According to a recent article from Hindustan Times, Coursera Inc. CEO Jeff Maggioncalda has introduced an AI-generated personal tutor called Coach. This chatbot tool utilizes ChatGPT to answer questions and provide summaries of the entire Coursera curriculum.
During an interview, Maggioncalda demonstrated Coach’s capabilities by asking it to explain what a convolutional neural network is in terms that a 10-year-old would understand. The AI trainer promptly responded with a simple explanation, highlighting its efficiency in processing information compared to traditional methods.
Coursera’s investment in generative AI reflects the changing landscape of education. McKinsey estimated in 2017 that 15% of trainers’ and teachers’ work would be affected by AI. However, with the advent of generative AI, this forecast has increased to 54%. Maggioncalda believes that remote learning and the need for new skills have been accelerated by the pandemic, making online education and generative AI even more crucial.
Aside from the chatbot feature, Coursera also utilizes AI for course creation and translation services. Customers can create their own courses using AI technology, while translations are being done for 2,500 courses into seven different languages by the end of this year. This expansion aims to make educational opportunities accessible to non-English speakers worldwide.
The popularity of certain courses on Coursera provides insights into job market trends. Data science, software engineering, IT support, and digital marketing are among the most sought-after skills for individuals looking to transition into digital careers. In the UK alone, there has been a 20% increase in course enrollment year-over-year.
However, despite the growing demand for upskilling and reskilling, some companies are cutting training budgets due to recession fears. In the UK specifically, only 38% of companies plan to increase their learning and development (L&D) investments in the coming year, compared to 53% in the previous year. This reduction in L&D spending may have long-term effects on the UK economy and workforce.
When asked about the possibility of a four-day workweek, Maggioncalda expressed doubts about its practicality for Coursera. While it may sound appealing, he believes that working fewer days would hinder their ability to keep up with the rapidly changing world. Competitors who operate five or six days a week could potentially outpace them if they adopted a shorter workweek.
All in all, Coursera’s introduction of Coach as an AI-generated personal tutor reflects the company’s commitment to leveraging technology for education. The rise of generative AI and remote learning has transformed the educational landscape, making online courses and AI tools essential for individuals seeking new skills. However, budget cuts and recession fears pose challenges to training investments in some companies. As for a four-day workweek, while it may seem enticing, it might not be feasible for organizations like Coursera that need to stay agile in an ever-evolving world.
Source: (Hindustan Times)(https://tech.hindustantimes.com/amp/tech/news/courseras-ceo-wants-its-chatbot-to-become-your-personal-tutor-71690999402003.html)
