The Intelligence: what AI could mean for the world’s poorest
Jan 25, 2024
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Join Robert, a Deputy Editor at The Economist with a focus on AI's role in developing nations, and Sophie Pedder, the Paris bureau chief who reported on Notre Dame's reconstruction. They discuss how AI can reshape education and healthcare in impoverished areas, enhancing access for millions. The complexities of job displacement and linguistic barriers are also examined. Additionally, they share insights on Notre Dame's restoration journey, emphasizing its cultural significance and the beauty of languages around the world.
AI can improve education in developing countries by providing individualized instruction and supporting teachers with lesson planning and student tracking.
AI can enhance healthcare outcomes in developing countries by providing prompt medical responses and bridging gaps in access to medical expertise.
Deep dives
AI's Potential to Improve Education in Developing Countries
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly improve education in developing countries. By leveraging chatbots, AI can provide individualized instruction to students, helping to compensate for the lack of qualified teachers in many regions. For example, in Kenya, an educational chatbot called M-Daktari is being developed to guide students through the learning process in subjects like math and language, providing step-by-step instructions and examples. AI can also assist teachers with lesson planning, tracking attendance, and identifying students who may need additional support.
The Role of AI in Enhancing Healthcare in Developing Countries
AI is also being harnessed to improve healthcare in developing countries. Technologies like handheld ultrasound devices that can interpret images are making significant strides in regions where access to qualified medical professionals is limited. In Kenya, the virtual healthcare platform M-Daktari uses AI-powered chatbots to provide prompt responses to users' medical inquiries, which are then verified by clinicians. While caution is necessary in implementing AI in the medical field, the potential to enhance healthcare outcomes and bridge gaps in access to medical expertise is significant.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Rollout of AI in Developing Countries
The implementation of AI in developing countries faces challenges such as connectivity issues and the need for proper regulation. While access to mobile phones and the internet has expanded rapidly, large portions of the population still lack connectivity. Additionally, privacy regulations need to be enforced. However, once these obstacles are addressed, AI has the potential to create positive change. The adaptability of AI models to local circumstances and the opportunity to improve human capital in areas such as education and healthcare suggest a promising future for AI in developing countries.
Generative artificial intelligence dominated conversations at Davos this year. How might education and healthcare be transformed as the technology reaches the developing world? The Notre Dame Cathedral is set to reopen this year. Come with us to visit the site in Paris (10:11). And, how lovely is your language (18:05)?
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