Unstoppable Machine of Learning
So it all started.
The need for knowledge has always been immense. If we look back through history, we can appreciate how knowledge has expanded across generations and, notably, the increasing speed of this expansion.
Scientists estimate that knowledge doubled from the beginning of time to the year 1750, then again between 1750 and 1900, and once more between 1900 and 1950. Remarkably, knowledge increased again in just a decade, from 1950 to 1960, and today it is believed to be undergoing a rapid, twofold increase every 22 months. Given this accelerating pace, it’s easy to understand the critical importance of acquiring the right knowledge.
Access to information has never been easier. Universities and course providers offer a vast array of educational opportunities, and we face an overwhelming abundance of free information online. While pursuing a degree may not be suitable for everyone, those seeking career advancement recognise it as a valuable investment.
However, it’s important to remember that a string of degrees does not always equate to practical, everyday knowledge.
With the growing demand for a more well-rounded education that meets the requirements of adult life and work, universities are increasingly challenged to take theoretical knowledge beyond the classroom. Knowledge alone does not yield results; it is the application of that knowledge that matters. We must convert our intentions into actions.
It’s a Climb
No doubt, individuals possess varying levels of knowledge; however, when viewed collectively as a generation, these differences tend to fade. We know more than our great-grandparents did, having built upon their knowledge. We actively seek new approaches, testing and learning from our experiences. Through continuous practice, we refine our understanding and embrace new challenges, never ceasing in our quest for discovery.
Today, we utilise new platforms, tools, and applications that significantly shape our environment, influence our thoughts, and redefine our self-perception. Whether we realise it or not, machines operate in all aspects of our lives and are set to become even more integral in the years ahead. They perform tasks that, until recently, we believed required human intelligence. Meticulously designed and programmed, these machines now outpace us in both individual and collective efforts. Their actions yield results that mimic human involvement, leading us to believe that machines think and consciously operate. However, what may seem like science fiction is far simpler than that.
So, How Is It Possible?
Machines deliver the desired outcomes because we have "taught" them how to do so. They achieve results through a highly sophisticated process of analysing vast volumes of data. This activity closely resembles human cognitive processing, giving rise to the concept of "artificial intelligence" (AI) that has captivated our attention for years. Machines operate across various platforms, producing a wide array of results. For instance, Siri (smartphone) and Alexa (virtual assistant) use voice recognition; spell checkers and predictive text tools interpret written language; and security and fraud prevention systems analyse sound or image. What is the process? When machines detect voice or image, they translate the collected data into their own language and search through their databases for relevant information to relay in a comprehensible manner. By design, we have equipped the machines with this capability. Since they can process far more data in a fraction of the time it takes a human brain, they prove to be remarkably effective, particularly in business applications. From sales to finance to customer care, machines are increasingly relied upon—self-checkouts at supermarkets and ATM machines are just a few examples. Robots monitor crops and environmental conditions and are even useful in detecting illnesses in animals.
Can We Learn from AI? Here are some thoughts: - We must remain open-minded. - We learn from our mistakes. - We learn from one another. - We learn from our children, whom we first taught. So why not reverse the process once again and learn from the machines? They serve as intelligent companions in our technological journey. Haven't we been doing this already? Consider how social connections through technology have brought businesses closer together worldwide.
Let us reflect
This September, as hundreds of thousands of young children return to school and an equal number of adults embark on higher education courses, we continue our pursuit of knowledge.
September 2018
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