Looking ahead into an AI-driven future

As we enter 2024, expectations are high in the tech world as artificial intelligence models race to up the ante. Many experts have predicted that this year will see tech giants like OpenAI and Google cross the Rubicon and unveil artificial general intelligence (AGI) – meaning machines will take the first step towards thinking like humans.

While experts of all hues have been speaking and writing about this, we thought we should listen to those who are likely to be impacted most: students, especially those who will be entering the job market soon. So, we emailed a few bright students we came across during the past year and asked for their views on AI and the future.

These are the questions we gave them: 

How do you think AI will impact your life in general and your education in particular? What are your expectations and worries about its effect? 

What can educational institutions and governments do to equip young students to face the future where AI could play a major role?

Despite the holiday season and exam schedules, most of them took time out to send in their reply and we are immensely thankful to them. 

Here are their answers, some of which were edited for clarity and brevity.

Artificial intelligence (AI) will have a significant impact on our lives, including education. Historically, scientific breakthroughs, such as Einstein's equations, have served dual purposes – simplifying our lives and sometimes causing harm. If AI continues on its current trajectory, it’s not far-fetched to imagine robots becoming integral parts of our households, perhaps even celebrated with naming ceremonies and birthdays, like family members. Technologies like Gemini and GPT-4 showcase advanced capabilities, indicating a transformative era ahead.

With such advancements, changes in the job sector are inevitable, potentially leading to job losses for those who can't adapt quickly. Despite this, our education system still heavily relies on traditional practices, including memory-based tests and outdated content. Interestingly, some educators are turning to AI, like ChatGPT, to generate questions, and students are seeking answers from AI, creating a unique dynamic where AI both creates questions and provides answers for them.

It’s essential to ensure that the skills and knowledge students acquire are applicable in real-world scenarios, especially in industry settings. Faculties, too, should stay updated with the latest advancements in their respective fields and leverage AI tools like ChatGPT and Bard to enhance the learning experience. It would also be beneficial to include machine learning and programs like Python in high school syllabuses, as these subjects aren’t overly complex, as they are fundamentally rooted in statistics and mathematics.

Rahulraj PV, Digital University of Kerala (IIITMK)

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New technology helps students learn faster. While it is a good development, it could also lead to problems. Quick learning might not necessarily mean understanding the subject deeply. Also, relying too much on tech might shift the focus away from hands-on learning. We need a balance. Tech is great, but we should also value traditional ways of learning. Using both can provide a better education, maintaining the fun of exploring and thinking while using new tools.

There is a major misconception that AI can replace jobs and that AI is a whole different domain that one can choose to learn or not. While it’s essential to learn about AI in whatever domain you choose, educational institutions should teach students what AI is. Without proper guidance, there is a danger that AI could be used in the wrong way. While including programming as a subject, AI can be a part of that syllabus.

Namitha S, LBS Institute of Technology for Women

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I think the introduction of AI raises a lot of questions concerning academic integrity. University education should encourage independent thinking, the ability to do research, and similar skills. The introduction of AI could deter the development of such skills and allow students to complete assignments by just typing in a prompt.

On the other hand, it can be argued that AI can be used as an effective research tool for students and professionals. I am currently studying sports therapy and rehabilitation, and for my final year dissertation, I need to access relevant data, which is difficult to find. AI can help with this by providing relevant references that are hard to get hold of and can also assist with research inference. While dealing with clients, many of them revealed they are already using AI to identify problems, and using this, we were able to come up with specific exercises to address their needs.

In the future, I believe we will use AI as an aid and research tool rather than handing over control of an assignment or taking over a job. However, a role for AI is inevitable in education and the workplace. The capabilities of this technology are endless, spanning across fields such as arts, science, history, etc. AI can be used in areas like automated attendance and to create chatbots to support students.

Varun Kaimal, Coventry University

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In the future, AI is expected to take over most domains in industries. Skills will become more important than the knowledge you possess. I anticipate widespread automation in jobs, significantly enhancing productivity through AI. This shift will likely create new types of jobs while diminishing the scope of many existing ones.

Educational institutions should incorporate AI into the curriculum and emphasize research areas focused on creating datasets and models.

Gourish G Pilai, Government Engineering College Barton Hill, Trivandrum

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AI could make learning more personalised and accessible, but I worry about the job situation in the future. There is a pressing need for ethical guidelines in the development of AI models. 

To prepare students for a future dominated by AI, schools and governments should integrate AI education into the curriculum. Emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and a solid grounding in STEM subjects is key. Cultivating adaptability, creativity, and ethical awareness in technology use will empower students for the AI-driven world ahead. It's crucial to invest in training teachers and ensure adequate resources for AI education to build a skilled and ready workforce.

Adil A, Muslim Association College of Engineering, Trivandrum

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Programs like ChatGPT have already become an essential tool. In areas related to my studies, if I need to know anything, my first option would now be to ask ChatGPT. This reliance extends beyond studies; I depend on ChatGPT when drafting emails, letters, speeches, or essays. However, over-dependence on such AI platforms can diminish the individual user’s potential in the long run.

Gopika PS, Engineering Graduate, now studying for Civil Service Exams

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The main impact of AI is that it will make humans more dependent on technology, potentially leading to fewer interactions between people, which can affect skill development. In the field of education, it brings both advantages and disadvantages. AI can impart and develop skills, training individual students based on their abilities. However, students should be able to maintain a healthy balance with technology, or else it may affect their relationships with the society around them.

Providing access to advanced technology, encouraging interdisciplinary learning, and offering training in collaboration and adaptability can better prepare students for a future dominated by AI technologies.

Devika Prasad, VAST TC, Kilimanoor

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The ease of doing our work and gathering knowledge has increased with the help of AI. However, as an individual who will be entering the job market soon, I am concerned about the wide range of tasks AI can perform, which may lead to a decrease in the number of employment avenues for us.

Educational institutions should make children aware of the adverse effects of AI from a very young age. They should help them become smart workers who can effectively use AI tools.

Devika JU, College of Engineering Trivandrum

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AI will likely replace many procedural and repetitive jobs in the future. Initially, tasks demanding creativity may be challenging for AI, but with time, it could develop that capability as well.

Moulding the creativity of students becomes crucial for schools in this scenario. There might come a time when implanting information from books into a robot takes no more than a day, allowing it to remember better than even an above-average student.

Nived VB, Christ College, Vizhinjam

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AI will make life easier by assisting with tasks and providing personalised experiences. In education, it will offer learning that is catered to individuals and provide improved tools. However, concerns about job loss, ethical issues, and dependence on technology need to be addressed.

Universities can contribute by teaching AI basics early, emphasizing critical thinking, explaining AI ethics, providing training in unique human skills, ensuring equal access to technology, collaborating with industries, and promoting lifelong learning.

Anu Pallavi SP, LBS Institute of Technology for Women

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If AI development continues on its current trajectory, it is likely to lead us to major institutional challenges. The current generation of AI models can produce pieces lucid enough that it is difficult for the layperson to distinguish what is generated by a machine. This will continue to be a significant issue as people might delegate the most fundamental functions of our brain, such as rationalisation, to an artificially intelligent system. Independence and consolidation of thought are key to the proper functioning of democratic political systems.

My greatest singular worry about its effect is that it will create and incentivise laziness in our everyday life, spiralling away from nature. However, I don’t think we humans will allow that to happen, and even if we do, I believe our collective power is stronger than our contrivers.

Schools should encourage collaboration, not just between students and AI models, but more importantly, among students themselves. Shifting to a more process-centric approach is key to achieving this, as many educational systems currently prioritise results. While schools should strive to produce good results, these outcomes should be embedded in students' minds as frameworks, not singular achievements.

Sreekrishna Praveen, King's College London (Joining in 2024)

December investments bring some cheer

Indian startups have reasons to be optimistic in 2024, as December witnessed investors pouring in 1.7 billion US dollars worth of funding. This surge was notably fueled by a significant investment of 600 million by FlipKart, says a report in Entrackr. Some analysts view this as a positive sign for 2024, expressing hope that the funding winter, which gripped most of 2023, will gradually start thawing.

December also marked the entry of fintech firm InCred into the Indian unicorn club. It became only the second firm to achieve this valuation landmark last year, following the quick commerce platform Zepto in August. InCred, based in Mumbai, reached unicorn status after successfully raising funds worth 60 million US dollars in a Series D round. Notable among the investors was Ravi Pillai, chairman of RP Group of Companies.

More local AI models on its way

The race to develop AI models suited to India is heating up. According to Analytical India Magazine, Meta’s Llama model is a favorite among local tech enthusiasts as it is available for free for research and commercial purposes. The report mentions that versions in Tamil, Telugu, and Odisha are already in the works. Additionally, Reliance Jio Infocomm chairman Akash Ambani announced their collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay to launch “BharatGPT”. The Indian tech scene seems poised for some AI fireworks this year.

Huawei, Xiaomi join the EV race

The electric vehicle market in China is becoming increasingly crowded. Leading brands such as BYD, Geely, and Saic Motor Co dominate both domestic and international markets. However, more heavyweights are attempting to enter this prestigious sector. The latest entrants are phone makers Huawei and Xiaomi, both unveiling their first EV models. Meanwhile, in India, rumours about Tesla's entry into the market continue to surface regularly.

What Dutch stars foretell us

Since ChatGPT became the hottest thing on the web, we’ve been stuck in a cosmic debate about the divine role AI might play in India’s buzzing religious tech scene. We think it’s only a matter of time before a tech-savvy astrologer harnesses the power of AI to further his or her case. Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark have now concocted what could well be a model for such ambitious soothsayers. Just toss in your birth details, education, health status, job, and salary – voila! They’ll not only predict your future but might even tell you when you will die. Get ready for the era of AI-touting gurus.