Our Response to AI: IA

I listened to a very informative podcast episode on the Harvard EdCast, the conversation centered around the topic of "Educating in a World of Artificial Intelligence." The podcast highlighted the need for education to evolve and adapt in order to work alongside the growing field of artificial intelligence (AI). The conversation focused on the concept of Intelligence Augmentation (IA). IA, which I heard for the first time, refers to the use of technology and tools to enhance human cognitive abilities, rather than replacing them entirely with artificial intelligence. The goal of IA is to improve human performance and decision-making by augmenting human intelligence with advanced computational and data processing capabilities.

The podcast highlighted the need for education to evolve and adapt in order to work alongside the growing field of artificial intelligence (AI). Specifically, it suggested that AI should be used to complement human intelligence, rather than replace it. Educators should focus on developing human skills that cannot be easily replicated by machines, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, emotional intelligence, and practical wisdom. 

A simple example I can think of how AI can help with IA is the language translation. I, myself, make use of translation tools time to time, I usually end up making intensive editing to get the result I want. It seems that AI powered language translation tools can provide quick and accurate translations, however I often come across that they struggle with nuances in language and culture. By using IA, a human translator can work alongside AI to provide context and cultural understanding, enhancing the accuracy and nuance of the final translation. In this case, the AI is augmenting the human's cognitive abilities by providing advanced computational and data processing capabilities, resulting in a more effective and accurate translation.

The podcast emphasized the importance of understanding the distinction between what AI does well (reckoning, or calculative prediction) and what humans do well (practical wisdom). While machines may be able to perform certain tasks faster and more accurately than humans, they are still limited in their ability to understand and respond to complex human emotions and experiences.

Given this distinction, educators need to consider how much of what they are teaching is reckoning, and how much is practical wisdom. By emphasizing practical wisdom, they can help prepare students for a future where AI is likely to play a major role, while also ensuring that they have the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

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https://www.gse.harvard.edu/edcast

Coding for Children: Skills, Not Paths

Teaching coding to children is not necessarily imposing a job selection at an early age. However, it is true that learning to code can help children develop valuable skills that can be applied in a wide range of careers, including those in the tech industry.

Coding teaches children problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and the ability to break complex problems down into smaller, manageable parts. These are all valuable skills that can be applied in a wide range of careers, not just in technology.

It's important to note that while coding can be a valuable skill to have, it's not necessary for every child to become a programmer or work in the tech industry. Coding can be a fun and engaging way for children to learn and explore new ideas, regardless of what they eventually choose to do as a career.

Ultimately, the goal of teaching coding to children should be to help them develop valuable skills and foster a love of learning, not to force them into a specific career path. By providing children with a well-rounded education that includes coding, we can help them become confident, creative, and adaptable individuals who are equipped to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Vedat YOZKAT

Extended version of this article was originally published on the book "Geleceği Kodlayan Çocuk" by Vedat Yozkat

Gamifying Coding Education with AI

Teaching coding to children can be a great way to introduce them to the world of technology and equip them with valuable skills for the future. One approach is to use interactive and visually-based programming languages which allow children to create their own animations and games while learning basic coding concepts. Another approach is to use hands-on activities, such as building robots or coding-based board games, which can help make the learning experience more engaging and fun. It is also important to give children the opportunity to work on projects of their own choosing, as this allows them to develop their creativity and problem-solving skills. Additionally, incorporating coding education in a collaborative environment, where children can work together, can help them develop teamwork, communication and critical thinking skills. To make the process of learning coding more engaging and enjoyable, incorporating gamification and game-based learning methods is crucial. These strategies can help to increase motivation, participation, and overall engagement in the learning process.

Gamification refers to the integration of game design elements into non-game contexts, such as education and training. This can include elements such as points, leader boards, and rewards, to motivate learners and increase engagement. Game-based learning, on the other hand, involves using actual games as a learning tool. Both of these approaches can be highly effective in making coding education more interactive and enjoyable. The use of gamification and game-based learning in education is not a new concept. Many companies have been using these methods to gain customer loyalty for years. However, in the age of technology, it is more important than ever to use these techniques in education to increase motivation and participation in learning about coding.

Artificial intelligence, or AI, can help take gamification and game-based learning to the next level. By incorporating AI into the game design, the game can adapt to the learner's skill level and provide personalized feedback and challenges. AI can also help analyse the data from the game, such as the player's actions and performance, to provide insights into their learning progress and areas where they need improvement. Furthermore, AI can assist in creating more realistic and engaging virtual environments, making the learning experience even more immersive. Overall, AI can help make gamification and game-based learning more effective and efficient in terms of motivating and engaging learners, providing personalized feedback and analysing progress.

Many educational institutions have already begun experimenting with various forms of gamification and game-based learning in their coding curriculum, and have seen great success. The integration of AI in these methods can take the effectiveness to a whole new level. By incorporating AI in game-based learning and gamification methods, students can receive a more personalized and interactive coding education, which can lead to better understanding and retention of the material, making the learning process more fun and enjoyable.

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AI: Loading...

Given the recent advancements and significant new investments in AI, I have decided to revisit and update the article I wrote in 2015.

Years ago, as a computer science student, I was first introduced to the concept of artificial intelligence while studying the Lisp programming language. What started as a simple homework assignment quickly became a captivating topic that I couldn't help but continue to explore. Although my final project was far from passing the Turing test, which aims to determine if an intelligence is real or artificial, it was still a thrilling and enlightening experience.

Artificial intelligence, or AI for short, refers to computer software that can perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence, such as learning, decision making, and problem solving. There are also specialized forms of AI, such as software that can only play chess or analyse stock market data.

Nowadays, many of the world's top technology companies are dedicating a significant portion of their budget to AI research. The scope of AI projects is vast, ranging from modelling the effects of climate change to developing self-driving cars, and from translating languages to making smart predictions based on customer behaviour. Every day, we hear about new breakthroughs in AI, and in the future, we may even see it surpassing human abilities in areas like playing complex games or creating artistic works.

AI is also expected to play a major role in the advancement of other emerging technologies, including cloud computing, data analytics, and virtual reality. As technology continues to impact our lives, the impact of AI will only continue to grow and it will have a significant impact on the job market and education too. Some jobs will become obsolete as AI can perform them more efficiently, while others will be created as a result of this exciting new technology. It's important for individuals and educators to start preparing for this shift by learning the skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world. This includes understanding the basics of AI, data analysis, and programming. Additionally, it's crucial for education systems to incorporate the teaching of these skills at an early age to ensure future generations are equipped to succeed in the job market. By embracing the potential of AI, we can not only improve our own futures but also pave the way for a more efficient and prosperous society.

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Screen-free Algorithm Learning: Engaging Children in Coding Education

Coding is a vital skill that is becoming increasingly important in today's digital world. It is no longer just for computer scientists and engineers, but is a valuable skill that can be learned by anyone, including children. However, many children today are exposed to screens from a very young age, and too much screen time can have negative effects on their development. So, how can we teach children coding algorithms without relying on screens?

One approach is through screen-free activities. These activities are hands-on, interactive, and do not require a computer or other electronic device. They are a great way to introduce children to coding concepts in a fun and engaging way.

One example of a screen-free coding activity for children is using blocks or blocks with symbols to represent basic coding concepts such as loops and conditional statements. This can help children understand how algorithms work and how they can be used to solve problems. Another approach is using games or puzzles that require children to think logically to solve problems. These can also be used to introduce children to concepts such as loops, conditional statements and functions.

Another way to teach coding algorithms to children without screens is through storytelling. Children love stories and by using storytelling, children can learn coding concepts through relatable scenarios. For example, a story about a robot that needs to navigate through a maze can be used to teach children about loops and conditional statements.

Another screen-free activity that can be used to teach coding algorithms to children is through role-playing. Children can act out scenarios that involve coding concepts such as loops, conditional statements, and functions. This can be done by using props such as blocks and symbols, or by using everyday objects such as toys and household items.

In conclusion, teaching coding algorithms to children can be done without relying on screens. screen-free activities such as hands-on interactive games, puzzles, storytelling, and role-playing can be used to introduce children to coding concepts in a fun and engaging way. These activities can help children understand how algorithms work and how they can be used to solve problems, preparing them for a digital future.

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Children Coding the Future

Teaching coding to children is becoming increasingly important as technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives. Coding, or computer programming, is the process of creating instructions for a computer to follow. It is a valuable skill for children to learn because it helps them understand how technology works, and it can also be a fun and creative outlet for them.

There are many benefits to teaching children how to code. For starters, coding helps children develop problem-solving skills. When children are faced with a problem, they must think logically and break it down into smaller steps in order to find a solution. This is a valuable skill that can be applied to many other areas of life.

Coding also helps children develop their creativity. Children can use coding to create games, animations, and other interactive projects. This allows them to express themselves in new and exciting ways. Additionally, coding can be a great way for children to learn about different cultures, as they can create digital projects that reflect different parts of the world.

Another great benefit of teaching children to code is that it can help them to become more comfortable with technology. As technology becomes more prevalent in our daily lives, it is important for children to be able to use it effectively. By learning how to code, children will be better equipped to navigate technology and understand how it works.

There are many resources available for parents and educators who want to teach children how to code. Many online platforms such as Code.org, Scratch, and CodeAcademy offer tutorials and interactive activities for children of all ages. There are also many coding camps, classes, and workshops available for children in many cities.

It is important to note that when teaching children to code, it is crucial to start with the basics and build up slowly. Children need to be given the chance to explore and experiment, and to understand how different elements of coding work together. Also, it is important to take into account the child's age, skill level, and interests.

In conclusion, teaching children to code is an important and valuable skill. It helps children develop problem-solving skills, creativity and comfort with technology. With the right resources and approach, children can learn to code in a fun and engaging way. It is important for parents and educators to make sure that children have the opportunity to learn coding and to explore the possibilities of technology.

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Programming for Children

Software has become a critical layer in our entire life and will quickly increase its impact over time. I think it would not be very ambitious to say that our new world’s language will be software. According to many experts, not knowing the computer languages in the future may be equivalent to not reading or writing today.

Programming should be introduced to children at a young age, when their minds are more flexible and open with higher learning abilities. We can think of learning programming as learning another language. Starting at a young age, as in the spoken languages, is an advantage for children and making it easier to learn. As any additional spoken languages, learning programming ​​develop the children’s ability to communicate with other people. Programming would also allow children to create technologies that affect the people in their surroundings, to look at what's happening around them in different angles and to approach the problems in a solution-oriented manner.

Some experiences that the children gain during programming will also contribute to their character development. Taking lessons from their mistakes is one of them, correcting the mistakes made during coding repeatedly will help children to overcome fear of making mistakes. Programming requires patience and continuity, encourages teamwork and would be a driving force for children to develop themselves in these areas.

We could only imagine what kind of world the children will be facing in the future. With the rapid development and exponential growth of the information technology, it would be safe to assume that it will not be enough for the children to just establish a relationship with the technology only as a user or consumer; they should well understand the dynamics of the technology and set themselves as a producer and contributor for this great digital transformation. Introducing children with programming practices early and often will shed light on what is behind all these technological developments and helps children getting prepared for the future with full confidence.

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Internet of Things

In a simple definition, the Internet of Things (IoT) is basically a large Internet network that is created by connecting all kinds of electronic devices to the Internet and to each other over the Internet.

Our computers, tablets, phones, smart watches and smart TVs are already falling under this definition, all of which are already connected to the Internet and to each other at some extent. The Internet of Things concept adds all other electronic devices that would normally not come to mind, such as tea makers, washing machines, refrigerators, traffic lights, wearable technology devices and more. And of course, including, machines and their parts used for production or non-production purposes.

So why do we want to connect all these devices to the Internet and each other?
For machinery and machine parts used for production, as one would imagine, it would make it possible to increase energy and production efficiency, reduce human impact in production, and as a result, reduce costs.

How about the tea maker, why does it have to be online again?
For example, when your smartphone wakes you up in the morning, your smart phone can tell your tea maker to brew tea. Your tea machine can know how many packs of tea left at home and can automatically order when it gets low. Your washing machine can recognize your clothes, choose a program accordingly, and order detergents when necessary. The thermostat you use at home or at work can learn the personal temperature preferences of you and other individuals, so it can make the most efficient adjustments automatically. It is possible to provide more of these examples. Also, I would like to mention that the examples that I give here are not fictitious examples, and that devices that can do all these things are either on sale or being prepared for sale.

In this new world where devices will be in constant contact with people and other devices, all the devices and the protocols that governs how devices communicate will be dependent on software. As the number of devices on the Internet will increase exponentially, security concerns will also be increased in parallel.

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AI is Here To Stay

I have met the concept of artificial intelligence and completed my first artificial intelligence project when I met Lisp programming language during my studies as a computer science student years ago. Actually it started as a homework but I got so drawn to it that I could not help myself to continue to work on this fascinating topic. My final work was far away from passing the Turing test which aims to determine whether the intelligence in the background was real or artificial. Nevertheless, it was an entertaining and enlightening experience.

Artificial intelligence or short for AI, is a broad name for computer software that has the ability to perform intelligent tasks such as intelligence, learning, decision making, problem solving, perception and understanding of spoken languages. Apart from this definition, we may also mention applied artificial intelligence software designed for specific purposes, such as artificial intelligence software, which can only play chess or which is designed to evaluate only stock market data.

Today, most of well known technology firms are allocating the biggest share from their budget for AI researches. AI projects may vary in size and content. There are so many concurrent AI projects are being worked  by various sized companies and institutions and the projects may vary from modeling the impacts of global climate change to traffic modeling in major cities, from developing self-driving cars to space research projects, from health research, to translating between spoken languages, from smart chat companions for service industry to making smart predictions from customer behaviors for retail industry and many more. Almost everyday, we hear another astonishing news about the development of AI as it gets more advanced in time we will probably hear on the news that it beat the go champion as it did to chess champion years ago or it started to express itself more artistically such as composing songs or writing movie scripts.

It seems that artificial intelligence will also help to exponentially increase the effect of almost all the emerging technologies in the coming years. It will always come to the forefront in the more efficient use of cloud computing, data analytics, big data and, of course, the virtual reality. Artificial intelligence, regardless of the sectors, will continue to increase its impact on our lives in every area that technology already has an impact.


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Digitalization

Digitalization is translating functions and processes into digital data to improve them with the help of digital technology. It is one of the most widely used terms in the business world in recent years. Companies digitize their businesses to create models that use digital technologies to provide opportunities for generating new revenue and value or to make existing business models more efficient. There is a slight difference between digitization and digitalization. For example, scanning a piece of paper with the help of a digital scanner is digitization whereas digitalization is when digitizing all the business processes and data in a way that businesses do not need a scanner because all data is already in digital form.

Digitalization has gone a long way in recent years and we can say that it will increase its influence rapidly in the coming years. Nowadays, many services, products and processes are digitized data at the source. For example, most of the books you read are created digitally, many television and radio channels are now being digitally broadcast. Maps, films, singles, photographs, magazines, newspapers are few of the obvious examples of digitally produced content at their sources. Concepts and terms such as e-invoice, e-government, e-learning, e-health are utilized more and more every day. After digitalization has become so widespread and proved its benefits for increasing productivity, some other examples have emerged. Digital twins of physical assets are one of them. Digital twins of some physical devices can be created to apply the benefits of digitalization. For example, digital twins of traffic lights can be created in a computer environment to test any improvements before applying to real life. Another example, the digital twins of the wind turbines used in  wind farms can be used to increase the efficiency of electricity generation. 

With the raise of many new technologies and concepts such as digital economy, Internet of Things, big data, cloud computing, AI, Industry 4.0, etc, digitalization will be the driving force behind these technologies and will rapidly increase its influence.

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A Flexible Solution for the Modern Workforce

Telecommuting, also known as remote work or working from home, refers to a flexible work arrangement in which employees perform their work from a location outside of their office, such as their home or a remote location. The history of telecommuting can be traced back to the 1960s and 1970s, when technology advancements made it possible for employees to perform their work from remote locations. At that time, telecommuting was seen as a way to reduce traffic congestion, save energy, and increase worker productivity. However, it wasn't until the late 20th and early 21st centuries that telecommuting became more widespread, as advances in technology and the Internet made it easier for employees to communicate and collaborate with their co-workers from a distance. The rise of laptops, and other portable devices made it easier for employees to work from anywhere, and many companies think about embracing telecommuting as a way to reduce costs and improve worker satisfaction.

With advancements in technology, it is now more possible to have all job-related tools and equipment at home. This raises the question of whether a traditional workplace is even necessary anymore. More and more businesses could be conducted from home offices, with technology playing a major role in allowing employees to work effectively and efficiently. The Internet, with its increased availability and lower cost, is a key player in facilitating remote work. In addition, the widespread use of web-based applications allow for convenient and secure use of applications from anywhere. For businesses that require secure transactions, Virtual Private Network (VPN) applications are available to provide secure access to corporate networks. Communication tools can also be easily set up at home, giving employees access to the same communication capabilities as they would have in a traditional workplace. Telecommuting offers numerous benefits, including environmental benefits such as reducing fossil fuel usage and carbon emissions from commuting, social benefits such as reducing traffic and providing work opportunities for disabled and remote individuals, financial benefits such as lower overhead costs from reduced office space requirements, and personal benefits such as improved work-life balance and time management. For businesses, telecommuting provides advantages such as the ability to conduct business across multiple time zones, faster disaster recovery, and improved risk management. 

Companies could also offer employees to have the combination of two options to work from the office or from home, depending on their needs and the requirements of their job. This flexible work arrangement provides employees with a work-life balance and greater autonomy, while also giving companies the ability to benefit from the advantages of in-person collaboration and face-to-face interaction.

In conclusion, telecommuting has come a long way since its inception in the 1960s and 1970s. With advancements in technology and the widespread use of the Internet, telecommuting has become a viable and attractive option for both employees and businesses. It is clear that telecommuting is here to stay and will continue to evolve as technology improves. For businesses and employees, telecommuting offers the ability to work effectively and efficiently from anywhere, providing numerous benefits for both. Whether it is reducing costs, improving work-life balance, or reducing carbon emissions, telecommuting has become a valuable option for businesses and employees alike.

What’s next?

Computer technologies is the fastest growing technology since the beginning. Each year new applications are introduced, these applications are not only for high-tech companies and educational institutes but also for the common people and changing our way of life.

Business companies and governmental agencies are investing more and more money in the security systems. Security applications is thought to be major money making tool for IT companies. We could expect in the near future that we will face many electronic security systems in our daily lives. Just an example, Israel is investing more money to increase its airport security. They are installing “Truth Machines” to all airports. Of course, they are not planning to use these machines on every single passengers however they think if they encounter with a suspected person, they could get help from these machines for their interrogations. In the near future, liars are not welcome on board anymore, what’s next? (http://security.nemesysco.com/gk1.html) 

From very huge filming machines to hand-sized mobile telephones, nowadays, everybody could get a simple mobile telephone with all kind of recording capabilities. These small devices could record voice, video and pictures. It is expected that in upcoming years, a big percentage of people will have an access to such devices. This would lead to more discussions about privacy as some are not hesitant to use these devices to record some moments that are not meant to. Some institutions such as museums, movie theatres, concert halls, government buildings etc are installing scrambling devices to block this type of recording devices in their premises. In the near future in communication age, we wont be able to communicate freely, what’s next? (http://www.netline.co.il/Netline/LPjammer.htm) 

We are just barely getting used to our plastics instead of money but it seems that shortly, they will be replaced by our mobile phones. 39 major credit card companies in Japan have just started a new application with which by just showing your mobile phone to the cash register and enter your pin, the payment is automatically charged to your mobile phone bill. It is expected to be widely available soon for other countries too. First barter, then money and plastic cards, in the near future our mobile phones will be replacing all. Who says men show more interest in the technological gadgets, here is a gadget where women enjoy talking and shopping at the same time, what’s next? (http://www.quicpay.jp/) 

 There are so many new applications in the line to change our lives. Some are adopted really fast, some are just ending up in the waste basket. As the computer technology grows as fast, we will be asking this question again and again, what’s next? 

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