Google launches AI curriculum as Meta forms research team

Key Takeaways

• Google DeepMind launched an AI Research Foundations curriculum for university students to build language models, covering practical skills and responsible AI.
• Google is offering free AI training for K-12 and higher education educators starting May 13, including courses on AI literacy and tools like Gemini and NotebookLM.
• Meta, Google, and JPMorgan are integrating AI adoption into performance reviews and incentives, making AI proficiency a job requirement to boost productivity.
• Meta established an elite MRS Research team to enhance Facebook and Instagram algorithms, focusing on recommendation systems and attracting talent from companies like Amazon.
• Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff showcased an AI-enhanced Slackbot designed to automate tasks and improve worker productivity, while stressing ethical AI development.
• Gradient Labs uses OpenAI models (GPT-5.4 mini, nano) to create AI agents for bank customer service, aiming to provide personalized account management.
• The Public app introduced AI Agents for automated investing, allowing users to define rules for market monitoring and trade execution.
• Successful AI adoption in companies is primarily a leadership challenge, requiring trust, clarity, and support from leaders to address employee fears.
• An ETS report indicates 60% of workers feel pressured to adopt AI tools before ready, highlighting a skills gap and the importance of adaptability and verified skills for job security.
• Residents in Dowagiac, Michigan, are opposing the expansion of a Hyperscale Data AI facility due to noise pollution, leading the city council to amend its noise ordinance.

Google DeepMind offers AI course for building language models

Google DeepMind has created a new AI Research Foundations curriculum for university students. This program teaches how to build and use modern language models from scratch. It focuses on practical skills like tokenization and transformer architectures, using Python. Students will learn to build and train their own small language models, understand neural networks, and address issues like bias. The curriculum also covers responsible AI development and offers skill badges for completion.

Google AI training for educators expands skills in K-12 and higher ed

Google is launching a free AI training program for K-12 and higher education educators, starting May 13. This program, developed with ISTE+ASCD, offers short, flexible courses on AI literacy, classroom tools like Gemini and NotebookLM, and responsible AI use. The training is designed to fit educators' workflows, with sessions ranging from 10 to 45 minutes. Educators can earn micro-credentials and badges upon completion, helping them gain confidence and skills in applying AI in education.

AI success hinges on leadership not just technology

A new report highlights that successful AI adoption in companies is primarily a leadership challenge, not a technology one. Employees need trust, clarity, and support from leaders to embrace AI tools. When leaders address fears directly and show how AI can help careers and company growth, employees are more likely to adopt it. The '100 Best Companies To Work For' demonstrate this by fostering psychological safety and open communication about AI's role, leading to better innovation and employee retention.

Big Tech and Wall Street push AI adoption through performance reviews

Companies like Meta, Google, and JPMorgan are using performance reviews and incentives to encourage employees to adopt AI tools. This push comes as AI is becoming a job requirement, aiming to boost productivity and prove the value of AI investments. While some workers are apprehensive about job security and changing habits, companies are offering carrots and sticks to drive adoption. The goal is to ensure employees are AI-ready and to maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Dowagiac residents oppose AI data center expansion due to noise

Residents in Dowagiac, Michigan, are pushing back against the expansion of a Hyperscale Data AI and bitcoin company. They complain about significant noise pollution from the existing facility, which impacts their quality of life and property values. The company plans to more than double its campus size, but residents say they have not been properly informed or consulted. In response to concerns, Dowagiac's city council has amended its noise ordinance to set stricter decibel limits.

Adaptability is key to job security in the AI era, says ETS report

A new ETS Human Progress Report reveals that adaptability, verified skills, and AI readiness are now crucial for job security, more so than tenure. While 77% of workers are learning new skills, many feel uncertain about future job roles. The report highlights that 60% of workers feel pressured to adopt AI tools before they are ready, and there's a significant skills gap in AI literacy. Proof of skills through credentials is vital, but access to such programs is limited, creating a gap between motivation and opportunity.

Meta forms elite AI team for Facebook and Instagram algorithms

Meta is creating a specialized AI research team called MRS Research to enhance the algorithms powering Facebook and Instagram. This new unit aims to advance recommendation systems by focusing on long-term AI research and publishing cutting-edge findings. The team has already attracted talent from companies like TikTok and Amazon. Meta is heavily investing in AI talent to improve ad performance and user engagement across its platforms, signaling a strong commitment to AI-driven innovation.

Salesforce CEO unveils AI-powered Slackbot and discusses SF progress

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff showcased a new AI-enhanced version of Slackbot designed to boost worker productivity. He highlighted its ability to automate tasks like managing messages and planning projects, significantly reducing work time. Benioff also discussed San Francisco's progress, noting investments in public safety and infrastructure. He emphasized the continued need for human interaction in sales, even with advanced AI, and stressed the importance of safety and ethical standards for AI development.

AI in oncology is growing but carries risks

Artificial intelligence is increasingly used in cancer care, but its successful integration depends on careful implementation and managing its limitations. AI tools are helping with tasks like documentation, imaging analysis, and surgical planning. While these tools can improve efficiency, experts warn about the potential for increased cognitive burden on healthcare teams. Ensuring AI supports clinical decision-making, addressing regulatory oversight, and avoiding overreliance are key challenges as AI adoption in oncology rises.

Public app launches AI agents for automated investing

The Public app has launched AI Agents, allowing users to automate their investment strategies. These agents monitor markets and execute trades based on user-defined rules for trading, cash management, and risk. The company, calling itself the 'world's first Agentic Brokerage,' ensures these agents operate securely within its platform. This feature aims to translate investors' ideas into automated actions, building on Public's existing AI tools and responding to customer demand for deeper integration.

Morgantown event explores AI's future in West Virginia

The Focus Forward conference in Morgantown brought together leaders to discuss the future of artificial intelligence in West Virginia. While the state currently has low AI adoption rates, the event aims to encourage businesses and government to lead in AI innovation. Discussions covered AI's use in power grid maintenance, internal large language models for companies like Toyota, and advanced medical technologies like brain-computer interfaces. Experts emphasized the need for collaboration and increased confidence in AI to drive progress.

Gradient Labs uses AI for bank customer service

Gradient Labs, a London-based startup, is using advanced OpenAI models like GPT-5.4 mini and nano to create AI agents that act as dedicated account managers for bank customers. These agents handle complex financial workflows with high accuracy and low latency, improving customer satisfaction. The system is designed to follow strict procedures, ensuring compliance and reliability in high-risk financial interactions. Gradient Labs aims to provide every bank customer with the experience of a personal account manager.

Sources

• Google DeepMind AI curriculum trains students to build language models | ETIH EdTech News
• Google AI training for educators expands AI skills in K-12 and higher ed | ETIH EdTech News
• AI success is a leadership test—and the 100 Best Companies lead the way
• Big Tech, Wall Street bring AI to performance reviews
• 'Nothing but a noise trap': Dowagiac residents push back against AI data center expansion
• Adaptability Revealed as the New Foundation of Job Security in the AI Age, According to 2026 ETS Human Progress Report
• Meta builds elite AI team to boost Facebook and Instagram algorithms
• Marc Benioff unveils new version of Slackbot with AI capabilities, talks San Francisco's progress
• “We Have to Be Really Careful”: Oncology AI Use Rises, but Risks Remain
• Public Launches AI Agents to Automate Portfolio Strategies | LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis
• Morgantown event brings the future of artificial intelligence use into 'Focus'
• Gradient Labs gives every bank customer an AI account manager