With each passing day, we are increasingly bombarded by multiple sources about artificial intelligence, AI, and the dramatic impact this technology will have on our lives. On one end of the spectrum are those who see AI as an existential threat to humanity. Unemployment will skyrocket. People will become manipulated puppets. AI-powered weapons will exterminate humanity! On the other end of the spectrum are many who see AI as humanity’s savior. Diseases will be eradicated. All will live in harmonious luxury. Death itself will be conquered!
At TLCI, artificial intelligence, like all human activities, equals opportunity. Artificial intelligence is the science of applying human intelligence and masses of data to create computer programs that enable a computer to “think like humans” and arrive at outcomes thousands of times faster than a human could. AI computer programs are designed to learn from experience and adjust outcomes like humans. This will allow us to create everything from self-driving cars to one-touch, instant health care.
The computing power and speed of artificial intelligence will eliminate repetitive jobs. Examples include data entry, retail clerks, manufacturing, journalism, bookkeeping, and content creation. Having worked various repetitive jobs in my younger days, I’m delighted to relegate repetitive tasks to a computer or a robot.
Another industry—public and private—continues to function primarily along a twentieth-century repetitive, assembly-line format that makes this industry vulnerable to product failure: schools. The restrictive, narrow process of learning that is the hallmark of most traditional schools will not prepare students for a world of rapid and continuous change.
As the founder of Khan Academy wrote in How AI Will Revolutionize Education: Insights from Sal Khan. “We believe that AI can transform education, but we also understand that it comes with limitations and risks.” And “If I had to pick between an amazing teacher and no technology or amazing technology and no teacher, I would take the amazing teacher and no technology any time,” Khan asserted, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human educators.” https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-ai-revolutionize-education-insights-from-sal-svquc/
For over 40 years, TLCI has championed a truly individualized and customized learning process. This unique approach gives our learners a clear advantage in a world that requires individuals to be highly flexible and creative, possess diverse skills, and adapt to new circumstances and requirements on short notice.
Our approach, exemplified by our program, includes ongoing engagement with their advisor, who mentors and fosters them in our Learner-Centered Vision of Education. Our mission of empowering individuals to reach their highest potential goes far beyond the confines of curricula, schedules, and requirements. Our passion is transforming education from primary data collection to a dynamic process of knowledge creation and individual empowerment. Empowerment isn’t about giving individuals choices; it is about giving them resources and the tools to make informed choices.
TLCI provides our graduates a significant advantage when applying to college, technical, or K-12 schools. By being the pilot of their educational journey, TLCI graduates have acquired the knowledge, skills, commitment, determination, and confidence required to succeed not just after graduation but throughout life.
Artificial intelligence is not a threat or an obstacle. Like every other challenge in life, it is a TLCI advantage.
Manfred Smith
