For educators and students worldwide, AI remains both a boon and a challenge. Users are captivated by AI-driven advancements in educational technology, which have the potential to transform the learning process.
The top minds in the field of education technology are not only delving into teaching machine learning basics and educating the public on AI but also identifying AI-generated content in students’ work. This marks just the beginning of the impact these individuals are making in the realm of education technology.
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Insider has curated a list of the top 100 individuals shaping the landscape of intelligent AI. These are the standout figures driving innovation in startups.
Cheng, Ling
Ling Cheng, the Director of AI and machine learning at Quizlet, has been at the forefront of exploring how technology can aid learning by presenting unique questions. Quizlet’s latest AI instructor, Q-Talk, developed under Cheng’s guidance, employs a Socratic method to engage learners. With over 3 million review sessions utilizing Q-Chat, a tool created using OpenAI’s resources, Cheng has also overseen the implementation of Quizlet’s “smart-grading” system. This system utilizes predictive analysis to evaluate responses accurately, even without exact text matches, ensuring a seamless learning experience. Recently, Cheng introduced a feature that instantly generates personalized study materials when users input their notes.
Discover more about the full roster of influential figures driving advancements in AI intelligence.
Sal Khan
Sal Khan, the visionary behind Khan Academy, made a significant impact with the launch of Khan Academy in 2008. Embracing innovation once again, Khan Academy has introduced Khanmigo, an AI teaching assistant. This year, Khanmigo aims to integrate with Instructure, a leading classroom-management software platform globally. Offering guidance to students through chats, Khanmigo provides valuable assistance in tasks such as essay feedback, grading, lesson planning, and rubric creation for educators. Khan envisions the transformative potential of AI in education, emphasizing the positive impact it can have during his TED Talk in April 2023.
Partovi Hadi
Hadi Partovi, the CEO of Code.org, leads the philanthropic organization in its mission to equip young individuals with essential computer science skills, including AI and machine learning. Partovi founded one of the premier platforms for educating teachers on AI through initiatives like TeachAI. In collaboration with prominent educational entities such as Khan Academy and tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, Partovi’s nonprofit has raised an impressive $200 million. Alongside his twin brother Ali, who spearheads the startup accelerator Neo, Hadi is dedicated to nurturing talent in the tech industry.
Tegmark, Max
Max Tegmark, an esteemed professor at MIT with expertise in astrophysics, has made significant contributions to various fields, including cosmology and machine learning. Known for his leadership at the Future of Life Institute (FLI), Tegmark focuses on mitigating risks associated with groundbreaking technologies. Under Tegmark’s guidance, FLI issued an open letter advocating for stringent safety measures in AI research, garnering support from notable figures like Elon Musk and Steve Wozniak. This initiative called for a temporary halt on experiments exceeding the capabilities of OpenAI’s GPT-4.
Thomas, Rachel
Rachel Thomas, a co-founder of Fast.ai, is dedicated to promoting equitable access to AI education for all. Through the establishment of the Center for Applied Data Ethics at the University of San Francisco, Thomas delves into the ethical implications of AI’s growing influence. Fast.ai, a nonprofit she co-founded with Jeremy Howard, focuses on simplifying complex concepts like neural networks and machine learning for a broader audience. Providing free online resources and courses in multiple languages, Fast.ai aims to empower learners worldwide.
Theodore Tian
Edward Tian, the founder of GPTZero, gained recognition for developing an AI-powered text detection tool as part of his senior thesis project at Princeton. Tian now leads GPTZero full-time, securing $3.5 million in venture capital to enhance the tool’s capabilities. Collaborating with CTO Alex Cui, Tian is expanding GPTZero’s applications to include AI detection and content recognition across various sectors. Tian’s vision for GPTZero extends to leveraging detection technology in education, finance, journalism, security, and beyond, underscoring the vast potential for AI-driven solutions in diverse industries.
