As students get their exams results, we ask if tech can level the education playing-field?
Aug 24, 2023
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Abbas Moledina, Co-founder of YouMakr, discusses how they pivoted from writing platform to education. They also talk about the teaching crisis in the USA and ensuring equal access to educational technology.
You Maker, a generative AI business, has pivoted and doubled-down on education, offering original text, exam question predictions, and AI tutoring to help level the playing field for education.
The United States' teacher shortage has led to a rise in virtual teaching platforms, allowing parents to bring teachers into their homes, providing access to a wider range of subjects and resources for students in need.
Deep dives
Leveling the Playing Field for Education with Generative AI
You Maker, a generative AI business, is focused on leveling the playing field for education. They provide original text for students using AI algorithms tailored to academic needs. While facing competition from larger AI platforms like OpenAI's ChatGPT, You Maker continues to iterate and improve their product. They have expanded their services to predict exam questions and offer AI tutoring for students. The feedback from users, including teachers and schools, has been positive, as You Maker's tools help facilitate the academic journey without replacing traditional teaching methods.
The Rise of Virtual Teaching in Addressing Teacher Shortage
The United States is experiencing a teacher shortage, leading to the rise of virtual teaching platforms. With over 40% of the nation's schools reporting teacher vacancies, virtual teaching has become a behind-the-scenes boom industry. Parents can now bring teachers into their homes, allowing access to a wider range of subjects and resources. While there are concerns about the effectiveness of remote learning and the lack of in-person interaction, virtual teaching offers a solution to students in need, especially in subjects with limited teacher availability.
The Challenges and Opportunities of Funding in a Competitive Market
You Maker recently closed a pre-seed funding round, experiencing the challenges of fundraising in a competitive market. Despite the drying up of funds and increasing costs of capital, You Maker persevered and successfully secured funding. They plan to expand their team and further develop their algorithms to enhance the user experience. With a focus on leveling the playing field in education, You Maker aims to uplift millions of students, especially those who face academic challenges and lack access to private tutoring.
YouMakr cofounder Abbas Moledina revisits 'Tech Talks' having featured on the show almost 2 years ago. Back then they were excited to talk about their new platform which could write original text with a few prompts.
YouMakr then found it's USP swamped by ChatGPT.
So what do you do when a competitor comes along and threatens to become synonymous with the tech? They pivoted and doubled-down on education.
Also on the show we chat about the teaching crisis in the USA leading to technology creeping into the classroom: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2023/aug/17/us-schools-remote-teaching-educator-shortage
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