AI Memory Mirrors Human Brain - William Suh, Neuroscience News

Summary: Researchers unveiled a significant similarity between AI memory processing and human hippocampal functions. This discovery, bridging AI and neuroscience, highlights a parallel in memory consolidation – a process crucial in transforming short-term to long-term memories – in both AI models and the human brain. The team focused on the Transformer model, a cornerstone in AI advancements, and found its memory processes mimic the brain’s NMDA receptor mechanism. This innovative research not only propels Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) development but also offers a deeper understanding of the human brain’s memory systems.

https://neurosciencenews.com/ai-human-memory-agi-25381/

Perplexity Introduces Online LLMs With Real-Time Information - Search Engine Journal

Perplexity’s online LLMs can tap into the latest information from the internet to generate responses, making them uniquely capable of answering queries that depend on recent events or data. For example, the models can report the latest sports scores, stock prices, or the latest Google news developments. In addition, Perplexity employs various techniques to maximize factual accuracy and minimize the generation of false information. By providing access to the latest information and insights from the web, Perplexity’s models help level the playing field between large tech firms and smaller organizations looking to benefit from AI.

https://www.searchenginejournal.com/perplexity-introduces-online-llms-with-real-time-information/502523/

The hardware and software for the era of quantum utility is here - Jay Gambetta, IBM

In the case of quantum computing, the theme of the past few decades has been the emergence and establishment of this new technology. The community focused on laying the groundwork: experimenting with quantum hardware, devising use cases, and educating people on how to use quantum computers, while running experiments benchmarking devices. We made quantum computing real. But earlier this year, we A new paper from IBM and UC Berkeley shows a path toward useful quantum computing. Read more.published an experiment that changed the status quo. We demonstrated that quantum computers could run circuits beyond the reach of brute-force classical simulations. For the first time, we have hardware and software capable of executing quantum circuits with no known a priori answer at a scale of 100 qubits and 3,000 gates. Quantum is now a computational tool, and what makes me most excited is that we can start to advance science in fields beyond quantum computing, itself.

https://research.ibm.com/blog/quantum-roadmap-2033

The economic potential of generative AI: The next productivity frontier - McKinsey Digital

Generative AI applications such as ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Stable Diffusion, and others have captured the imagination of people around the world in a way AlphaGo did not, thanks to their broad utility—almost anyone can use them to communicate and create—and preternatural ability to have a conversation with a user. The latest generative AI applications can perform a range of routine tasks, such as the reorganization and classification of data. But it is their ability to write text, compose music, and create digital art that has garnered headlines and persuaded consumers and households to experiment on their own. As a result, a broader set of stakeholders are grappling with generative AI’s impact on business and society but without much context to help them make sense of it.

https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/the-economic-potential-of-generative-ai-the-next-productivity-frontier

Education should look to the way artists are embracing AI - Lucy Gill-Simmen, University World News

Of course, AI isn’t going anywhere. As an educator myself, I wanted to explore how my profession could learn valuable lessons about embracing this new technology. The model for this new approach comes from art. Artists have long been exploring the intersection of technology and creativity. One well-known artist who has embraced AI is the painter David Hockney. In June 2023, Hockney exhibited an AI-generated work on the Pyramid Stage at the 2023 Glastonbury Festival. Titled “I lived in Bohemia, Bohemia is a Tolerant Place”, the piece, created by Hockney using AI, was developed into a one-minute video to spread harmony through bohemianism.

https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20231211141633168

Free online learning for older adults promotes overall wellness - KIFI

As the Wyoming Department of Health continues to a partner with the largest online learning platform designed specifically for older adults, a wide range of free classes remains available to older Wyoming adults. Jeff Clark, Community Health Section manager with the WDH Aging Division, described the “GetSetUp” digital education site as an overall opportunity for older adults to bridge the digital divide, increase activity and boost wellness. The collaboration brings an array of classes aimed at promoting lifelong learning, empowerment, and social engagement among Wyoming’s older adults, especially during the challenging winter months. Some offerings are live sessions; others are recorded and available at any time.

https://localnews8.com/news/wyoming/2023/12/16/free-online-learning-for-older-adults-promotes-overall-wellness/

OpenAI Demos a Control Method for Superintelligent AI: The researchers asked GPT-2 to command the much more powerful GPT-4 - ELIZA STRICKLAND, IEEE Spectrum

One day, the theory goes, we humans will create AI systems that outmatch us intellectually. That could be great if they solve problems that we’ve been thus far unable to crack (think cancer or climate change), or really bad if they begin to act in ways that are not in humanity’s best interests, and we’re not smart enough to stop them. So earlier this year, OpenAI launched its superalignment program, an ambitious attempt to find technical means to control a superintelligent AI system, or “align” it with human goals. OpenAI is devoting 20 percent of its compute to this effort, and hopes to have solutions by 2027.

https://spectrum.ieee.org/openai-alignment

AI scientists make ‘exciting’ discovery using chatbots to solve maths problems - Ian Sample, the Guardian

 Artificial intelligence researchers claim to have made the world’s first scientific discovery using a large language model, a breakthrough that suggests the technology behind ChatGPT and similar programs can generate information that goes beyond human knowledge. The finding emerged from Google DeepMind, where scientists are investigating whether large language models, which underpin modern chatbots such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard, can do more than repackage information learned in training and come up with new insights. “When we started the project there was no indication that it would produce something that’s genuinely new,” said Pushmeet Kohli, the head of AI for science at DeepMind. “As far as we know, this is the first time that a genuine, new scientific discovery has been made by a large language model.”

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/dec/14/ai-scientists-make-exciting-discovery-using-chatbots-to-solve-maths-problems

AI scientists make ‘exciting’ discovery using chatbots to solve maths problems - Ian Sample, the Guardian

Artificial intelligence researchers claim to have made the world’s first scientific discovery using a large language model, a breakthrough that suggests the technology behind ChatGPT and similar programs can generate information that goes beyond human knowledge. The finding emerged from Google DeepMind, where scientists are investigating whether large language models, which underpin modern chatbots such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard, can do more than repackage information learned in training and come up with new insights. “When we started the project there was no indication that it would produce something that’s genuinely new,” said Pushmeet Kohli, the head of AI for science at DeepMind. “As far as we know, this is the first time that a genuine, new scientific discovery has been made by a large language model.”

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/dec/14/ai-scientists-make-exciting-discovery-using-chatbots-to-solve-maths-problems

Sam Altman on OpenAI, Future Risks and Rewards, and Artificial General Intelligence - Simmone Shah, Time

The technology has limitless potential, Altman says—“I think AGI will be the most powerful technology humanity has yet invented”—particularly in democratizing access to information globally. “If you think about the cost of intelligence and the equality of intelligence, the cost falling, the quality increasing by a lot, and what people can do with that,” he said, “it's a very different world. It’s the world that sci-fi has promised us for a long time—and for the first time, I think we could start to see what that’s gonna look like.”

https://time.com/6344160/a-year-in-time-ceo-interview-sam-altman/

Future of OPMs in Flux as Regulations Loom - Lauren Coffey, Inside Higher Ed

After months of uncertainty about whether the federal government would revise its guidelines for how colleges work with online program management firms and other outside providers, the Education Department said last month that it would do so early next year. Depending on how it is written and what is ultimately approved, the guidance could dramatically alter the relationships between colleges and OPMs, which offer an array of services to help institutions build, market and operate their online academic programs.

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/tech-innovation/2023/12/13/how-education-department-could-change-opm-industry

ChatGPT passes neurology exam for first time - David Attlee, Coin Telegraph

OpenAI’s latest update of its large language model (LLM), ChatGPT-4.0, has passed a clinical neurology exam with 85% correct answers in a proof-of-concept study. The research authors believe that after some fine-tuning, LLMs could have “significant applications” in clinical neurology. The results of the experiment, conducted by a group of researchers from the University Hospital Heidelberg and the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg, were published on Dec. 7. The test, performed on May 31, featured two LLMs, ChatGPT-3.5 and its later version, ChatGPT-4.0. The researchers used the bank of questions for a neurology exam from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology with a small cohort of questions from the European Board for Neurology. The average human score was 73.8%.

https://cointelegraph.com/news/chatgpt-passes-neurology-exam-for-first-time

Diversity matters even more: The case for holistic impact - Dame Vivian Hunt, et al; McKinsey

Diversity Matters Even More is the fourth report in a McKinsey series investigating the business case for diversity, following Why Diversity Matters (2015), Delivering Through Diversity (2018), and Diversity Wins (2020). For almost a decade through our Diversity Matters series of reports, McKinsey has delivered a comprehensive global perspective on the relationship between leadership diversity and company performance. This year, the business case is the strongest it has been since we’ve been tracking and, for the first time in some areas, equitable representation is in sight. Further, a striking new finding is that leadership diversity is also convincingly associated with holistic growth ambitions, greater social impact, and more satisfied workforces.

https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/diversity-matters-even-more-the-case-for-holistic-impact

How GenAI Could Accelerate Employee Learning and Development - Chrysanthos Dellarocas, Harvard Business Review

n our AI-driven era, reskilling is a critical strategic goal for every organization. However, traditional learning-and-development methods often fall short, being costly, ineffective, and unable to keep pace with rapidly evolving skill requirements. The rise of generative AI offers transformative opportunities to revolutionize and personalize learning experiences. This article delves into some emerging uses of generative AI in learning and development, while also addressing challenges and providing guidance for leaders navigating this domain. 

https://hbr.org/2023/12/how-genai-could-accelerate-employee-learning-and-development

Why you should incorporate gamification into your L&D programs - BARNANA SARKAR, Moodle

A recent survey revealed that 95% of employees in an organisation prefer a gamified work and training experience, as they find aspects of gamification enjoyable. This trend is mirrored by job seekers, where 78% of them stated that gamification could play a significant role in making a company or a particular role more appealing to them during the recruitment process.  The impact of gamification goes beyond employees’ personal preference, as it significantly contributes to productivity and on-the-job engagement. In addition to immediate performance benefits, incorporating gamification into learning and development (L&D) programs results in increased engagement among learners, ensuring their commitment to completing the training program. 

https://moodle.com/news/why-you-should-incorporate-gamification-into-your-l-and-d-programs/

AI in 2023: A year of breakthroughs that left no human thing unchanged - Jason Perlow, ZDNet

AI's profound transformation this year was marked by advancements in open-source AI, licensing debates, and the emergence of powerful generative AI models. Despite these impressive strides, the proliferation of generative AI models raised ethical concerns this year. Issues such as biases in AI-generated content and the urgent need for transparency in AI development gained prominence, and the industry grappled with ensuring ethical and accountable AI usage as AI continued integrating into diverse sectors. The interplay between AI and employment witnessed substantial changes, marked by growing automation and shifts in job market dynamics. The use of AI in automating routine tasks across industries led to efficiency gains, but raised concerns about job displacement, particularly in roles involving repetitive tasks. This shift prompted the emergence of new opportunities in AI maintenance, oversight, and ethical governance.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/ai-in-2023-a-year-of-breakthroughs-that-left-no-human-thing-unchanged/

Gemini AI is more powerful than Chat GPT: Five special things about this Google too - EMMANUAL, News Track Live

In the realm of artificial intelligence, Gemini AI emerges as a powerful contender, surpassing even the renowned Chat GPT. Let's delve into the five distinctive features that make this Google tool stand out. Gemini AI showcases an unparalleled prowess in semantic understanding. Unlike Chat GPT, it goes beyond surface-level comprehension, grasping the nuances of language to provide more contextually relevant responses. This deep understanding leads to more meaningful interactions and a user experience that feels remarkably human.

https://english.newstracklive.com/news/gemini-ai-is-more-powerful-than-chat-gpt-5-special-things-about-this-google-tool-sc71-nu371-ta371-1305273-1.html

Expanding Horizons with Microcredential Initiatives - Lisa Templeton, Illumination Podcast Modern Campus

As microcredentials become embedded in the institutional strategy, it is imperative for higher ed leaders to prioritize accessibility and foster a culture of collaboration. This entails ensuring access across campus and securing the commitment of all stakeholders, resulting in a seamless and effective implementation.

https://moderncampus.com/podcast/episode-onehundredtwentyeight.html

Employers willing to pay ‘premium’ for AI-skilled workers, survey finds - Alexei Alexis, Higher Ed Dive

Hiring workers with artificial intelligence skills is a priority for nearly three quarters (73%) of employers, but the majority of them are struggling to find such talent, according to a recent survey commissioned by Amazon Web Services. Organizations indicated they would be willing to hike pay levels for AI-skilled workers across business functions, with salaries potentially rising by an average of 43% in sales and marketing; 42% in finance; 37% in legal, regulatory, and compliance; and 35% in human resources. “The anticipated pay premiums across departments is because AI’s key benefits — automating tasks, boosting creativity, and improving outcomes — have dispersed applications across departments and tasks,” the report said. “Employers anticipate that workers with AI skills will be able to drive additional productivity and higher-quality work, which would command a salary increase.

https://www.highereddive.com/news/employers-pay-more-ai-skills/700920/

The Ivy League Gets Attention, but Public Universities Are Far More Important - Naomi Oreskes, Scientific American

Media attention to Ivy League schools distracts from the much more important—and undersupported—public university system. The past decades have seen huge increases in costs at public institutions of higher education. Measured in constant dollars, in the 1963–1964 academic year, tuition, room and board at four-year public institutions was $8,491. By 2021–2022 that figure was $21,878—almost three times as high. Declining state support is a major contributor to rising fees—and not just in “red” states. At the University of California, San Diego—where I taught for many years—the share of revenues that came from state support declined from 32 percent in 2002 to 15 percent in 2020; similar patterns can be found broadly. According to the National Education Association, “across the U.S., 32 states spent less on public colleges and universities in 2020 than in 2008, with an average decline of nearly $1,500 per student. As a result, students need to pay (and borrow) more.”

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-ivy-league-gets-attention-but-public-universities-are-far-more-important/

From Digital Native to AI-Empowered: Learning in the Age of Artificial Intelligence - Kim Round, Campus Technology

The artificial intelligence revolution is upon us, marking a significant leap for the future of both work and education. Unlike past technological surges, this one resonates similarly to the widespread adoption of the Web in the 90s. And as someone deeply involved in the nexus of learning and technology with a focus on learning experience design (LxD), I see key similarities and differentiators as AI emerges. Perhaps most striking is that AI adoption by the general public is advancing at a pace surpassing that of its digital forebear. The progression is notably more rapid; the adoption more ubiquitous; and the potential reach near limitless. AI innovations emerge within days, in contrast to the months-long development cycles of early 2000s Web applications.

https://campustechnology.com/articles/2023/10/18/from-digital-native-to-ai-empowered-learning-in-the-age-of-artificial-intelligence.aspx

Indiana Supreme Court upholds ban on class action suits over higher education pandemic policies - Brandon Smith, IPB News

A state law banning class action lawsuits against Indiana colleges and universities over their COVID-19 policies is constitutional, according to a new ruling from the Indiana Supreme Court. The decision issued Wednesday comes from a student’s lawsuit against Ball State. Keller Mellowitz sued Ball State, seeking a refund after in-person classes were canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic. And he sued on behalf of himself and other students — a class action. But the Indiana legislature passed a law, HEA 1002-2021, banning class actions against higher education institutions related to their handling of COVID-19. Mellowitz argued that law was unconstitutional because it interfered with court procedures, which should be the sole purview of the judiciary.

https://www.wbaa.org/public-affairs/2023-11-27/indiana-supreme-court-upholds-ban-on-class-action-suits-over-higher-education-pandemic-policies

In digital and AI transformations, start with the problem, not the technology - Eric Lamarre, McKinsey

Digital and AI transformations are everywhere. Almost every company has done, is doing, or plans to do one. But how can you make the changes stick? In this episode of the Inside the Strategy Room podcast, McKinsey senior partner Eric Lamarre talks about the critical elements of what it takes to rewire an organization through making fundamental changes to talent, operating model, and technology and data capabilities. Eric Lamarre: "It should always start with the business problem you want to solve. When it starts that way, there is usually a good ending because the problem eventually ties back to serving customers better and delivering more value for the company. When business leaders say, “That’s the problem I want to solve with technology,” it becomes easier to develop the technology road map to solve that problem."

https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/in-digital-and-ai-transformations-start-with-the-problem-not-the-technology

1 big thing: DC's hottest new job — chief AI officer - Ina Fried, Ryan Heath - Axios

Hundreds of agencies across the federal government are scrambling to find more than 400 chief AI officers by the end of the year, as Ryan reports. Why it matters: The requirement, one of the edicts of President Biden's recent AI executive order, aims to make sure every arm of government has a top exec who is ready to deal with AI. Driving the news: The Office of Management and Budget released guidance to federal agencies on how to implement Biden's AI executive order — and how to hire a chief AI officer (CAIO) is on top of that list. The Executive Office of the President is also required to hire a Chief AI Officer, per the memorandum's definition of federal agencies. The order gave agencies a 60-day window to designate a person for this role and we are now approximately halfway through that window.

https://www.axios.com/2023/11/27/ai-jobs-dc-biden-chief-officer-tech

U.S., U.K., and Global Partners Release Secure AI System Development Guidelines - Hacker News

The U.K. and U.S., along with international partners from 16 other countries, have released new guidelines for the development of secure artificial intelligence (AI) systems. "The approach prioritizes ownership of security outcomes for customers, embraces radical transparency and accountability, and establishes organizational structures where secure design is a top priority," the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said. The goal is to increase cyber security levels of AI and help ensure that the technology is designed, developed, and deployed in a secure manner, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) added.

https://thehackernews.com/2023/11/us-uk-and-global-partners-release.html

Bold Predictions for GPT-5: The Next Leap in AI Evolution - AICavaleiro, Medium.com

As GPT-4 continues to astound us with its capabilities, the AI community is already buzzing with speculation about what GPT-5 might bring. Based on the trajectory of advancements from GPT-3 to GPT-4, here are some bold predictions about the capabilities and functionalities we might see in GPT-5. One of the most anticipated developments in GPT-5 is the creation of internal autonomous agents specialized in specific tasks. This could mean experiencing an AI that seamlessly handles complex projects by delegating tasks to expert AI agents in fields like research, bug testing, and mathematics. Such a system would present as a singular, all-capable AI but operate through a network of specialized sub-agents.·

https://medium.com/@aicavaleiro/bold-predictions-for-gpt-5-the-next-leap-in-ai-evolution-140b539605af

Five Ways Higher Education Can Leverage Generative AI - Renee Laverdiere, et al, Boston Consulting Group

Across all industries, equal measures of excitement and anxiety are accompanying these rapid changes; however, the concern seems particularly acute in higher education. Educators and administrators are being compelled to react quickly to a technology that can reshape research, writing, and individual program areas. And incidents of students using ChatGPT improperly is not making their jobs any easier. GenAI invites colleges and universities to not only adapt, but to leverage the promise of these technologies to unlock greater value in a variety of areas from recruitment marketing and student experience to faculty workload and intellectual property. Based on our research and discussions with clients, and given our broad expertise in education and technology, we have identified five major ways that higher education can leverage GenAI. We offer ideas for how institutions can navigate this journey as well as promising practices from early adopters.

https://www.bcg.com/publications/2023/five-ways-education-can-leverage-gen-ai

Generative Artificial Intelligence Committee Report - University of Michigan

We are pleased to share with you the initial report from the U-M Generative Artificial Intelligence Advisory (GAIA) Committee. This group was tasked with assessing the opportunities and challenges posed by generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), particularly as it relates to U-M and our ongoing mission. We want to thank every member of the committee who spent countless hours crafting this report. GenAI is shifting paradigms in higher education, business, the arts, and every aspect of our society. This report represents an important first step in U-M serving as a global leader in fostering the responsible, ethical, and equitable use of GenAI in our community and beyond. As you review this document, we ask that you consider the context of how it was created. This is meant to be a catalyst for crystalizing our thinking about how U-M should navigate the shifting landscape of GenAI.

https://genai.umich.edu/committee-report

Work experience, not college, prepared employees for jobs, study finds - Ginger Crist, Higher Ed Dive

Nearly half of workers (46%) don’t think higher education prepared them for their current jobs, according to a survey released Nov. 8 by online learning platform Go1. Sixty-one percent of the 3,000 full-time office workers surveyed in Australia, the U.S. and the U.K. said work experience was the best preparation for their positions, followed by formal on-the-job training and life experience. Half of the respondents said they wish they had known how to handle career progression prior to entering the workforce. Employees also said they wish they had better understood the fundamentals of the role and how to collaborate across departments. Sixty-six percent of those surveyed said learning and development opportunities make or break their decision to take a job or stay at a company, and 73% said their current employer provides L&D options that meet their needs, the survey found.

https://www.highereddive.com/news/experience-prepared-workers-for-jobs/699746/

Sam Altman’s Second Coming Sparks New Fears of the AI Apocalypse - Peter Guest & Morgan Meaker, Wired

As Altman toured the world in 2023, warning the media and governments about the existential dangers of the technology that he himself was building, he portrayed OpenAI’s unusual for-profit-within-a-nonprofit structure as a firebreak against the irresponsible development of powerful AI. Whatever Altman did with Microsoft’s billions, the board could keep him and other company leaders in check. If he started acting dangerously or against the interests of humanity, in the board’s view, the group could eject him. “The board can fire me, I think that’s important,” Altman told Bloomberg in June. “It turns out that they couldn’t fire him, and that was bad,” says Toby Ord, senior research fellow in philosophy at Oxford University, and a prominent voice among people who warn AI could pose an existential risk to humanity.

https://www.wired.com/story/sam-altman-second-coming-sparks-new-fears-ai-apocalypse/

Inflection-2: The Next Step Up - Inflection

"Hey there, great to meet you. I’m Pi, your personal AI. My goal is to be useful, friendly and fun. Ask me for advice, for answers, or let’s talk about whatever’s on your mind."  Our mission at Inflection is to create a personal AI for everyone. Just a few months ago, we announced Inflection-1 — a best-in-class language model that currently powers Pi. Our new model, Inflection-2, is substantially more capable than Inflection-1, demonstrating much improved factual knowledge, better stylistic control, and dramatically improved reasoning. Designed with serving efficiency in mind, Inflection-2 will soon be powering Pi. We thank our partners NVIDIA, Microsoft, and CoreWeave for their collaboration and support in building our AI cluster that made the training of Inflection-1 and Inflection-2 possible.

https://inflection.ai/inflection-2