Artificial Intelligence has arrived, and it’s poised to transform our world rapidly. Over the past few months, I’ve dedicated hundreds of hours to exploring various AI platforms, even going as far as building my own custom-trained AI bots! I believe AI has the potential to significantly change the world and has already had a profound impact on my workflow and productivity (more on that later).
I thought you might be interested in learning more about AI, so I’ve decided to write a series of emails discussing AI‘s history, strengths and weaknesses, how I’m using it in my work, and how students are utilizing it for learning.
Adopting new technology can often feel intimidating or overwhelming. It’s important to remember that not everyone is immediately comfortable with or intrigued by AI. To make it easier for you, I’ll include “AI” in the subject line of any email related to AI, so you can choose whether or not to dive in, based on your preference.
Together, let’s explore the fascinating world of AI and uncover its potential to enhance our lives and learning experiences.
In 1950, the brilliant mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing proposed the Turing Test as a method to determine whether a machine could exhibit human-like intelligence. This groundbreaking test set the stage for the development of Artificial Intelligence, but it also had its limitations. The test primarily relied on human-like responses as a measure of intelligence, which may not be the most accurate or comprehensive metric to gauge a machine’s true capabilities.
Following the Turing Test, in 1964, Joseph Weizenbaum developed ELIZA, an early natural language processing program that could simulate conversation. ELIZA was revolutionary for its time, showcasing the potential for AI to communicate with humans. However, it had limitations, including a lack of understanding of context and an inability to learn from its interactions with users.
The world of AI continued to progress, and in 1972, MYCIN was developed as an early expert system designed to diagnose and recommend treatments for bacterial infections. MYCIN demonstrated the potential for AI in medical applications, but its rule-based approach limited its adaptability and scalability, restricting its broader applicability.
In a monumental moment for AI, IBM’s Deep Blue chess-playing computer defeated world champion Garry Kasparov in 1997. This event showcased AI‘s ability to solve complex problems and compete with human intellect. However, Deep Blue’s highly specialized design meant that its capabilities were confined to the realm of chess and not easily transferable to other domains.
The landscape of AI changed dramatically in 2011 when Apple introduced Siri, an AI-powered virtual assistant that allowed users to interact with their devices using natural language. Siri revolutionized the way we interact with technology, but it had its initial limitations, including difficulty understanding accents and a narrow range of functionality.
Each of these milestones in AI history has brought us closer to a world where machines can think, learn, and adapt like humans. The evolution of AI continues, and as we move forward, we can expect even greater advances and breakthroughs in this fascinating field.
The most popular AI’s include Chat GTP, Bing (which uses GTP4) and Bard, but there are many smaller (more limited) large language models, including Babbage, Curie, and Llama. In future emails I’ll talk about my experiences with the different AI models, but for now I think the easiest way to learn about AI is to just play with it and have fun. Here are a few ideas to get you started!
- Clear and concise communication. Do you find yourself spending too much time drafting emails or messages? ChatGPT is here to save the day! Simply type in a few key points or ideas, and let the AI generate a well-structured and coherent message for you.
- Spark your creativity. Stuck in a creative rut? ChatGPT can help you brainstorm ideas for anything from blog topics to party themes. Just give it a hint about what you’re looking for, and it will generate a list of ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
- Simplify language. Encountered a complex piece of writing that’s hard to understand? Use ChatGPT to help break down the content into simpler language, making it easier to digest and comprehend.
- Create delicious recipes. Have a few ingredients in your pantry and not sure what to cook? Enter the ingredients into ChatGPT, and it will generate a list of tasty recipes for you to try. Never again will you be stuck wondering what to make for dinner!
- Plan your day. Having trouble organizing your day? ChatGPT can help you create a to-do list or daily schedule tailored to your needs. Just provide a few details about what you need to accomplish, and the AI will generate a personalized plan for you.
Getting started with ChatGPT is as easy as 1-2-3!
- Visit the ChatGPT website: https://chat.openai.com
- Sign up for a free account using your email address.
- Start exploring the simple and user-friendly interface to see how ChatGPT can improve your daily life!
Stay tuned for more blogs about how to use AI!
–Thomas
P.S. There is a $20 a month paid version of ChatGTP that utilizes GTP4 instead of GTP3.5, but if you’re just starting out with AI it’s not worth it.