Whenever the words “education” and “artificial intelligence” come up in the media, it’s usually under a headline stating how students use generative AI, such as ChatGPT, to do their homework or write essays. Media will be media, and the most eye-catching way to frame a story will often be the one that rises to the top. But underneath the sensationalism is an underlying question — what is the role of AI in education, and how do we ensure that it’s used in the best possible ways?
These are only some of the valid questions whose answers aim to provide a better understanding of the relationship between AI and education. How they’re tackled will likely shape the future of AI and education, so it’s incredibly important for all interested parties to get involved constructively.
Dr. Michael Everest is the Founder and CEO of edYOU Technologies, a company that builds AI products and services for use in the modern educational environment. However, the company is probably best known for Hannah — the Face of Safe AITM.
“We have developed an incredibly lifelike AI that offers interactive communication and a unique learning experience. What sets this AI apart from chat GPT-3 and other similar technologies is the addition of a human-like face, which adds a new dimension to the interaction,” says Dr. Everest. “Imagine having a 24/7 study buddy during graduate, undergraduate, or even primary school. With Hannah, you can have just that.”
In addition, edYOU has its own patent-pending platform that is constantly learning. edYOU has also created its own curation system that filters answers so that only relevant, safe conversations happen on its education platform that is directly related to the subject being studied and tested. In fact, there was approximately a 10% increase in quiz results for students who used the edYOU platform to prepare for their exams compared to traditional PPT learning methods.
edYOU has been working on AI solutions for education for the past two years. AI Beings like Hannah are the company’s latest and most eye-catching applications, but some serious AI applications underpin it. The concept of personal artificial intelligence, or PAI, allows the development of tools that meet their exact needs and is available through AI Beings. And it’s the proprietary ingestion engine, or PIE, that makes it all possible.
“This AI engine functions similarly to how Google ingests, and processes search data. Additionally, we have connected it to the chat GPT from OpenAI to expand its capabilities,” explains Dr. Everest. “While OpenAI offers a range of solutions, our approach focuses on maintaining a fact-based environment and filtering out unnecessary information. We have a comprehensive database and are linked to large language models. This combination allows for a seamless studying experience.”
The U.S. Department of Education recently joined the conversation, outlining some requirements for artificial intelligence to be used in education. The list contains a pretty reasonable outline that includes the need for responsible and ethical use of AI in the classroom while ensuring that people are still at the center of AI-enabled tech.
AI shouldn’t undermine teachers; its implementation should focus on helping students achieve their full potential. Emphasis is also placed on providing personalized learning opportunities, ensuring students’ specific needs are met, and promoting equity. Overall, AI should empower students and teachers, not serve as a burden.
edYOU can already say that it’s aligned with some, if not all, of these guidelines. Dr. Everest is firmly convinced that his platform’s offering has potential beyond what the Department of Education proposes in the guidelines.
“Like with any new technology, there may be concerns and fears surrounding its implementation. However, I firmly believe that our platform is designed to help humans do more without taking away jobs from teachers or writers,” Dr. Everest said. “Instead, we aim to make information accessible in a safe space, contributing to the wellness of writers, teachers, and tutors. Our platform provides an even keel of support, available 24/7, enabling teachers to enhance their effectiveness while prioritizing their well-being. With limited hours in a day for teachers and students, access to a reliable platform like ours can optimize engagement and learning experiences.”
Recently, edYOU was submitted to California Northstate University’s College of Medicine for a double-blind IRB-approved study. The study, “Determining the Education Effectiveness of Combining Voice-over Presentations and AI Learning,” allowed its incoming class of 2027 to test the AI Being Hannah as a teacher assistant. The statistics have come out, and the study will be submitted soon. The results are exactly what was anticipated; edYOU will reverse the downward spiral of learning outcomes and give a support system to students and educators that will improve education. Dr. Everest is humbled and proud of this breakthrough study that was funded by CNU.
Even though artificial intelligence has come almost as a certainty to us in the past few months, it’s important to remember that the technology is still young, is under constant development, and is still far from seeing its final form. Visionaries like Dr. Michael Everest and his team at edYOU are using it to solve problems in education. It’s clear, however, that they understand their responsibility extends far beyond the classroom.
“It’s crucial to recognize that without proper guardrails and parameters, the unchecked use of AI in education can be concerning. Incorrect information may be fed to students, leading to the need for unlearning and confusion,” he says. “That’s why I emphasize the importance of AI being in the hands of moral and responsible companies, prioritizing accuracy and ethical considerations. With proper guidance and a moral compass, AI can undoubtedly be a powerful tool for advancing education and improving lives around the world.”
