Burr Settles

Burr Settles, who leads machine learning research at Duolingo, discusses his fascinating journey from studying art and math to focusing on language education through AI. He dives into how active learning methodologies can enhance language acquisition, overcoming motivation barriers with personalized educational experiences. Burr shares innovative strategies in translation, the integration of generative AI like GPT-3, and the evolution of success metrics from academia to meaningful real-world applications in tech.

Burr Settles, Research Director at Duolingo, shares insights from his journey in language learning and machine learning. He discusses how Duolingo uses AI to replicate the benefits of one-on-one tutoring at scale. The conversation delves into the evolution of their business model, the challenges of expanding language courses, and the intricacies of developing AI-driven assessments. Additionally, Burr highlights the importance of engagement strategies and the role of community in enhancing user experiences on the platform.