Can You Spot the AI? The Rising Challenge of AI-Generated Faces
14 January 2025
We’re diving into the uncanny world of artificial intelligence, specifically AI-generated faces. These days, it’s getting harder and harder to tell what’s real and what’s not. So, let’s explore why AI faces are so convincing, the potential risks, and what we can do about it.
The Growing Power of AI in Creating Human Faces
Imagine scrolling through your social media feed. You see familiar faces, but wait—are they all real? Thanks to advances in AI, computers are now generating hyper-realistic human faces that can fool even the sharpest eyes. A recent study from Aberdeen University showed that most of us can’t reliably distinguish between real human faces and AI-generated ones, with a 65% misidentification rate.
That’s right, most people are flipping a coin when guessing whether a face is AI-made or naturally human.
Why Are AI Faces So Hard to Spot?
It turns out that AI’s secret weapon is hyperrealism. These generated faces have perfectly balanced features and a lifelike sparkle in their eyes. For most people, this makes AI faces incredibly hard to detect. The study found that even those confident in their answers were often wrong, revealing a classic “confidence paradox” – the more convinced we are, the more likely we’re mistaken.
Surprisingly, humans are at their peak face-recognition abilities at around 31 years old, so if you’re not there yet, or you’ve passed it, spotting AI faces might feel like a superpower slipping away.
The Dark Side: Bias, Fraud, and AI
While AI-generated faces can be fun (think video games and virtual avatars), there’s a troubling side to this tech. The data used to train AI is often biased, leading to AI-generated images that skew towards white faces. This ‘whitewashing’ problem creates racial disparities, and worse yet, the potential for misuse is huge. Think identity theft, fraud, or even law enforcement misuse through facial recognition software.
What’s Next? How Do We Stay Safe?
So, what can we do? Aberdeen University is already educating schools about the risks of AI-generated images and online fraud. But there’s more to be done. We need transparency, tools to spot fake faces, and public awareness to ensure that AI technology doesn’t outpace our ability to control it.
AI is rapidly shaping our world, and we need to stay informed. As technology advances, it’s important to remain curious, sceptical and educated. Want to know more? Watch the full video below for a deeper dive, and check out our website for more content on tech, AI, and the future.
The internet is a vast expanse of information, entertainment, and, unfortunately, potential dangers, especially for children. With growing concerns about online safety, Ofcom has announced a major reset aimed at child safety. But can we really scrub the internet clean?
Let’s delve into the details.
Ofcom’s Major Reset
Ofcom’s recent consultation proposes robust age checks, safer algorithms for personalised content, and more effective moderation of content accessible to children. This ambitious plan targets over 150,000 services, making it a colossal undertaking. The goal is to protect young users from harmful content, but the implementation is far from straightforward.
Tech Companies’ Current Efforts
Big tech companies are already taking steps to address these issues. Meta is implementing new safety measures on Facebook and Instagram to combat grooming, while Twitch is trying to shield young users from mature content. However, these measures often feel like playing whack-a-mole with a foam bat—inefficient and somewhat comical in the face of such a serious issue.
The Age Assurance Debate
A significant part of Ofcom’s plan involves age assurance, which has sparked a heated debate. Proposed methods like AI-powered facial scans to verify age raise privacy concerns. There’s also the risk of pushing children towards more dangerous online spaces if these methods prove too invasive or ineffective. Moreover, some parents and siblings inadvertently aid underage social media use, complicating enforcement.
Encryption and Privacy Challenges
End-to-end encryption, offered by services like Signal and WhatsApp, provides privacy but makes it difficult to detect abuse. This creates a tug-of-war between protecting children and guarding digital privacy. Ofcom is prepared to impose hefty fines on companies that fail to comply, underscoring the high stakes involved.
Our Conclusion
The challenge of cleaning up the internet is complex and vital. Striking the right balance between safeguarding young users and preserving digital liberties is crucial. Ofcom’s major reset aims to protect children but faces the massive task of overseeing a vast number of online services. While tech companies are implementing new safety measures, concerns about their effectiveness and the potential push towards riskier online spaces remain. Age verification methods raise privacy issues, and encryption complicates oversight.
So, can we really scrub the internet clean, or is it a pixelated pipe dream? One thing is certain: navigating the information superhighway safely will require ongoing efforts, evolving legislation, and continuous adaptation by tech companies. Stay tuned, stay informed, and most importantly, stay safe online.
WordPress at war: The battle over open-source code
31 December 2024
In the tech world, even the most popular platforms can find themselves in unexpected conflicts. Today, we’re diving into the drama between WordPress and WP Engine, exploring how a disagreement over open-source principles has turned into a legal standoff.
The surprising power of WordPress
WordPress powers an impressive 40% of the internet. From personal blogs to corporate websites, it’s the go-to platform for millions. Part of its appeal lies in being open source, meaning the code is free for anyone to use and modify. Think of it as a collaborative coding project where everyone is invited to contribute. However, this spirit of community sharing is now being tested.
The split personality of WordPress
WordPress isn’t just one entity; it has a dual nature. On one side, there’s WordPress.org, a non-profit that offers free access to its code. On the other, we have Automattic, a for-profit company that offers paid services based on WordPress’s open-source platform. This creates an interesting dynamic where WordPress has to balance community ideals with business interests.
WP Engine vs. Matt Mullenweg: The feud begins
WP Engine is a major hosting provider for WordPress sites, helping users get their blogs, e-commerce stores, and other websites online. However, Matt Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress, recently criticised WP Engine, accusing them of taking advantage of the open-source code without giving back enough to the community. He went as far as to call WP Engine “a cancer” on WordPress.
WP Engine was quick to respond, insisting they contribute significantly by maintaining sites, optimising performance, and providing customer support. They claim they’re already giving back to the WordPress ecosystem in many ways.
Escalating tensions: Blocking and lawsuits
To retaliate, Mullenweg took a bold step: he blocked WP Engine from using certain WordPress features. This decision caused major disruption, leaving many businesses uncertain if their sites would continue to function properly. For companies like Tricia Fox’s in Scotland, this disruption has meant unexpected costs and hours of extra work to keep things running smoothly.
Now, the conflict has moved to the courtroom. WordPress wants WP Engine to pay for using its trademark, arguing that they profit from the WordPress brand. WP Engine, in turn, has filed a lawsuit accusing WordPress of extortion and libel.
What does this mean for the open-source community?
The heart of the issue is open source itself. WordPress aims to “democratise publishing,” but its actions against WP Engine raise concerns about whether it’s staying true to that mission. The irony of two tech giants clashing over a platform designed to be free and open is not lost on the community. It’s a reminder that as open-source projects grow, they often face challenges balancing ideals with commercial realities.
Want more tech drama?
This isn’t just a story about two companies; it’s about the evolution of one of the internet’s most influential platforms.
Smarter Lessons With Smart Revise Quiz’s: How To Crack The Code
10 December 2024
Why you should start every computer science lesson in years 10 to 13 with Smart Revise Quiz.
Imagine this scenario. You’ve just taught the topic of computer architecture including the purpose of the registers. In class students engaged in answering questions, completed activities and it was a good lesson.
At the start of their next lesson as a recap activity you ask a student in the class, “what was the purpose of the program counter?” The blank face looks back at you. “How can you not know?” you think to yourself, “we only covered this last week.”
Be honest, this happens in your classroom, doesn’t it? The reality is that since your last lesson those students have been bombarded with new information from English, Maths and Science, their short-term memory can only handle so much.
Does it really matter you might ask. After all, when you get to the end of the course you engage in revision and bring all that knowledge back to the fore; but what if there was a better way to learn? What if students could be more confident, more engaged and perform better in tests, mock exams and real exams if they retained more of what you’d taught them over a longer period of time? What if revision at the end of a course benefits the most privileged learners, but does not help the less privileged in the same way? This classic approach to teaching is actually contributing to the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students.
The better, more successful way
This better way is, “The Revision Revolution” where revision is seen as integral to the learning process. It’s a feature of every lesson. From the very first topic to the very last.
At its heart revision is about repetition, and the best revision starts early, not at the end of the course. Imagine preparing to run a marathon. Do runners prepare by starting to run 26 miles a few weeks before the event? Of course not. They build up greater distances and stamina over months, if not years of preparation. Running almost every day. Why then should preparing for examinations be any different?
Why not give all students, not just the privileged a better chance of success with an opportunity to recall what they have been learning over and over again in every lesson? Better than that, why not include in that repetition the respected learning theories: spacing, interleaving and personalisation.
It’s pretty obvious. If we don’t regularly recall something we forget it. This is known as the forgetting curve. However, the more we practice, the more we repeat, the more we remember and the more confident we feel.
You might be thinking, “where do I find the time to go back over what I’ve already taught?” The solution is surprising simple. The start of lessons and homework.
Regular recall practice through multiple choice quizzing is in vogue right now and is a key feature in the classrooms of the most successful schools.
The research is clear, regular repetition aids memory retention.
Murre, J., Dros, J. (2015) Replication and Analysis of Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve.
The smarter way
This is where Smart Revise adds significant value. So named because it is a smarter way to revise. Start every lesson with 7 minutes of recall practice with Quiz. It’s low-stakes so it’s easy to get student buy-in. If you have Craig’n’Dave starter activities for GCSE these are good for engagement on entry, but they are for schools who don’t have Smart Revise. Retrieval practice has more impact because it’s based on academic research.
Smart Revise will automatically space questions so that there is an appropriate gap between students seeing the same question again (repetition). It will interleave questions, that is selecting questions from different topics causing the brain to context switch which has a bigger impact on retention. With built-in personalisation questions answered incorrectly are shown again more frequently until the knowledge sticks.
Classic starter activities are one-size-fits-all. Smart Revise provides a differentiated activity for every learner
How to set this up for students
Every time you have finished teaching a topic unlock it for students using the class settings, topic filters. Do not lock the previously taught topics or select a topic you are currently teaching. The number of unlocked topics should increase from one to them all as you progress through the course.
Get students into the habit of entering the classroom, logging on and starting Smart Revise Quiz for themselves at the start of every year 10, 11, 12 and 13 lesson. There is no preparation for the teacher to do.
Spend about 7 minutes on Smart Revise. This is an optimal time. The Quiz will never end, it will just loop questions in a priority queue so that the teacher can stop the activity when they are ready for the main lesson.
Ideally students would also use Smart Revise Quiz for homework too. Aim for 35 questions a week at GCSE (including those done in lessons) and 60 for A level. The flight path on the student’s dashboard will show them if they are on track. Teachers can monitor this with the analytics usage report and see strengths and weaknesses in the question analysis and class matrix reports too.
Students will tell you what the purpose of the program counter is with confidence because Smart Revise will have asked them often enough!
If you’re looking for a smarter way to revise or teach, why not try Smart Revise for FREE?
Today, we’re tackling a common conundrum: chargers. Why so many different ones? And is the UK finally moving towards a universal solution, or will things stay tangled? Let’s dive into the ongoing debate over USB-C.
Why USB-C?
USB-C wasn’t always the go-to. We’ve seen everything from mini-USBs to proprietary cables like Apple’s Lightning. But USB-C arrived with a vision: one cable to charge everything. This port is versatile, offering faster charging, quicker data transfers, and a reversible design—no more fiddling in the dark to get it right! But, not all USB-C ports offer the same capabilities. For instance, a MacBook’s USB-C might support Thunderbolt technology, allowing super-fast data speeds and even external graphics card support. Your budget smartphone’s USB-C? It may only offer basic functionality. So, while the USB-C port might be universal, what it can do varies widely.
Is the UK on board?
With the EU already mandating USB-C, the UK is considering doing the same. If adopted, the standard could mean fewer chargers and less clutter. But in reality, companies are already making the switch due to global trends. Apple, for example, has dropped its proprietary Lightning cable for USB-C with the iPhone 15. So, UK regulations may not be a game-changer here.
The environmental impact
One key argument for a USB-C standard is cutting down e-waste. It’s estimated that there are 600 million unused cables lying around in the UK! A universal standard could reduce this number by lessening the need for multiple chargers. However, as people toss older cables, we might see an initial spike in e-waste.
The innovation dilemma
Standardisation could also slow innovation. Imagine if we’d settled on a single charger a decade ago—would USB-C even exist? There’s a risk that locking into one standard could stifle manufacturers from developing new technologies.
So, will USB-C rule them all?
It seems likely that USB-C will be the global standard for now, whether the UK enforces it or not. While it simplifies things, USB-C doesn’t solve every issue—charging speeds and capabilities still vary. So, don’t throw out those old chargers just yet. They might still come in handy!
Ready to learn more? For a deeper dive into the UK’s tech scene and more tech insights, watch The Lesson Hackers video on this topic HERE.
Be sure to visit our website for more insights into the world of technology and for the best teaching resources for computer science and business studies. Stay informed, stay curious!
This month brings another huge update to Smart Revise. We have redesigned the active tasks interface to make it more obvious what the status of a task is. The date of the Craig’n’Dave conference for 2025 has been confirmed, new terminology guides are coming, the Christmas coding challenges are back and is it the end of the Lesson Hacker videos?
Come and see us
You can meet us at:
The BIG Computing Leadership Conference: 12th December at Oxford Brookes University. The conference is now fully booked, but for those of you who want to learn how and why we changed the way we taught A level Computer Science, we can’t wait to see you at our session.
CAS A Level online webinar: 15th January online. We will be giving a talk about supporting students with 8-, 9- and 12-mark essay-style questions for OCR A Level. Book your ticket HERE.
2024-2025 VEX V5 Robotics Competition Cotswold Regional: 25th January at Chipping Campden School. We will be one of the judges. If you’re not part of the event this year, why not consider this extra-curricular opportunity for your students next year? See all the details for the event HERE.
The Craig’n’Dave and Friends conference is back for 2025 at Bromsgrove School! The event next year will be bigger and better, and to capture this we have rebranded it as “The Festival of Computing”. The main event will be on Wednesday 2nd July 2025 with an opportunity of an evening meal and overnight accommodation for delegates and speakers on the Tuesday night. We are indebted to the inimitable Johnny Palmer and Frances Round for working with us to make it happen.
More details will follow shortly.
Smart Revise
Task management update
Have you seen the new interface for managing Tasks yet? We have significantly increased the data visibility and added a status to make it much easier to see the task workflow.
The full release notes for this update detailing everything that is new can be found here: News – Smart Revise
What’s next – have your say
The next major feature will be “Goals”, where Smart Revise uses the data about the progress a student is making to suggest how they should use the platform to achieve their flight path target cone and aspirational target. In addition to what’s on our road map there are other features that we develop in tandem based on your feedback too.
Currently we are finishing work on an option to automatically release marks immediately after AI has marked questions in a task.
Beyond that, here are the top 4 requested features at the moment:
FEATURE 1: Delete and add question option in addition to view and change when questions are chosen for a task.
FEATURE 2: Priority levers to influence the automatic question selection for a task. E.g. prioritise AI markable questions, or questions that have not been set before etc.
FEATURE 3: Tasks that only contain Quiz or self-assessed questions to have an option to present the marking for the question before the next question is shown. Known as the Q-A-Q-A approach in addition to the current Q-Q-A-A approach.
FEATURE 4: Question selector for Advance similar to the deck builder for Tasks.
If you have a preference which you would like us to work on next, please email us: admin@craigndave.co.uk.
Your vote will decide our priorities.
Classroom resources
New terminology guides coming soon
Our terminology guides for AQA, Edexcel and OCR courses that are included with a Craig’n’Dave membership were created some time ago and were based on definitions from the British Computer Society. When we introduced Terms mode in Smart Revise, we refined the definitions included in the platform to make them shorter and better match the requirements of the specifications and mark schemes. This means there is a difference between the older terminology documents and Smart Revise Terms. Nothing is inaccurate, it’s just different, and that’s not helpful!
To resolve this, we have created a new set of reports in the back-end of Smart Revise. This means we can more easily publish one set of key terminology documents that are the same in both the classroom resources and Smart Revise Terms.
We are currently redesigning our website, and when this work is complete, Craig’n’Dave members will be able to download the new terminology documents.
Time2Code
Christmas coding challenges
Our friends Anna & Harry at Mission Encodeable have once again made their Python Christmas coding challenges available for students and teachers. There are nine levels that exactly match the nine levels in Time2Code. This means that students can undertake some more festive themed challenges within the levels they are currently working on while still making progress.
The link to the activities is on the homepage of the Time2Code website.
Episode 52 will be the last video in the current Lesson Hacker series. Each week for a whole year, David Morgan aka “The Lesson Hacker” has produced a 5-minute video on our YouTube channel covering a topical issue in Computing. These also included questions in the video description that you could use for class discussions.
However, all good things must come to an end, but fear not, David is still going to be producing content for us, just with a different style and emphasis.
Next month will see the introduction of our new “shorts”. These new videos will be reduced to just one minute and focus on a core nugget of knowledge with a single question such as:
How do websites remember you?
Would increasing the size of the registers make your processor faster?
What makes a good program?
Why can your computer beat you at chess?
What Makes a supercomputer super?
Craig and OG Dave will also be producing some of these new videos too.
AQA A Level Remastered
SLRs 1 through 5 of our newly remastered AQA A level videos are now available on YouTube.
These videos have a better presentation style, better illustrations, better notes for students and much better audio! We advise you to bookmark the static links, so that your students always have access to the latest video instead of using YouTube directly: AQA A Level (7516-7517) Videos – Craig ‘n’ Dave knowledge video index
Craig’n’Dave members can also download all 187 PowerPoints we used to create the videos, even those that haven’t been published on YouTube yet.
Newsletter in video format
Every month, we also record an extended video version of this newsletter and upload it to YouTube – ideal listening for your commute: Craig ‘n’ Dave Unscripted – all episodes
Time 2 Code: A revolution in coding education for schools
26 November 2024
In an increasingly digital world, coding is fast becoming a must-have skill. But how do we make learning to code accessible for all students, no matter their level of ability? Time 2 Code, an innovative program created by Craig’n’Dave, offers a game-changing approach that empowers students to learn coding at their own pace, making the process not only effective but enjoyable.
What is Time 2 Code?
Time 2 Code is designed to meet the needs of students at different skill levels. Whether a student is completely new to programming or has some experience, this programme ensures that learning is both structured and flexible. It builds upon the UK National Curriculum, with a clear focus on progression through Key Stage 3 and 4 coding concepts like loops, arrays, and functions.
One of the standout features is its interdependent learning model. Instead of teachers standing at the front of the class and walking everyone through the same lesson, students can work through video tutorials, practical coding exercises, and assessments independently. This way, faster learners aren’t held back, while those needing extra help can get the individual support they need.
A flexible, student-centred approach
Time 2 Code follows a carefully designed structure, with students moving through different levels, from basic concepts like sequences and iterations to more advanced techniques involving arrays, strings, and file handling. By focusing on independent learning, it allows students to master topics at their own pace, ensuring no gaps in their understanding as they progress.
What sets Time 2 Code apart is its practical and engaging content. The programme combines video demonstrations with coding exercises that allow students to explore programming in a way that is both interactive and challenging. As students move forward, they are assessed on their ability to apply the skills they’ve learned, ensuring deep comprehension of the material.
Why Time 2 Code works
Research shows that students learn best when they are actively engaged in the material, and Time 2 Code’s approach ensures exactly that. It blends self-directed learning with structured assessments, making sure that students have the autonomy to learn but still receive the guidance they need at critical points.
The result? More confident, capable coders who are not only prepared for their GCSEs but for the future workplace as well. We love it over here at Craig’n’Dave, and we are sure you will too.
Get Time 2 Code – It’s FREE
Time 2 Code offers a rich, flexible way to teach coding that can benefit every student, regardless of their starting point. If you’re a teacher looking for a fresh, effective way to engage your students in coding, visit theCraig’n’Dave website to try out Time 2 Code for free today.
