At the educational summit ASU+GSV in San Diego this week, Linda McMahon, U.S. Secretary of Education, made several references to artificial intelligence (AI) as “A1”, a term commonly associated with a brand of steak sauce, during a discussion about contemporary tools for the classroom.
McMahon, a Trump appointee, was addressing the subject of AI’s role in the education system but persistently utilized the incorrect terminology.
McMahon commented, “I mean, how can we educate at the speed of light if we don’t have the best technology around, you know, to do that? I heard — I think it was a letter or a report that I heard this morning, I wish I could remember the source — but there’s a school system that’s going to initiate a process of ensuring that first graders — or even pre-K students— have A1 teaching each year starting from those initial grade levels.”
She continued, “And That’s a great thing. Children are like sponges. They just absorb everything. Not too far back, the conversation was about getting internet in our schools. Well, alright then! Let’s discuss A1 and the ways it can assist? How can it aid in individualized instruction? How can it help those who learn quickly to absorb more information? It certainly provides opportunity for more personalised instruction. These are the types of ideas and innovations that I’m excited to see continue to grow.”
However, a tweet from People For the American Way pointed out the confusion, “Trump’s Secretary of Education seems to not grasp what AI is, referring to it as “A-one”.
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