AI For Learning and Growth
Anyone who has ever tried to learn another language as an adult knows it can be incredibly challenging. I have been attempting to learn Spanish for almost seven years now, and I still often feel like a novice. The best way to learn is to converse with native speakers, but this can be intimidating or even impossible without knowing the right people.
I envision AI being able to meet this challenge through a combination of machine learning and voice interaction, sort of like an intelligent, polyglottic version of Alexa. For now, I’ll call this application Language Assistant. Language Assistant will be capable of teaching people to speak any language through conversation and reading. Beginning users will create a profile and complete a diagnostic test in the language they aspire to learn. Based on the user’s ability, Language Assistant will begin conversing with the user aloud while displaying the words in text form on the screen. As the user spends more time practicing, Language Assistant will adjust to the user’s optimal speed, level, and so on. Using Language Assistant, people will be able to learn a second (or third or fourth) language with much greater ease and comfort.
One major ethical challenge for this application is which words to include or exclude. There are millions of words, and while most are good or neutral, there are plenty that I would like to erase. Should Language Assistant have the ability to teach offensive or profane language? The world might be better off without certain words, but users may be confused or tricked if they are left in the dark about common profanities.
This product has the potential to benefit millions of people as globalization continues to increase. Travelers, immigrants, businesspeople, and everyone in between could use Language Assistant. The ability to speak multiple languages opens up a range of new opportunities, and users will love the customized learning experience that allows them to learn how to speak about topics that interest them in an engaging, conversational manner.
Another AI application I would love to see is what I’ll call the Garden Thermometer. This would ideally manifest itself as a scanner that is capable of diagnosing problems with plants and recommending plant care solutions. The Garden Thermometer will analyze both the plant and the soil to identify all areas where improvements can be implemented.
The Garden Thermometer would be ideal for use by owners of houseplants or small garden plots but could eventually be scaled and modified for use by farmers. Personally, I have had multiple innocent plants fall victim to my black thumb. I think that this product would allow its users to gain knowledge about plant care and feel more confident in their ability to grow plants. Users will love their increased confidence and ability to make their plants thrive.
Possible challenges to be aware of include the proliferation of invasive or otherwise harmful species. The Garden Thermometer will have to be able to discourage users from cultivating invasive plants that could harm native wildlife. It must also discourage other types of misuse, such as growing water-intensive plants in drought-prone areas. I think with some careful planning and programming, the Garden Thermometer will allow many people to grow healthy, beautiful plants and discover the joy of growth.
