hearing of their own?
Uncharted Territory: Artificial General Intelligence and Higher Ed - Ray Schroeder, Inside Higher Ed 3/13/2024 (for possible sharing with colleagues)
Imagine a time in the not-too-distant future in which AGI is firmly established in society and higher education faces the pressing need to reconfigure and reinvent itself. It is becoming increasingly clear that the advent of artificial general intelligence (AGI) is upon us. OpenAI includes in its mission that it “aims to maximize the positive impact of AGI while minimizing harm.” The research organization recognizes that AGI won’t create a utopia, but they strive to ensure that its benefits are widespread and that it doesn’t exacerbate existing inequalities. Some say that elements of AGI will be seen in GPT-5 that OpenAI says is currently in prerelease testing. GPT-5 is anticipated to be available by the end of this year or in 2025. Others suggest that Magic AI, the expanding artificial intelligence (AI) developer and coding assistant, may have already developed a version of AGI.
Please see Gemini response to my research question regarding priorities and processes for handling potential layoffs or terminations due to GenAI efficiencies in completing previously human assignments. https://sites.google.com/view/raysspace/ (scroll down)
Vulnerable Higher Ed Jobs and Rising Competition - Ray's Predictions for 2025
Marketing and Campus Relations Positions - will require only minimal staffing/supervision - right now you can assess your competition and generate a marketing plan for a given budget to more fully compete within five minutes
The Division of Finance and Administration - accountancy positions and middle management positions are projected most likely to be replaced by AI with only minimal human supervision
Administrative Assistants - reduction in staff with only minimal supervision of AI
Faculty for Introductory and Lower Division classes to be largely replaced by artificial instructors overseen by "master faculty" who will teach one section and handle unique cases that arise among a dozen or more sections: note the two sigma difference in Khanmigo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJP5GqnTrNo
We are now equipped and prepared to use AI to fully develop and administer personalized mastery learning in our classes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l83Rgrjn_Lk&t=74s
We Are Educators, Researchers and Visionaries :
Learn, Lead, Reskill, Upskill, Apply and Thrive!
Learn, Lead, Reskill, Upskill, Apply and Thrive!
How can you keep up with the daily developments and trends?
Ray's Daily Curated Reading Lists and Social Media. Blogs with daily updates on the field of online / cont. learning
Inside Higher Education - "Online: Trending Now" https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/blogs/online-trending-now
UPCEA Professional, Continuing and Online Education Update http://continuingedupdate.blogspot.com/
Economics and Change in Higher Education by UPCEA http://recessionreality.blogspot.com/
OER Update by UPCEA https://oerupdate.blogspot.com/
Ray's Curation by UPCEA https://rayscuration.blogspot.com/
Alternative Credentials in Higher Ed by UPCEA https://altcred.blogspot.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/rayschroeder
Contact Ray
rschr1@uis.edu ~ rayschroeder@gmail.com - ray@upcea.edu
Senior Fellow, UPCEA
Professor Emeritus, University of Illinois Springfield
https://rayschroeder.com