Large language model (LLM)-based technologies will be widespread within the next 5 years

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LLMs will be integral to our lives

The current generation of children and teenagers will grow up in a world where LLMs and, more broadly, machine learning models are an integral part of their everyday lives. In this world, it is critical to become proficient at using AI tools to thrive and live well (imagine not knowing how to google!). 

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Understanding LLM risks will be critical

Most importantly, for all the benefits AI brings, there are significant risks involved. LLMs tend to generate untruthful content when it does not have an answer. When your child or teenager is browsing and reading some AI-assisted generated news, or watching a video on youtube where the script (or even whole video) is generated, it is going to get harder and harder for him to tell which part of it is truthful and which is made up (machine hallucinated). The skill to think critically and discern what is truthful will become more important than ever. The way to develop this skill is to become proficient at using LLM-based tools and understand how they work, and what they can or cannot do.

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Preparing students as soon as possible

It is imperative then that we start experimenting with the latest LLM-based technologies in educational tools to accelerate learning and better prepare students for this AI world as soon as possible. Conversations on AI-based learning have been centered around writing with ChatGPT but that is only one of many ways LLMs can be incredibly useful in education.
On this, we offer some visions of what might be possible with the current technology that already exists today:

• 🤝🏻 Accessible AI teaching assistants

  To teaching assistants for every student. Providing personalized feedback and being available 24/7 to answer questions for large classrooms where one-on-one time with the teacher is limited.

• 🧑🏻‍🏫 Content generation for teachers

  To create lesson plans, quizzes, tests, and other educational content for classrooms

• 🤼 Peer simulation

  To simulate peer interactions in a safe, controlled environment. Particularly useful for training for debate, developing negotiation skills, or understanding different perspectives on a controversial topic.

• 🎙 Historical figures simulation

  To simulate conversations with historical figures or characters from literature, allowing students to learn history or literature in an interactive way.

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Support the cause!

We are incredibly excited to bring some of these visions to life and explore this new frontier in education. We are a tiny team of 4 passionate builders + designers and fully recognize that the people who know what would be most impactful for education are the on-the-ground educators and students themselves. If any educators, students, or edtech technologists passionate about this space want to chat and collaborate please say hi here (hello@essay.ai)!