On semi-regular basis a group of friends get together for what we call “Startup Idea Drinx” where everyone presents a startup idea and we collectively choose which one is the most interesting one. Then, everybody takes turns to evolve the agreed-upon idea with the help of an improv principle “Yes, and…”.

We do this, not to find an idea that could work on IRL, but instead, practice ideation, brainstorming and positive feedback. Often times, I see our days are filled with the opposite. One of our group members is working on some cool machine learning methods that would detect comprehension levels when learning about certain topics. So, he brought the idea up at the table, and we all agreed it being quirky enough, and kicked off our improv-inspired elaboration.

We first explored the problem plaguing the current education system, which is that every child is forced to learn the same subject at the same speed. We know that everybody is not the same — that kids are unique and learn at their own pace. When kids don’t understand something, they fake it, which hinders them from understanding the more complex topics. When they do this, it’s difficult to know what their actual comprehension is of the material.

If we were to develop an AI that could detect the lack of comprehension of a certain topic, then it may be possible to introduce a customized exercise to the student that will get them back on track or to another track altogether.

Let’s go a step further! Perhaps the Vulcans in the Star Trek (2009) universe were onto something in their Vulcan Learning Center. It looks like each pupil had their individual “skill dome” that provided a customized learning path. What better, focused, and individual attention could be used than AI’s help? AI driven Montessori, anyone? International AIEd Society is certainly on the right track.