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Innovation and Technology

AI-Powered Accessible Classrooms

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AI-Powered Accessible Classrooms

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s AI-Powered Turn and Talk Summarization Feature

Introduction

A few weeks ago, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt introduced an AI-powered "Turn and Talk Summarization" feature. This new tool is designed to support whole class instruction, providing educators with a quick and insightful summary of student comprehension and offering feedback recommendations.

How it Works

The Turn and Talk Summarization feature analyzes open text responses from students working in small groups or individually and provides educators with a quick and insightful summary of how the class is doing, followed by helpful feedback recommendations. This feature is particularly useful for teachers who use the "turn and talk" methodology, where students discuss classroom material with one another.

Benefits for Teachers and Students

Shawn Young, Vice President of Product Management and Strategy for the Core Digital Classroom Experience at HMH, believes that artificial intelligence has the potential to be a "transformative asset" in classroom settings when used thoughtfully. He highlights the benefits of the Turn and Talk Summarization feature, including its ability to recognize and highlight diverse perspectives in real-time, supporting inclusivity and encouraging all students to participate, even those who may be more reserved.

For students, the tool helps them project their voices and insights to the teacher(s), raising their visibility in the classroom. This, in turn, fosters a classroom environment where every student feels valued and engaged.

The Development of HMH Classcraft and Turn and Talk Summarization

The development of HMH Classcraft and features like Turn and Talk Summarization was driven by a clear need to support teachers in delivering responsive, high-impact instruction. Young notes that technology can bridge gaps in classroom engagement by helping teachers quickly assess understanding, encourage participation, and capture diverse student voices.

Feedback and Future Plans

Feedback on the HMH Classcraft product has been "very positive," with the majority of teachers using it daily and appreciating its ability to reduce planning and prep time. Young believes that HMH Classcraft enables teachers to give students structured, research-backed classroom routines that foster deeper student engagement.

Conclusion

The Turn and Talk Summarization feature is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and engaging classroom environment. By providing educators with real-time insights and feedback, HMH’s technology has the potential to transform the way teachers interact with their students and adapt their instruction to meet their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the purpose of the Turn and Talk Summarization feature?
    The Turn and Talk Summarization feature is designed to support whole class instruction, providing educators with a quick and insightful summary of student comprehension and offering feedback recommendations.
  • How does the feature work?
    The feature analyzes open text responses from students working in small groups or individually and provides educators with a quick and insightful summary of how the class is doing, followed by helpful feedback recommendations.
  • What are the benefits of the Turn and Talk Summarization feature?
    The feature helps teachers recognize and highlight diverse perspectives in real-time, supporting inclusivity and encouraging all students to participate. It also helps students project their voices and insights to the teacher(s), raising their visibility in the classroom.
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Innovation and Technology

Fixing Chatbots Requires Psychology, Not Technology

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Fixing Chatbots Requires Psychology, Not Technology

Introduction to AI-Powered Chatbots

AI-powered chatbots are becoming the new standard for managing product inquiries, complaints, and refunds—interactions critical to customer satisfaction, brand perception, and sales. According to one recent survey, 85% of customer service leaders are already exploring a customer-facing AI solution. If your company doesn’t have one yet, it likely will soon.

The Role of AI in Customer Service

The integration of AI into customer service operations is transforming how companies interact with their customers. AI-powered chatbots can handle a wide range of tasks, from answering frequently asked questions and providing basic support to more complex issues like processing complaints and facilitating refunds. This not only improves the efficiency of customer service teams but also enhances the customer experience by providing immediate responses and solutions.

Benefits of Implementing AI-Powered Chatbots

The benefits of implementing AI-powered chatbots are multifaceted. They include:

  • Enhanced Customer Experience: AI-powered chatbots can provide 24/7 support, ensuring that customers receive assistance whenever they need it.
  • Increased Efficiency: By automating routine inquiries, human customer service representatives can focus on more complex and emotionally demanding issues, leading to higher job satisfaction and better outcomes for customers.
  • Cost Savings: Implementing AI-powered chatbots can significantly reduce the operational costs associated with customer service, as they can handle a large volume of inquiries without the need for additional staffing.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the advantages, there are challenges and considerations companies must address when implementing AI-powered chatbots. These include ensuring the chatbot’s understanding and response to customer inquiries are accurate and helpful, integrating the chatbot with existing customer service systems, and maintaining a balance between automated and human interaction to avoid frustrating customers with complex issues.

Overcoming the Challenges

To overcome these challenges, companies should invest in:

  • High-Quality Training Data: The performance of an AI-powered chatbot is only as good as the data it’s trained on. Ensuring that the training data is comprehensive, accurate, and reflects a wide range of customer inquiries and scenarios is crucial.
  • Continuous Monitoring and Improvement: Regularly reviewing the chatbot’s interactions and making necessary adjustments can help in improving its effectiveness and customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Hybrid Approach: Implementing a system that seamlessly transfers customers to human representatives when the chatbot cannot resolve an issue can help in preventing customer frustration and ensuring that all customer needs are met.

Conclusion

The adoption of AI-powered chatbots is a significant step forward in customer service, offering the potential for improved efficiency, enhanced customer experience, and cost savings. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more sophisticated applications of AI in managing customer interactions. Companies that embrace this technology and work to overcome its challenges are likely to see significant benefits in terms of customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and ultimately, their bottom line.

FAQs

  • Q: What is the primary benefit of using AI-powered chatbots in customer service?
    A: The primary benefit is the ability to provide immediate, 24/7 support to customers, enhancing their experience and improving the efficiency of customer service operations.
  • Q: How can companies ensure the effectiveness of AI-powered chatbots?
    A: Companies can ensure effectiveness by using high-quality training data, continuously monitoring and improving the chatbot’s performance, and implementing a hybrid approach that combines automated and human interaction.
  • Q: Will AI-powered chatbots replace human customer service representatives?
    A: While AI-powered chatbots can handle a significant volume of customer inquiries, they are not likely to completely replace human representatives, especially for complex and emotionally demanding issues that require empathy and personalized support.
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Innovation and Technology

5 Rules Innovative Minds Follow

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5 Rules Innovative Minds Follow

Introduction to High-Agency Thinking

In today’s fast-paced, ultra-competitive working world, innovation and high-agency thinking go hand-in-hand. The most influential change agents are not just tech savvy, they are high agency. High-agency individuals do not wait for perfect conditions or permission to act. They create momentum. They bend systems, break molds and often rebuild better ones.

Characteristics of High-Agency Individuals

Whether they are launching companies, leading teams or rethinking industries, high-agency minds innovate faster, smarter and with more impact. They operate by a set of unwritten rules, a cognitive framework that allows them to see opportunities where others see obstacles and to execute with remarkable efficiency. They do not just react to the future; they actively shape it.

The Role of Tools in High-Agency Thinking

Tools like AI are amplifying these traits. But even the best tools are inert in the hands of passive operators. Innovation thrives not just on information but on initiative. So, what sets high-agency innovators apart? And how can others catch up?

Five Rules of High-Agency Minds

Here are five rules all innovative, high-agency minds follow:

Rule No. 1: Redefine Constraints As Catalysts

Constraints kill average ideas. For high-agency minds, they spark creativity. Consider Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx. Without any fashion background, industry connections or investor backing, she turned $5,000 into a global brand. Her lack of traditional support systems did not deter her, it focused her. She obsessively prototyped, sold door-to-door and ultimately revolutionized an entire category.

Action Step: Encourage teams to reframe obstacles as design challenges. Use constraints to spark sprints, not stalls. Introduce “zero-budget innovation challenges” to test agility and creativity in your organization.

Rule No. 2: Build Leverage Through Learning

The best high-agency minds learn obsessively. They learn not just to consume, but to create. Look at Elon Musk. Whether you love or loathe his style, Musk’s approach is textbook high-agency. He dives deep. For example, learning rocket science from textbooks and engineers to launch SpaceX, or battery tech to scale Tesla. He builds leverage by converting knowledge into action.

Action Step: Train yourself and your teams to ask better questions. Build workflows where AI is not just reactive, but proactive: scanning, summarizing and synthesizing knowledge to inform next steps.

Rule No. 3: Build Trust In Diverse Networks And Embrace Collaboration

Innovation rarely happens in a vacuum. High-agency individuals understand the power of trust and diverse perspectives and actively build networks of individuals with different skills, backgrounds and viewpoints. Importantly, they also practice integrity and accountability in all dealings. They are excellent collaborators, knowing when to lead and when to listen. They understand that collective intelligence often surpasses individual brilliance.

Action Step: Take responsibility for mistakes and view failure as a learning opportunity. Participate in industry events and conferences to connect with diverse individuals and exchange ideas.

Rule No. 4: Design For Speed, Feedback And Adaptability

Rigidity is an innovation killer. High-agency innovators have a bias toward speed, with lots of feedback and expected pivots. Take Reid Hoffman and the early days of LinkedIn. He famously said, “If you’re not embarrassed by your first product, you launched too late.” High-agency thinkers release, measure, refine and then repeat. They do not wait for certainty because they know clarity comes from motion.

Action Step: Prioritize test-and-learn cycles. Reward velocity and iteration. Build feedback loops from day one, not just from customers but from cross-functional teams and even AI simulations.

Rule No. 5: Stack Tools To Multiply Impact

High-agency innovators are not just using tools, they are stacking them creatively. Take solo creator-entrepreneurs like Alex Hormozi or Lenny Rachitsky, who have built media empires and scalable businesses by leveraging AI, content platforms and automation to 10x their presence.

Action Step: Curate internal AI stacks tailored to roles. Host “workflow hackathons” where employees share toolchains. Reward tool literacy as much as traditional upskilling.

Looking Forward

In the next two to three years, expect a surge of high-agency builders launching not just products but AI-native companies that are lean, hyper-personalized and globally scalable from day one. With multimodal AI, autonomous agents and voice interfaces maturing rapidly, the line between idea and execution will blur.

Conclusion

The future does not belong to the most resourced. It belongs to the most resourceful. If you are an individual, then get curious, start building and master the toolchains that give you leverage. If you are a leader, then clear the path for initiative, reward autonomy and build cultures that value permissionless experimentation. High-agency is not a personality trait. It is a choice and a muscle. Those who choose and exercise it will lead the charge into tomorrow.

FAQs

  • What is high-agency thinking?
    High-agency thinking refers to the ability to innovate, create momentum, and execute with remarkable efficiency in a fast-paced and competitive environment.
  • How can I develop high-agency thinking?
    You can develop high-agency thinking by following the five rules outlined in the article: redefining constraints as catalysts, building leverage through learning, building trust in diverse networks and embracing collaboration, designing for speed and adaptability, and stacking tools to multiply impact.
  • What role do tools play in high-agency thinking?
    Tools like AI can amplify high-agency thinking by providing leverage and enabling individuals to execute their ideas more efficiently. However, tools are inert in the hands of passive operators, and innovation thrives on initiative.
  • What are the benefits of high-agency thinking?
    High-agency individuals and teams can build faster with fewer resources, navigate uncertainty with more clarity, and reshape industries from the bottom up.
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Innovation and Technology

The AI Advantage: How Machines are Giving Businesses a Competitive Edge

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The AI Advantage: How Machines are Giving Businesses a Competitive Edge

With AI and automation for impact, businesses are revolutionizing their operations and gaining a competitive edge in the market. By leveraging machine learning algorithms and natural language processing, companies can streamline processes, enhance customer experiences, and make data-driven decisions. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of AI adoption and how it’s transforming industries worldwide.

Understanding AI and Its Applications

Artificial intelligence refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. AI applications are diverse, ranging from virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to complex systems that analyze medical images and diagnose diseases. By harnessing the power of AI, businesses can automate routine tasks, predict market trends, and personalize customer interactions.

Types of AI

There are several types of AI, including narrow or weak AI, which is designed to perform a specific task, and general or strong AI, which can perform any intellectual task that a human can. Narrow AI is the most common type and is used in applications such as image recognition, speech recognition, and natural language processing. General AI, on the other hand, is still in its infancy and has the potential to revolutionize industries such as healthcare, finance, and education.

The Benefits of AI Adoption

The benefits of AI adoption are numerous, and businesses that fail to leverage this technology risk being left behind. Some of the key advantages of AI include increased efficiency, improved accuracy, and enhanced customer experiences. By automating routine tasks, businesses can free up resources and focus on high-value activities such as strategy and innovation. AI can also help companies make data-driven decisions by analyzing large datasets and identifying patterns and trends.

Improved Efficiency

AI can help businesses streamline processes and improve efficiency by automating routine tasks such as data entry, bookkeeping, and customer service. For example, chatbots can handle customer inquiries and provide 24/7 support, while machine learning algorithms can analyze data and identify areas of inefficiency. By optimizing processes and reducing waste, businesses can save time and money, and improve productivity.

Enhanced Customer Experiences

AI can also help businesses enhance customer experiences by personalizing interactions and providing tailored recommendations. For example, AI-powered chatbots can analyze customer data and provide personalized product suggestions, while machine learning algorithms can analyze customer behavior and identify areas of improvement. By providing exceptional customer experiences, businesses can build loyalty and drive revenue growth.

AI in Industry

AI is being used in a variety of industries, from healthcare and finance to retail and manufacturing. In healthcare, AI is being used to analyze medical images and diagnose diseases, while in finance, AI is being used to detect fraud and predict market trends. In retail, AI is being used to personalize customer experiences and provide tailored recommendations, while in manufacturing, AI is being used to optimize production processes and improve quality control.

Healthcare

AI is revolutionizing the healthcare industry by analyzing medical images and diagnosing diseases. For example, AI-powered algorithms can analyze X-rays and mammograms to detect cancer, while machine learning algorithms can analyze patient data and identify high-risk patients. By leveraging AI, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and enhance the overall quality of care.

Finance

AI is also being used in finance to detect fraud and predict market trends. For example, AI-powered algorithms can analyze transaction data and identify suspicious activity, while machine learning algorithms can analyze market data and predict stock prices. By leveraging AI, financial institutions can reduce risk, improve compliance, and drive revenue growth.

Implementing AI in Your Business

Implementing AI in your business can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By starting small and focusing on high-impact areas, businesses can begin to leverage the power of AI and drive transformation. Some of the key steps to implementing AI include identifying areas of opportunity, developing a strategy, and investing in talent and technology.

Identifying Areas of Opportunity

The first step to implementing AI is to identify areas of opportunity. This involves analyzing business processes and identifying areas where AI can add value. For example, businesses may identify areas such as customer service, marketing, or supply chain management as areas where AI can improve efficiency and drive revenue growth.

Developing a Strategy

Once areas of opportunity have been identified, businesses must develop a strategy for implementing AI. This involves defining goals and objectives, identifying talent and technology needs, and establishing a budget and timeline. By developing a clear strategy, businesses can ensure that AI is aligned with business objectives and drives meaningful outcomes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AI is giving businesses a competitive edge by improving efficiency, enhancing customer experiences, and driving revenue growth. By leveraging machine learning algorithms and natural language processing, companies can streamline processes, predict market trends, and make data-driven decisions. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, AI has the potential to transform your organization and drive success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AI?

AI refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making.

What are the benefits of AI adoption?

The benefits of AI adoption include increased efficiency, improved accuracy, and enhanced customer experiences. By automating routine tasks, businesses can free up resources and focus on high-value activities such as strategy and innovation.

How can I implement AI in my business?

To implement AI in your business, start by identifying areas of opportunity, developing a strategy, and investing in talent and technology. Focus on high-impact areas and start small to drive meaningful outcomes.

What is the future of AI?

The future of AI is exciting and rapidly evolving. As AI continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative applications and use cases across industries. From healthcare and finance to retail and manufacturing, AI has the potential to transform the way we live and work.

Is AI a threat to jobs?

While AI has the potential to automate routine tasks, it also has the potential to create new job opportunities. By upskilling and reskilling, workers can prepare for an AI-driven future and thrive in a rapidly changing job market.

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