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Has AI and tech ruined sport?

19 November 2024

This is a topic that sparks a lot of debate: technology in sport. Some fans say tech is ruining their beloved sports, while others believe it’s making it fairer and more exciting. Let’s unpack how technology like Hawk-Eye, VAR, and AI have transformed the world of sports, for better or worse.

Precision or frustration?

Tennis fans are in for a big change. Wimbledon’s line judges are being replaced by Hawk-Eye technology—a camera system that makes precise calls on whether a ball is in or out. While this guarantees accuracy, something vital is lost: the drama. Remember when a player would challenge a call, and the crowd would hold its breath? Now, it’s simply “The computer says it’s out.” Accurate? Yes. Thrilling? Not so much.

Football’s introduction of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) was meant to correct bad calls. But has it made the game more enjoyable? While it does improve fairness, it’s hard to ignore the frustration when a game grinds to a halt for a five-minute review over whether someone’s toenail was offside. The precision is great, but the momentum of the game? That’s often the real casualty.

Data and AI: The future of fan engagement

Beyond refereeing tech, AI and data analytics are reshaping how fans engage with sport. Companies like Opta track everything from player speed to match predictions, turning sport into a data-driven experience. While it’s a different way of connecting with the game, some fans miss the messy, emotional moments that stats can’t capture.

So, Has tech really ruined sport?

Not quite. Technology hasn’t killed sport—it’s evolved it. The drama may now lie in data points and AI predictions instead of human error, but the heart of sport remains. Whether you’re shouting at a referee or a computer, the passion is still there.

Watch the full video on our channel to dive deeper into how tech is transforming sport.

For more Lesson Hacker Videos check out the CraignDave YouTube playlist HERE.

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Smart Revise: The ultimate tool for effective exam success

12 November 2024

Smart Revise is a continual revision tool with quizzes, exam-style questions, and personalised feedback to boost exam performance and reduce teacher workload.

Smart Revise: Raising attainment and reducing workloads.

So, What is Smart Revise?

Smart Revise, created by Craig ‘n’ Dave, is transforming how students and teachers approach revision. Rather than cramming at the last minute, it promotes continual practice throughout the course, helping students to master subjects like Computer Science and Business Studies gradually. The platform is designed to make revision less stressful and more effective by aligning practice questions with the research.

But what exactly makes Smart Revise such a game-changer? Let’s dive into how both students and teachers can benefit from this innovative tool.

How teachers can use Smart Revise to boost classroom success

For teachers, Smart Revise is not just a revision tool, it’s a workload reducer. Teachers often spend hours preparing mock exams, quizzes, and practice materials. Smart Revise does that for you. With its extensive question bank, all designed by experienced examiners, the platform allows teachers to set quizzes, homework, and mock exams in a matter of clicks.

The platform provides personalised and diagnostic feedback through its advanced reporting tools, allowing teachers to easily track student progress and pinpoint areas needing intervention. Plus, it supports various assessment techniques like self-marking, peer marking, and even AI marking, ensuring that students get the feedback they need with minimal teacher effort.

Teachers can also use Smart Revise to promote active learning during lessons. Features such as “Tasks” allow teachers to assign extended questions that mirror exam conditions, enabling students to practice longer-answer formats.

How students can use Smart Revise to ace exams

For students, Smart Revise offers a structured approach to revision that builds confidence. One of the platform’s standout features is its quiz functionality, designed for daily use. These quizzes help students retain knowledge by revisiting past topics in an engaging, low-pressure way. And for those struggling with exam techniques, the platform includes model answers and self-assessment tools so students can refine their responses based on real exam mark schemes

Another helpful feature is the flashcards, which reinforce essential terms and definitions, helping students retain information over the long term. With Smart Revise, students can practice at their own pace, mixing up topics and question types to keep things fresh and engaging.

The result? Improved exam performance and reduced last-minute stress

Ready to revise smarter?

Smart Revise has already proven its worth in classrooms across the UK, helping students improve their grades while lightening the load for teachers. It makes revision more effective and reduces your workload.

If you’re looking for a smarter way to revise or teach, why not try Smart Revise!

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Is OpenAI really that open?

5 November 2024

What started as a non-profit dream has evolved into a tech giant worth a staggering $157 billion, raising questions about its original mission.

OpenAI’s humble beginnings

OpenAI – once a bold, altruistic initiative aiming to create artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity – has undergone a dramatic shift.

Back in 2015, OpenAI set out with a noble goal: to make artificial intelligence accessible, safe, and beneficial for everyone. Spearheaded by influential figures like Elon Musk, it promised to use AI for the greater good, not just to line the pockets of the wealthy. Initially, a non-profit, OpenAI’s mission was simple: create AI that serves all of humanity, not just the elite.

However, the landscape changed quickly. By 2018, Elon Musk had left, citing concerns that the organisation was straying from its mission. Fast forward to today, and OpenAI’s once “open” nature seems a distant memory.

From non-profit to capped-profit

OpenAI’s transformation into a “capped-profit” organisation marked a significant departure from its non-profit roots. The company now walks a fine line between innovation and commercialisation, securing billions in funding from tech giants like Microsoft and Nvidia. While this has driven AI advancements, it’s also placed enormous pressure on OpenAI to monetise its technology, which risks sidelining its original vision.

Internal tensions and key exits

With the shift towards profit, OpenAI has faced growing internal conflicts. Safety researchers and AI developers, concerned that financial interests are outweighing ethical considerations, have begun to leave. Prominent figures, such as former CTO Mira Murati and Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever, have stepped down, fuelling concerns about the company’s direction.

The critics speak out

One of the loudest critics has been none other than Elon Musk. From the sidelines, Musk has accused OpenAI of losing sight of its original purpose, claiming it’s now more focused on pleasing investors than safeguarding humanity from AI’s potential dangers.

OpenAI’s journey from non-profit idealism to a $157 billion behemoth leaves us wondering: has it lost sight of its mission, or is this just the price of progress? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Get Your Classroom Buzzing About AI!

Want to spark some lively discussions around AI? We’ve crafted some thought-provoking questions to fuel the conversation:

🤔 Why is the AI industry worth so much money and is it another dot com boom scenario?

💸 Should large language models be free to use, and if so how should they fund the servers, maintenance and electricity? If not, how should revenue be raised?

🌍 In what ways could AI create a new digital divide?

🧠 Can AI advance to a stage where it no longer requires humans?

These questions are sure to get students thinking critically and debating the future of tech!

If you’re curious to learn more, watch the Lesson Hackers video on OpenAI’s and how open it is Here.

For more Lesson Hacker Videos check out the CraignDave YouTube playlist HERE.

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Is social media really that bad?

22 October 2024

We’ve all heard the scare stories: spend too much time on TikTok and suddenly you’re destined to fail your GCSEs and live in your mum’s basement forever. But is social media really as dangerous as some headlines make it out to be?

According to a new study by the World Health Organisation (WHO), there’s been a sharp rise in something called “problematic social media use” among teenagers. This doesn’t just mean spending hours on Instagram or YouTube; it’s when social media starts interfering with real life. We’re talking about skipping activities, arguing with parents about screen time, and feeling like you can’t stop even when you know you should.

The study surveyed nearly 280,000 teens across 44 countries and found that in 2022, 11% of them displayed problematic behaviours, up from 7% in 2018. Unsurprisingly, the pandemic played a major role in this spike, with many turning to social media during lockdowns. The situation is particularly notable in the UK, where teenagers are more prone to problematic use, especially among 13-year-old girls.

But before we start deleting our apps, the study also highlights that social media isn’t all bad.

For most teens, using social media helps them stay connected with friends and feel supported, especially during isolating times like the pandemic. Movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #FridaysForFuture are prime examples of how social media can create positive change on a global scale.

However, for the 11% struggling with problematic use, the situation can be different, with issues like anxiety, depression, and even withdrawal symptoms when they can’t check their phones. Boys, on the other hand, seem to be more prone to problematic gaming, with some spending over four hours a day on games like Fortnite and Minecraft.

So, is social media really that bad? The answer isn’t black and white. For the majority, it’s a useful tool for connection, but like anything, it needs to be used in moderation. The key is balance—managing screen time and not letting it interfere with mental health, studies, or relationships.

To dive deeper into this topic, watch the full video HERE.

Don’t forget to check out our website for more insights on how tech and society are evolving and all the latest Computer Science teaching resources.

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Is the games industry in trouble?

8 October 2024

On the surface, the gaming industry appears to be thriving, with record-breaking profits and an ever-expanding player base. In 2023 alone, the industry pulled in a staggering $227 billion, a figure set to rise to $312 billion by 2027. But beneath this shiny exterior, cracks are starting to show. Why, despite these enormous profits, are we seeing widespread layoffs and studio closures, like Microsoft cutting 650 jobs after their $69 billion acquisition of Activision-Blizzard?

The boom-bust cycle of game development

One of the key reasons behind these layoffs lies in the industry’s notorious boom-bust cycle. Gaming companies often hire huge teams to complete major projects, but once the game is launched, developers are shown the door. Take the closures of Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks—both produced critically acclaimed titles, but once the work was done, so were the jobs.

Corporate consolidation and layoffs

Another issue is the corporate consolidation sweeping the industry. Giants like Microsoft and Sony are snapping up smaller studios, only to announce job cuts shortly after. These layoffs are not random—they’re often a strategic move to impress shareholders, where ‘cutting costs’ is prioritised over the welfare of employees. It’s a trend that disproportionately affects younger and marginalised workers, who are often the first to go.

The rise of unions

However, hope is not lost. Game developers are starting to unionise, aiming to protect workers from these harsh realities. While unions can’t stop layoffs entirely, they can negotiate better severance packages, longer notice periods, and even job-sharing schemes to soften the blow.

An overcrowded job market

To make matters worse, universities are churning out new graduates eager to join the gaming world, but the industry simply doesn’t have enough jobs to go around. This leaves many talented individuals entering a workforce plagued by layoffs and limited opportunities.

What’s next?

So, where do we go from here? There’s growing pressure for gaming companies to create sustainable jobs, not just temporary contracts tied to individual projects. Players can also help by demanding better working conditions for developers. After all, shouldn’t the people behind our favourite games be treated as more than just disposable assets?

Want to dive deeper? Watch the full video below for an in-depth look at the gaming industry’s complex dynamics.

For more Lesson Hacker Videos check out the CraignDave YouTube playlist HERE.

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Can AI create recipes? How artificial intelligence is shaping the culinary world

26 September 2024

The rise of AI in the kitchen: Can robots create recipes that taste good?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if artificial intelligence designed your pizza? From AI-generated recipes in top restaurants to major retailers using AI to predict food trends, technology is changing the culinary world. But the question remains: can AI really cook up something delicious, or is this a recipe for disaster?

The role of AI in culinary innovation

Artificial intelligence, particularly tools like ChatGPT, is making waves in the food industry. Restaurants are now using AI to analyse thousands of recipes and suggest creative flavour combinations that might not occur to human chefs. One standout example is Dodo Pizza in Dubai, where head chef Spartac challenged AI to create a pizza representing Dubai’s cultural diversity. The result? A surprising combination of shawarma chicken, grilled paneer, za’atar, and tahini sauce—an instant hit! This AI-designed pizza is still on the menu today and has become a customer favourite.

AI wins and fails in recipe creation

But AI doesn’t always nail it. While Dodo Pizza found success with their multicultural creation, they also experienced some AI-generated disasters, like a pizza with strawberries and pasta, or even worse, one with blueberries and breakfast cereal. Similarly, in the US, Velvet Taco in Dallas asked AI to help design a taco of the week. Among AI’s quirky suggestions, one recipe—prawn and steak tacos—was a massive success, selling 22,000 in just one week! Venicia Willis, Velvet Taco’s Culinary Director, is clear that while AI can boost creativity in recipe creation, it cannot replace the human element. Food, after all, requires human intuition to ensure ingredients come together harmoniously.

AI’s impact beyond the kitchen: Predicting food trends

AI’s influence goes beyond just recipes. Retailers like Waitrose are using AI to spot rising food trends, such as the recent surge in popularity of Smash Burgers. By analysing social media patterns, Waitrose was able to introduce their own version of the trendy burger, staying ahead of the competition. This demonstrates AI’s ability to not only create but also capitalise on emerging culinary trends.

The human touch is still essential

While artificial intelligence is making a mark on the food industry, it’s clear that AI-generated recipes still need human oversight. Chefs like Julian De Feral, a cocktail creator in London, are sceptical, arguing that AI lacks the common sense and intuition required for culinary creativity. After all, AI simply pulls from data, often relying on existing recipes or food blogs, which raises ethical questions about originality.

In conclusion, AI’s role in the culinary world is evolving, bringing a mix of innovation and bizarre combinations. While AI can inspire fresh ideas, the human touch is still crucial to ensure the final dish is both delicious and marketable.Curious to see AI in action in the kitchen? Watch our Lesson Hacker video HERE.

For more Lesson Hacker Videos check out the CraignDave YouTube playlist HERE.

Visit our website to explore more cutting-edge tech-transforming news in the computer science world!

Source – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cl7y71krnjvo

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