Links for Tuesday, March 11, 2025

OpenAI’s “PhD-level” AI and $20,000 Agent Plan

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OpenAI is reportedly developing high-end AI “agents” with a $20,000 monthly tier for tasks requiring doctoral-level expertise. These agents are expected to conduct advanced research, debug complex code autonomously, and analyze large datasets for detailed reports.

The term “PhD-level AI” is essentially a marketing term, though OpenAI’s o3 model has demonstrated impressive performance on several academic benchmarks, including:

ARC-AGI Visual Reasoning Benchmark: 87.5% (near human-level performance)
2024 American Invitational Mathematics Exam: 96.7% (missed only one question)
GPQA Diamond (graduate-level STEM):
87.7%Frontier Math Benchmark: 25.2% (a significant jump over previous models)

The model utilizes “private chain of thought” reasoning, simulating internal dialogues before finalizing responses.

Despite these achievements, critics argue that hiring a real PhD student would be far cheaper than these AI agents’ $20,000 price tag. While the AI demonstrates high benchmark performance, its ability to replicate doctoral-level expertise in real-world research remains debatable.

How AI is Disrupting Business and the Global Economy: Must-Read Books for the Future

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Artificial intelligence is not just a technological breakthrough—it is reshaping industries, redefining jobs, and transforming economies worldwide. Businesses and policymakers are grappling with AI’s immense potential and disruptive power. These books provide essential insights into how AI is influencing the global economy and business landscape.

The Big Nine: How the Tech Titans and Their Thinking Machines Could Warp Humanity – Amy Webb

Amy Webb provides a compelling analysis of the nine companies dominating AI development: Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, and China’s BAT—Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent. She explores how these tech giants are steering AI in ways that could benefit humanity or lead to unintended consequences.

This book offers a stark warning about the lack of global AI governance and the risks of AI monopolies. Webb argues that the power concentrated in these companies could shape the future of economies and societies in ways that we are not fully prepared for. Her thought-provoking insights make this an essential read for anyone concerned about the intersection of AI, business, and policy.

Sale

The Big Nine: How the Tech Titans and Their Thinking Machines Could Warp Humanity

Audible Audiobook
Amy Webb (Author) – Amanda Dolan (Narrator)
English (Publication Language)
03/05/2019 (Publication Date) – Hachette Audio (Publisher)

AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order – Kai-Fu Lee

Kai-Fu Lee, a renowned AI expert and venture capitalist, compares the AI advancements in China and the U.S., illustrating how these two superpowers compete for AI dominance. He outlines how AI-driven automation will impact worldwide jobs, industries, and economic structures.

Lee’s background in Silicon Valley and China provides a unique perspective on how AI drives innovation and economic transformation. He also explores how AI will disrupt traditional employment structures, arguing that societies must rethink work and income distribution. This book is crucial for understanding the global AI arms race and its implications for the future.

Sale

AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order

Lee, Kai-Fu (Author)
English (Publication Language)
288 Pages – 09/14/2021 (Publication Date) – Harper Business (Publisher)

Prediction Machines: The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence – Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, & Avi Goldfarb

This book uses an economic framework to explain AI’s impact on the economy. The authors argue that AI fundamentally lowers the cost of prediction, transforming decision-making in business and society.

By focusing on AI as an economic tool, this book makes the case that AI is not just a futuristic technology but a fundamental shift in how businesses operate. It provides actionable insights into how companies can integrate AI to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation.

Sale

Prediction Machines, Updated and Expanded: The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence

Hardcover Book
Agrawal, Ajay (Author)
English (Publication Language)
304 Pages – 11/15/2022 (Publication Date) – Harvard Business Review Press (Publisher)

The Age of AI: And Our Human Future – Henry Kissinger, Eric Schmidt, & Daniel Huttenlocher

This book, written by a former U.S. Secretary of State, a former Google CEO, and an MIT professor, explores AI’s profound implications for global politics, economics, and society. The authors discuss how AI is changing business, governance, and international relations, making it a must-read for those interested in AI’s role in shaping the world order.

The book emphasizes that AI is not just a tool but a transformative force that will redefine industries and challenge traditional notions of leadership and strategy. Its broad perspective makes it valuable for business leaders, policymakers, and anyone interested in AI’s long-term consequences.

The Age of AI: And Our Human Future

Amazon Kindle Edition
Kissinger, Henry A (Author)
English (Publication Language)
220 Pages – 11/02/2021 (Publication Date) – Little, Brown and Company (Publisher)

Why These Books Matter

Understanding AI’s business and economic impact is essential for entrepreneurs, executives, and policymakers. These books provide a comprehensive view of how AI disrupts industries, reshapes economies, and challenges existing business models. Whether you are a business leader or just curious about AI’s broader implications, these books will equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the AI-driven future.

Have you read any of these books? Do you have other recommendations on AI’s impact on business and the economy? Let’s discuss in the comments!

Must-Read Books to Unlock the Secrets of AI and Large Language Models

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Artificial intelligence has rapidly evolved from a futuristic concept to an integral part of our daily lives. Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Bard, and Claude are revolutionizing how we interact with technology, but how do they work? If you want to understand the technology behind AI, deep learning, and LLMs, this post highlights essential books that provide the foundational knowledge you need.

Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans – Melanie Mitchell

A fantastic starting point, this book provides an accessible introduction to AI’s fundamental concepts. Melanie Mitchell explains key ideas in machine learning, neural networks, and AI’s current limitations, offering a balanced perspective on what AI can and cannot do. Through clear explanations and engaging storytelling, Mitchell demystifies AI and presents real-world examples to illustrate how these technologies function.

What sets this book apart is its focus on making complex AI topics understandable for general readers. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or just curious about how artificial intelligence impacts our world, this book is an excellent resource. Mitchell also delves into the history of AI. He explores why human-like intelligence remains a challenge for machines, making this a compelling read for anyone interested in the future of AI.

Sale

Artificial Intelligence

Mitchell, Melanie (Author)
English (Publication Language)
336 Pages – 11/17/2020 (Publication Date) – Picador Paper (Publisher)

The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values – Brian Christian

This book tackles one of AI’s most pressing issues: how do we ensure machine learning models align with human values? Brian Christian explores the ethical and technical challenges in training AI systems, making this a must-read for anyone interested in AI safety and ethics. He takes readers through a journey of how AI learns, the biases it inherits, and the moral dilemmas that arise when machines make decisions on behalf of humans.

Christian does an excellent job of breaking down complex topics while maintaining an engaging narrative. By incorporating real-world case studies and interviews with AI researchers, he thoroughly examines how we might shape AI to be more ethical and beneficial for society. The book raises critical questions about responsibility, bias, and the future of AI regulation, making it a thought-provoking read.

The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values

Amazon Kindle Edition
Christian, Brian (Author)
English (Publication Language)
496 Pages – 10/06/2020 (Publication Date) – W. W. Norton & Company (Publisher)

Genius Makers: The Mavericks Who Brought AI to Google, Facebook, and the World – Cade Metz

For those curious about the history and key players behind AI’s explosion, Genius Makers provides an engaging narrative about the pioneers of deep learning, including Geoffrey Hinton, Yann LeCun, and Demis Hassabis. It’s a fascinating look at the competitive race to develop AI, covering breakthroughs in neural networks and the intense competition between tech giants to dominate the AI space.

Metz tells the story through the lens of individual researchers and innovators who made AI what it is today. He captures the excitement, the scientific rivalries, and the ethical dilemmas involved in AI’s development. The book offers an insider’s view of how AI became one of the most sought-after technologies and what that means for the future.

Genius Makers: The Mavericks Who Brought AI to Google, Facebook, and the World

Amazon Kindle Edition
Metz, Cade (Author)
English (Publication Language)
382 Pages – 03/16/2021 (Publication Date) – Dutton (Publisher)

Rebooting AI: Building Artificial Intelligence We Can Trust – Gary Marcus & Ernest Davis

Rebooting AI critically examines AI’s limitations and argues that current machine-learning approaches fall short of true intelligence. The authors propose alternative strategies for developing AI systems that are more reliable, transparent, and capable of real-world reasoning. They highlight the pitfalls of deep learning and emphasize the need for hybrid models that integrate traditional AI techniques with modern advancements.

What makes this book particularly valuable is its practical approach to AI criticism. Instead of merely pointing out flaws, Marcus and Davis suggest ways to improve AI to work more effectively in real-world applications. Their insights are crucial for developers, researchers, and anyone interested in AI’s long-term impact on society.

Sale

Rebooting AI: Building Artificial Intelligence We Can Trust

Marcus, Gary (Author)
English (Publication Language)
288 Pages – 08/25/2020 (Publication Date) – Vintage (Publisher)

AI 2041: Ten Visions for Our Future – Kai-Fu Lee & Chen Qiufan

Blending fiction with expert analysis, this book envisions how AI will shape various aspects of society by 2041. Kai-Fu Lee, a leading AI researcher, and Chen Qiufan, a science fiction writer, craft ten compelling narratives illustrating AI’s potential future. Each story is followed by an analysis explaining the technological principles behind it, bridging the gap between imagination and reality.

This unique format makes AI 2041 both an entertaining and educational read. The authors explore AI-driven healthcare, automation, and geopolitical challenges, providing a well-rounded view of AI’s possibilities. Whether you enjoy science fiction or want to glimpse what AI could mean for our world, this book offers a fascinating perspective.

Sale

AI 2041: Ten Visions for Our Future

Lee, Kai-Fu (Author)
English (Publication Language)
496 Pages – 03/05/2024 (Publication Date) – Crown Currency (Publisher)

Deep Learning – Ian Goodfellow, Yoshua Bengio, & Aaron Courville

This textbook is considered the bible of deep learning for readers who want a deep technical dive. It covers neural networks’ mathematical and theoretical underpinnings and is widely used in AI research and academia. This book provides an extensive foundation in deep learning algorithms, optimization techniques, and model architectures, making it an essential reference for those who want to understand AI at an advanced level

While this book is more technical, it remains one of the most comprehensive resources available for deep learning. It’s ideal for students, engineers, and researchers who want to master the principles that drive AI today. This book is a must-have if you’re serious about AI and ready to tackle the mathematical aspects.

Sale

Deep Learning (Adaptive Computation and Machine Learning series)

Language Published: English
Binding: hardcover
It ensures you get the best usage for a longer period
Hardcover Book
Goodfellow, Ian (Author)

Why These Books Matter

Understanding AI isn’t just for computer scientists—it’s essential for anyone interested in technology’s impact on society. These books provide a comprehensive view of how AI models are built, how they learn, and what challenges they present. Whether you’re a beginner or someone with technical expertise, these reads will deepen your knowledge of AI and LLMs.

What are your thoughts on these books? Have you read any of them, or do you have other recommendations? Let’s discuss in the comments!

Will AI Transform Teaching and Learning?

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Larry Cuban has some great thoughts–as always–on the potential of AI to change education.

Yet there is little evidence that classroom use of these previous technologies forced classroom teachers to rethink, much less reshape, instruction. Nor have I found convincing evidence that these technologies altered fundamentally how teachers teach, increased student engagement, or raised test scores.

So I have concluded that those pushing AI use in classrooms fail to understand the complexity of teaching.

Yes, there have been any number of technological revolutions meant to forever change the landscape of teaching and learning. Most of these revolutions have fallen by the wayside or have never seen their true potential realized. I’m looking at you, 1:1 computing initiatives.

I’m of the mind that the failures of these technologies to revolutionize teaching and learning don’t fall on the technologies. They are, after all, just tools with no consciousness, no agenda, and no determination of how best to use them.

That part is up to us, the human implementors of said tools. When we can’t figure out how to leverage tools properly or, as is far more often the case, refuse to implement the tools, failure is assured.

Far too often, I hear the argument from some teachers that, “What I’m doing works, and I don’t need to learn anything new,” or the ever-so-sinister, “I only do my learning in the summer and don’t have time for this.”

Perhaps most damnable is this statement: “Technology has never been shown to increase test scores, so we don’t need to use it.”

Because all we’re worried about is test scores. And that’s the real problem.

The Eclectic Educator is a free resource for everyone passionate about education and creativity. If you enjoy the content and want to support the newsletter, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support helps keep the insights and inspiration coming!

OpenAI partners with Wharton for a new course focused on leveraging ChatGPT for teachers

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OpenAI has partnered with the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School to launch a new course titled “AI in Education: Leveraging ChatGPT for Teaching.” This initiative aims to empower educators to effectively integrate generative AI into their teaching practices, enhancing learning experiences.

The class is just as much about what you as a teacher can do with AI to make your life better and make you a more effective educator, a less stressed out educator, as much as it is about how do you create assignments for your students? – Ethan Mollick

Professors Lilach and Ethan Mollick, co-founders of Wharton’s generative AI lab, co-teach the course. They emphasize the program’s dual focus: assisting educators in using AI to improve their teaching efficiency and developing assignments that engage students with AI tools.

Ethan Mollick notes that while discussions about AI in education often center on concerns like cheating and plagiarism, the course aims to highlight AI’s positive transformations to pedagogy. By embracing AI, educators can create more dynamic and personalized learning environments.

This collaboration reflects a broader trend in higher education to adapt to technological advancements and prepare educators and students for the evolving landscape of AI in the classroom.

Are you cheating if you use AI? Workforce leaders may not think so

The debate about AI usage in schools rages as some educators want to block all AI access, and some want to embrace the new technology and leverage it for learning.

A core tension has emerged: Many teachers want to keep AI out of our classrooms, but also know that future workplaces may demand AI literacy.

What we call cheating, business could see as efficiency and progress.

A new book, Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning, aims to help teachers discover how to harness and manage AI as a powerful teaching tool.

AI is a fabulous tool for getting started or unstuck. AI puts together old ideas in new ways and can do this at scale: It will make creativity easier for everyone.

Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning

C. Edward Watson (Author)
English (Publication Language)
280 Pages – 04/30/2024 (Publication Date) – Johns Hopkins University Press (Publisher)

Where are you on the AI in schools debate? Fan or foe?

The End of the Experiment

Greetings Starfighters,

It’s mid-July, and the sun is beating down on my old Kentucky home with an intensity that I don’t have the words to describe. The new school year is coming, and already, the calendar fills with meetings, conferences, and all the usual trappings.

The past weekend provided what may prove to be the turning point in the 2024 US presidential election.

I still don’t know how to describe my religious upbringing. While I’m not sure it was a full-blown cult, it certainly echoed many of the telltale signs of Christian cults. And those groups have only grown in size and number in the past twenty years, especially since a black man was elected president.

I am disturbed by the growing number of people who are assigning former President Trump almost godlike status, emphasizing that he is untouchable and ordained to lead.

It sounds an awful lot like what good Christians are supposed to be on watch for to know the arrival of the Antichrist, if you believe such things.

All I know is that, after this weekend’s assassination attempt, I’m inclined to agree with John Naughton’s assessment that the American experiment with democracy is ending.

A dark cloud hangs over this country, and my mind turns to my daughter and all the students I serve. What will happen next, and how will it affect their future?

Quote of the Day

“But most of the terrible things that happen in this land don’t happen because of evil men, not really. They happen because of people who just don’t know any better.” (Sebastien de Castell, Traitor’s Blade)

Musical Interlude

This summer’s Dave Matthews Band tour has seen the resurrection of several older songs from the band’s catalog. One of those making regular appearances is one of my favorites, The Last Stop.

Here’s a live version from this past May:

Long Read of the Day

Last week at a conference, an interesting session asked two teachers to dribble a basketball for 30 seconds without stopping. When they failed, the only feedback given was “try harder.”

How many times have we heard that? How many times have we been the ones telling students that? Does it really work? Can’t they just be more resilient and try harder?

They can, but trying harder doesn’t always accomplish the goal, and, more often than not, it just frustrates you. Resiliency isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. Soraya Chemaly talks more about The Resilience Myth…

Over years I had really absorbed the idea that resilience was 9/10th the ability to persevere, be gritty, try to stay optimistic, etc. and 1/10th having a supportive social circle. When my family was thrown into the deep end of a crisis, it became clear that nothing I could do as an individual could compare to what we all needed, which was a combination of love, friendship, compassionate listeners, and actual material resources, such as access to good health care and medicine.

Video of the Day

Can AI create a documentary film? Maybe…

Artistic legend Brian Eno is featured in a unique documentary that changes every time it’s watched. The film uses special software to create countless versions of Eno’s story, a story that the producers are constantly adding more content to. I’m sure it’s a trip, as most anything associated with Eno always has been. But, the ideas behind the film’s creation echo much of Eno’s own ideas about the constantly changing nature of the world around us.

Final Thoughts

Maybe we should rethink our facts of life…

Microsoft’s AI Push Imperils Climate Goal as Carbon Emissions Jump 30%

Microsoft’s ambitious climate goal is at risk due to its focus on artificial intelligence. The company’s carbon emissions have increased by 30%, making it harder to reach its carbon-negative target by 2030. Microsoft plans to invest in green technologies to balance the environmental impact of its AI expansion.

Open Education and Innovations in Teaching and Learning: Future Directions

Panelists:

Steven Downes from the Digital Technologies Research Centre of the National Research Council of Canada.
Dr. Valerie Irvine from the University of Victoria.
Brian Lamb, Director of Learning Technologies at Thompson Rivers University.
Dr. David Wiley, Chief Academic Officer at Lumen Learning.

Key Topics and Insights

Current State of Open Education

Steven Downes kicked off the discussion by emphasizing the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on open education. He argued that generative AI has the potential to create and enhance open educational resources (OER), moving beyond traditional static resources to dynamic, AI-generated content that can adapt and respond to student needs in real time.

Challenges and Opportunities

Valerie Irvine highlighted the significant challenge of institutional culture change. She stressed that despite the proven benefits of open education, widespread adoption requires a concerted effort to shift mindsets at administrative and faculty levels. She also pointed out the potential for open education to support social justice and equity in learning, advocating for open access to research and teaching resources to foster broader educational impacts.

Brian Lamb expressed concerns about the commercialization and centralization of digital platforms, which can stifle the creative and collaborative spirit of open education. He reminisced about the early days of the open web, where blogs and wikis fostered a rich exchange of ideas and resources. Brian emphasized the need to build capacity for open practices within educational institutions to reclaim some of that lost potential.

David Wiley provided a perspective from the U.S., discussing how generative AI could transform access to expertise. He noted that while the initial focus of open education was on access to materials, the future could see AI providing real-time, personalized support to learners, thereby expanding educational opportunities even further. He also touched on the importance of integrating open practices with AI to ensure that educational tools remain accessible and beneficial.

Future Directions

The panelists agreed that integrating AI into education presents both opportunities and challenges. They discussed the need for robust systems to ensure the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated content. Steven Downes pointed out that, while AI can be a powerful tool, it must be developed and used within ethical frameworks to avoid perpetuating existing biases and inequalities.

Institutional Support for Open Education

A key theme was the role of institutions in supporting open education. The panelists called for more institutional support for open educational practices, including funding, resources, and recognition of the value of openness. Valerie Irvine and Brian Lamb highlighted the successful models of BCcampus and eCampusOntario as examples of how institutional collaboration can drive the adoption of open education.

Conclusion

The session concluded with a call to action for educators, administrators, and policymakers to embrace the potential of open education and AI. The panelists urged a collective effort to foster a culture of openness, support innovative teaching practices, and ensure that the benefits of these advancements are accessible to all learners.