Brooklyn high schools have recently adopted an artificial intelligence teaching tool called Yourwai, developed by Learning Innovation Catalyst (LINC). However, concerns have been raised regarding the authenticity and transparency of the company. The tool generated testimonials from supposed NYC teachers, but investigations revealed that the names used were fake and the company could not provide proof that real educators had given them. This discovery has raised questions about the credibility of the tool and the company itself.
Learning Innovation Catalyst, also known as LINC, has received $4.3 million in city funds since 2018 for “professional development and curriculum,” with $2.3 million being allocated for this school year alone. The Yourwai AI tool, which generates lesson plans for teachers, is currently being tested in Brooklyn schools. However, the use of fake testimonials and the lack of transparency in this practice have cast doubt on the company’s integrity.
Concerns Over Authenticity
The use of fake names in testimonials raises concerns about the authenticity and reliability of the Yourwai tool. Names like “Emily Johnson,” “Tyler Anderson,” “Cameron Williamson,” “Ralph Edwards,” “Kevin Anderson,” “Christopher Miller,” “Michael Davis,” and “Jessica Rodriguez” were attached to the testimonials, but none of them appeared in city records. The company claimed that these testimonials were from actual teachers and administrators but could not provide any evidence to support this claim.
Additionally, one of the testimonials referenced a Puerto Rican private school, which seemed odd and out of place. It further added to the suspicion surrounding the authenticity of the testimonials provided by Yourwai.
Lack of Transparency
Yourwai’s immediate removal of the fake names and references to NYC from the quotes after being questioned by The Post highlights a lack of transparency on the company’s part. When asked about obtaining permission from the Department of Education (DOE) to quote school employees, Yourwai did not respond. The city Conflicts of Interest Board prohibits city employees from allowing vendors to use their NYC titles in promotional material without written permission. The lack of clarity on whether proper permissions were obtained adds to the concerns surrounding the company’s practices.
AI as a Support Tool
While the Yourwai AI teaching tool claims to help teachers by providing support and enhancement, critics have warned against relying too heavily on AI as a “crutch” due to its tendency to display biases and falsehoods. AI programs have faced criticism for producing inaccurate content and images. It is crucial to strike a balance between utilizing AI as a helpful tool and recognizing the expertise of human educators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Yourwai?
Yourwai is an artificial intelligence teaching tool developed by Learning Innovation Catalyst (LINC). It generates lesson plans for teachers and is currently being tested in Brooklyn schools.
Why are there concerns about Yourwai?
Concerns have been raised about the authenticity and transparency of Yourwai after it was discovered that the testimonials provided on the company’s website were from fake names and could not be verified as real educators.
Has the Department of Education granted permission to quote school employees?
Yourwai did not respond to the question about obtaining permission from the Department of Education (DOE) to quote school employees. The city Conflicts of Interest Board prohibits city employees from allowing vendors to use their NYC titles in promotional material without written permission.
What are the criticisms of relying too heavily on AI?
Critics warn against relying too heavily on AI as a “crutch.” AI programs can display biases and produce inaccurate content or images. It is important to strike a balance between utilizing AI as a support tool and recognizing the expertise of human educators.
Sources: nypost.com
Brooklyn high schools have recently adopted an artificial intelligence teaching tool called Yourwai, developed by Learning Innovation Catalyst (LINC). However, concerns have been raised regarding the authenticity and transparency of the company. The tool generated testimonials from supposed NYC teachers, but investigations revealed that the names used were fake and the company could not provide proof that real educators had given them. This discovery has raised questions about the credibility of the tool and the company itself.
Learning Innovation Catalyst, also known as LINC, has received $4.3 million in city funds since 2018 for “professional development and curriculum,” with $2.3 million being allocated for this school year alone. The Yourwai AI tool, which generates lesson plans for teachers, is currently being tested in Brooklyn schools. However, the use of fake testimonials and the lack of transparency in this practice have cast doubt on the company’s integrity.
Concerns Over Authenticity
The use of fake names in testimonials raises concerns about the authenticity and reliability of the Yourwai tool. Names like “Emily Johnson,” “Tyler Anderson,” “Cameron Williamson,” “Ralph Edwards,” “Kevin Anderson,” “Christopher Miller,” “Michael Davis,” and “Jessica Rodriguez” were attached to the testimonials, but none of them appeared in city records. The company claimed that these testimonials were from actual teachers and administrators but could not provide any evidence to support this claim.
Additionally, one of the testimonials referenced a Puerto Rican private school, which seemed odd and out of place. It further added to the suspicion surrounding the authenticity of the testimonials provided by Yourwai.
Lack of Transparency
Yourwai’s immediate removal of the fake names and references to NYC from the quotes after being questioned by The Post highlights a lack of transparency on the company’s part. When asked about obtaining permission from the Department of Education (DOE) to quote school employees, Yourwai did not respond. The city Conflicts of Interest Board prohibits city employees from allowing vendors to use their NYC titles in promotional material without written permission. The lack of clarity on whether proper permissions were obtained adds to the concerns surrounding the company’s practices.
AI as a Support Tool
While the Yourwai AI teaching tool claims to help teachers by providing support and enhancement, critics have warned against relying too heavily on AI as a “crutch” due to its tendency to display biases and falsehoods. AI programs have faced criticism for producing inaccurate content and images. It is crucial to strike a balance between utilizing AI as a helpful tool and recognizing the expertise of human educators.
What is Yourwai?
Yourwai is an artificial intelligence teaching tool developed by Learning Innovation Catalyst (LINC). It generates lesson plans for teachers and is currently being tested in Brooklyn schools.
Why are there concerns about Yourwai?
Concerns have been raised about the authenticity and transparency of Yourwai after it was discovered that the testimonials provided on the company’s website were from fake names and could not be verified as real educators.
Has the Department of Education granted permission to quote school employees?
Yourwai did not respond to the question about obtaining permission from the Department of Education (DOE) to quote school employees. The city Conflicts of Interest Board prohibits city employees from allowing vendors to use their NYC titles in promotional material without written permission.
What are the criticisms of relying too heavily on AI?
Critics warn against relying too heavily on AI as a “crutch.” AI programs can display biases and produce inaccurate content or images. It is important to strike a balance between utilizing AI as a support tool and recognizing the expertise of human educators.
Sources: nypost.com
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