Unsupervised Learning Ep 40: CEO of Speak.com Connor Zwick on How AI Will Change the Way we Learn
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Aug 13, 2024 Connor Zwick, the CEO and co-founder of Speak, leads a fascinating discussion on revolutionizing language education with AI. He traces his entrepreneurial path from a flashcard app to an advanced AI tutoring platform, which now boasts over 10 million users in more than 40 countries. They dive into the importance of conversational skills over grammar, the balance of structure and personalization in learning, and the future potential of AI in education. Connor also compares Speak with established platforms like Duolingo, highlighting the vital role of human connection in language acquisition.
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Early Entrepreneurial Journey
- Connor Zwick sold a flashcard app in high school, which sparked his entrepreneurial journey.
- He envisioned an omniscient tutor using aggregated knowledge, foreshadowing his current work with Speak.
AI's Allure
- Connor Zwick's interest in AI began in 2015 after crashing a Berkeley AI course.
- Early AI project ideas included computer vision applications and weather prediction, but speech recognition ultimately prevailed due to its potential for personalized learning.
Speak's Long-Term Vision
- Speak's long-term vision focuses on AI eventually replacing human language teachers.
- Their product decisions prioritize long-term goals, viewing technological advancements as stepping stones toward this vision.