April 19, 2025

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AI Courses, Platforms, and Tax Credits Launched

The increasing presence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming various sectors, including education, consumer industries, and medicine. While AI offers numerous benefits, such as improved operations and customer engagement, it also poses challenges, including the impact on students' critical thinking skills and the need for ethical and responsible use. Recent developments in the field of AI include the launch of new courses, platforms, and initiatives aimed at promoting the development of AI and addressing its risks. Additionally, governments and organizations are taking steps to invest in AI, with Taiwan offering tax credits for AI investments and Montgomery County in Pennsylvania seeking to establish an AI advisory council.

AI Impacts Student Critical Thinking

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is affecting students' critical thinking skills. Many students are using AI to do their work, which is impacting their ability to think critically. Jean Burk of College Prep Genius says this lack of doing actual work and learning is hampering teachers' abilities in the classroom to actually educate. A survey from September 2024 shows that 70 percent of teens had used at least one type of generative AI tool, and more than half of them said they use AI for homework help. This trend will only hurt the education system further down the road if not addressed.

AI Affects Student Critical Thinking

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is impacting students' critical thinking skills. Many students are relying on AI to do their work, which is affecting their ability to think critically. Jean Burk of College Prep Genius says this lack of doing actual work and learning is hampering teachers' abilities in the classroom to actually educate. A survey from September 2024 shows that 70 percent of teens had used at least one type of generative AI tool, and more than half of them said they use AI for homework help. This trend will only hurt the education system further down the road if not addressed.

AI Transforms Consumer Industries

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming consumer industries. Companies are using AI to improve their operations and customer engagement. A report by the World Economic Forum and Accenture highlights the potential of AI to drive growth and innovation in consumer industries. The report notes that AI can help companies to improve their strategy and planning, innovation and growth, customer engagement, and operations. Companies such as Google and Meta are already using AI to improve their operations and customer engagement.

AI Companies Struggle with Model Names

Artificial Intelligence (AI) companies are struggling to come up with names for their models. Companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic are using numeric naming systems, while others such as Google and Meta are using more creative names. However, these names are often confusing and unmemorable. The use of decimals and addendums is making it difficult for users to keep track of the different models and their capabilities.

Pitt Gets $10 Million for AI in Medicine

The University of Pittsburgh has received a $10 million investment to expand the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medicine. The investment will be used to improve the use of AI in medical research and patient care. The university plans to use the funding to develop new AI tools and technologies to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.

Interview Kickstart Launches AI Course

Interview Kickstart has launched a new course on Applied Generative AI. The course is designed to help tech professionals develop the skills they need to work with AI. The course includes 60 hours of live learning and 20 hours of project-based learning. It covers topics such as large language models, neural networks, and AI engineering fundamentals. The course is designed to help professionals develop the skills they need to work with AI and stay competitive in the job market.

PromptArmor Launches AI Security Platform

PromptArmor has launched a new platform to help organizations assess and monitor the risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The platform uses AI to scan vendors for new AI features and policy changes. It also tests vendors for a new type of security risk called indirect prompt injection. The platform is designed to help organizations to boost their AI visibility and reduce their risk exposure.

AI News for the Week of April 18

There have been several developments in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) this week. Anthropic has expanded the capabilities of its AI model Claude. Auradine has raised $153 million in funding for its blockchain and AI infrastructure. BCG X has launched a new AI science institute. BMC has unveiled new GenAI features. CDW has released a report on AI strategies and challenges. Cloudera has found that 96 percent of firms are using AI agents.

Taiwan Offers Tax Credits for AI Investments

Taiwan has passed a law amendment to offer tax credits for businesses that invest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and carbon emissions reduction technologies. The tax credits will be available for investments made until December 31, 2029. The amendment also raises the ceiling for the amount eligible to be claimed as tax credits from NT$1 billion to NT$2 billion. The move is aimed at promoting the development of innovative startups and encouraging businesses to invest in AI and green technologies.

Pennsylvania County Seeks AI Advisory Council

Montgomery County in Pennsylvania is seeking to fill an AI advisory council to help the county use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in an ethical and responsible manner. The council will bring together individuals with experience in academia, nonprofits, public service, and the private sector to aid the county's usage of AI. The council will focus on service improvement and data-driven decision making efforts. Applications for the council are due by May 31.

Heartland Conference Focuses on AI and Cybersecurity

The Heartland Conference is expanding its focus on digital preparedness by introducing a dedicated technology and security track. The track will cover cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI), along with sessions on compliance, business continuity, and disaster recovery. The conference will also feature practical tools like e-commerce and Microsoft products. Attendees can expect to learn from fellow providers and vendors specializing in these areas.

Key Takeaways

  • The rise of AI is affecting students' critical thinking skills, with 70 percent of teens using generative AI tools for homework help.
  • AI is transforming consumer industries, driving growth and innovation, and improving operations and customer engagement.
  • Companies such as Google and Meta are using AI to improve their operations and customer engagement.
  • AI companies are struggling to come up with names for their models, leading to confusion and difficulty in tracking different models and their capabilities.
  • The University of Pittsburgh has received a $10 million investment to expand the use of AI in medicine.
  • Interview Kickstart has launched a new course on Applied Generative AI to help tech professionals develop AI skills.
  • PromptArmor has launched a platform to help organizations assess and monitor AI risks.
  • Taiwan is offering tax credits for businesses that invest in AI and carbon emissions reduction technologies.
  • Montgomery County in Pennsylvania is seeking to establish an AI advisory council to ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI.
  • The Heartland Conference is expanding its focus on digital preparedness, including a dedicated technology and security track covering AI and cybersecurity.

Sources

Artificial Intelligence Critical Thinking Education Generative AI AI in Medicine AI Security