Several significant developments are unfolding in the AI space. OpenAI, Microsoft, and Anthropic are investing $23 million in the National Academy for AI Instruction, aiming to train 400,000 US teachers over five years to effectively use AI in classrooms for tasks like lesson planning and grading. The program will begin in New York City and expand nationwide. In sales, AI is being adopted by companies like Databricks, Windsurf, and Perplexity to enhance team performance, lead generation, and customer communication, with some startups using AI voice agents. However, the increasing use of AI in education is raising concerns among students, particularly regarding its use by professors for grading and lesson planning, with some fearing a devaluation of their education. In other sectors, AI is revolutionizing product classification for global trade through solutions like ONESOURCE Global Classification, which uses AI to suggest HS codes, and is transforming sales forecasting in fashion retail by integrating real-time data and sustainability metrics. AI is also being used in video job interviews, analyzing candidates' responses and behavior, though this practice is drawing criticism. The use of AI in art is also evolving, as seen with the AI-generated book cover for "The MANIAC" using OpenAI's DALL-E 2, sparking debates on AI's role in design. Vanderbilt University Medical Center and LG are partnering to develop AI solutions for medical applications, focusing initially on cancer research. Advantech is launching new edge AI compute solutions powered by the Snapdragon X Elite platform for industrial applications, expected to be available for testing in March 2025. Finally, Mississippi is investing millions to expand AI in schools and colleges, though some educators are concerned about the potential impact on critical thinking skills.
Key Takeaways
- OpenAI, Microsoft, and Anthropic are investing $23 million to train 400,000 US teachers in AI use over five years through the National Academy for AI Instruction.
- AI is transforming sales, with companies like Databricks, Windsurf, and Perplexity leveraging it to improve performance and customer interactions.
- Students are expressing concerns about college professors using AI for grading and lesson planning, questioning the value of their education.
- ONESOURCE Global Classification uses AI to streamline product classification for global trade, improving accuracy and efficiency.
- AI is being used in fashion retail sales forecasting to better match supply with demand, incorporating sustainability considerations.
- Companies are using AI for video job interviews, analyzing candidates' responses, but this practice faces criticism.
- A book cover created with OpenAI's DALL-E 2 is sparking discussions about crediting AI in design.
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center and LG are collaborating on AI projects for medical solutions, starting with cancer research.
- Advantech is launching new edge AI compute solutions with the Snapdragon X Elite platform, targeting industrial applications, available for testing in March 2025.
- Mississippi is investing millions to expand AI education in schools and colleges, raising concerns about critical thinking skills.
OpenAI, Microsoft, Anthropic invest $23M in AI training for teachers
OpenAI, Microsoft, and Anthropic are investing $23 million to create the National Academy for AI Instruction. This program will train 400,000 US teachers over five years to use AI in classrooms. The academy will offer free workshops and online sessions. Teachers will learn to use AI for lesson planning, grading, and classroom management. The first training center will be in New York City, with online access available nationwide.
Microsoft, OpenAI team up to bring AI training to US teachers
Microsoft and OpenAI are launching an AI training center for US teachers. The $23 million initiative will help teachers learn how to use AI in the classroom. Anthropic, the company behind the Claude chatbot, is also involved. The National Academy for AI Instruction will train 400,000 teachers over the next five years. The first center will open in New York City.
Tech companies and teachers unions launch $23M AI training program
The American Federation of Teachers, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic are launching a $23 million AI training program. The National Academy for AI Instruction will train 400,000 teachers by 2030. The program will start in New York City and expand nationally. Teachers will learn AI skills through workshops and online courses. The goal is to help teachers use AI to improve their work and help students.
OpenAI, Microsoft fund new AI training for teachers nationwide
OpenAI and Microsoft are funding a new AI training program for teachers. The American Federation of Teachers will run the program with $23 million from Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic. The training hub will open in New York City. Teachers will learn how to use AI tools for tasks like creating lesson plans. The program aims to help teachers use AI effectively in the classroom.
AI is changing sales: How startups can use it now
AI is transforming sales, helping teams find leads and communicate with customers. Tools like Gong record sales calls and update customer information automatically. Startups are using AI voice agents like Telli to handle customer calls. However, some experts believe human connection is still important in sales. Companies are also hiring people to manage and train AI systems. Startups should identify their sales problems and test AI solutions to improve their processes.
AI transforms sales: Databricks, Windsurf, Perplexity share their strategies
AI is changing how sales teams work, making top performers even better. Companies are now hiring people who know how to use AI tools. Speed is becoming more important, as AI helps companies move faster. Technical sales teams with product experts have an advantage. AI implementation requires ongoing investment and training. Companies like Databricks, Windsurf and Perplexity are using AI to improve sales and customer interactions.
AI use in college: Students question professors' use of AI tools
Students are raising concerns about college professors using AI for grading and lesson planning. Some students feel it lowers the value of their education, especially with high tuition costs. One student filed a complaint and asked for a refund after finding out her professor used AI to generate notes. Professors say AI use is becoming common but admit they often hide how they use it. Some worry AI grading could lead to students getting the same feedback.
AI revolutionizes product classification for global trade
Classifying products for global trade using HS codes is complex and time-consuming. Companies often use different systems, making it hard to find product information. Traditional methods are slow and don't learn from past classifications. ONESOURCE Global Classification uses AI to suggest HS codes quickly and accurately. The AI learns from global regulations, industry context, and company data. This helps companies save time, reduce errors, and improve compliance.
AI and sustainability transform fashion retail sales forecasting
Sales forecasting in fashion retail is now a key strategy, using AI and real-time data. It helps match supply with changing customer demand, influenced by trends and events. Sustainability is also important, with brands using ESG criteria in their forecasts. Accurate forecasting increases profits, reduces waste, and improves customer satisfaction. Modern forecasting uses AI to handle fast-changing trends and climate issues. Understanding different types of demand is important for accurate forecasting.
AI is now conducting video job interviews
Companies are starting to use AI for video job interviews. Applicants record answers to questions, and AI analyzes the responses. AI can assess facial cues, body language, and speech patterns. Some people worry this is disrespectful to job seekers and poorly implemented. The process shifts the cost of labor to the job seeker. Critics say it undermines the value of the interview and damages the candidate pool.
AI-generated book cover sparks debate on art's origin
A book cover for "The MANIAC" was created using OpenAI's DALL-E 2 software. The cover shows a nuclear explosion and includes a description of its AI origin. This has sparked debate about how to credit AI in design. Some argue for crediting the maker as "Prompted by so and so/generated by Midjourney". Others question how to credit images composed of existing images remade into a unique entity. The book's themes about AI's potential for destruction and creation make it a fitting vehicle for AI illustration.
Vanderbilt and LG partner on AI for medical solutions
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and LG are working together on AI projects for medical needs. LG chose VUMC because of its work in Molecular AI. VUMC's AI platform uses 3D spatial research to create models of diseases at the molecular level. The AI platform aims to understand diseases, find biomarkers, develop treatments, and predict patient outcomes. The collaboration will start with cancer but could expand to other areas like transplants and diabetes.
Advantech launches new edge AI products with Snapdragon X Elite
Advantech has released new edge AI compute solutions powered by the Snapdragon X Elite platform. These products include the AOM-6731, AIMB-293, and SOM-6820. They are designed for industrial applications, offering high processing power and AI acceleration. The solutions use Qualcomm Oryoton CPUs and provide up to 45 TOPS of AI performance. They also feature fast 5G and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. The products will be available for testing in March 2025.
Mississippi invests millions to expand AI in schools, colleges
Mississippi is investing millions of dollars in AI education to modernize classrooms. The state is giving grants to colleges to develop AI training programs. Mississippi is also working with tech companies to expand AI access. Some educators worry that relying too much on AI could hurt critical thinking skills. However, some schools are teaching students how to use AI responsibly. Pearl and Ocean Springs are among the first districts to use AI tools in learning.
Sources
- OpenAI, Microsoft, and Anthropic launch $23M AI training academy for US teachers
- Microsoft, OpenAI, and a US Teachers’ Union Are Hatching a Plan to ‘Bring AI into the Classroom’
- AFT, tech companies join forces on $23M teacher AI training initiative
- OpenAI and Microsoft bankroll new AI training for teachers
- Sales' AI makeover: how startups can get started
- Sales In The Age of AI: The Playbook from The CROs of Databricks, Windsurf, Perplexity and Owner
- AI is running rampant on college campuses as professors and students lean on artificial intelligence
- How AI is revolutionizing HS product classification
- Strategic Sales Forecasting in the Age of AI and Sustainability
- AI Is Conducting Video Job Interviews Now
- The Daily Heller: A Book Cover Where AI Says it All
- VUMC’s Section of Surgical Sciences and LG forge collaboration on AI initiatives for medical needs
- Advantech Launches Edge AI Compute Products with Snapdragon X Elite and Wi-Fi 7
- Training the future: Mississippi expands AI in schools, colleges