Ello’s new AI tool lets kids create their own stories
Ello, an AI reading companion designed to help children struggling with reading, has introduced a new feature called ‘Storytime’. This feature enables kids to create their own stories by choosing from a range of settings, characters, and plots. Story options are tailored to the child’s reading level and current lessons, helping them practise essential reading skills.
Ello’s AI, represented by a bright blue elephant, listens to children as they read aloud and helps correct mispronunciations. The tool uses phonics-based strategies to adapt stories based on the child’s responses, ensuring personalised and engaging experiences. It also offers two reading modes: one where the child and Ello take turns reading and another, more supportive mode for younger readers.
The Storytime feature distinguishes itself from other AI-assisted story creation tools by focusing on reading development. The technology has been tested with teachers and children, and includes safeguards to ensure age-appropriate content. Future versions of the product may allow even more creative input from children, while maintaining helpful structure to avoid overwhelming them.
Ello’s subscription costs $14.99 per month, with discounted pricing for low-income families. The company also partners with schools to offer its services for free, and has recently made its collection of decodable children’s books available online at no cost.
Google CEO warns of AI divide and announces $120m education fund
Speaking at the UN Summit of the Future 2024, Google CEO Sundar Pichai described AI as the most transformative technology yet and announced a $120 million Global AI Opportunity Fund. The fund would provide AI education and training worldwide through partnerships with local NGOs and nonprofits.
Pichai highlighted four key areas where AI can contribute to sustainable development: language accessibility, scientific discovery, climate disaster alerts, and economic progress. He stressed the importance of harnessing AI for global advancement while addressing its risks.
He also warned of the potential for an ‘AI divide,’ where some regions may need to catch up in access to the technology. To combat this, Pichai called for smart global regulations that mitigate harm without promoting national protectionism, which could limit the benefits of AI.
Although Pichai did not mention the environmental impacts of AI, he emphasised the need for balanced regulation to ensure equal access and opportunities for AI development worldwide.
Digital Skills Forum in Bahrain highlights global need for digital education, unveils new toolkit
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recently hosted the Digital Skills Forum in Manama, Bahrain, addressing the pressing need for digital skills in today’s technology-driven society. With nearly 700 participants from 44 countries, the forum emphasised urgent calls to action aimed at bridging the digital skills gap that affects billions around the globe.
‘Digital skills have the power to change lives,’ asserted Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General, highlighting the union’s dedication to fostering an inclusive digital society. In response to this challenge, ITU introduced the ‘Digital Skills Toolkit 2024,’ a comprehensive resource to support policymakers and stakeholders in crafting effective national strategies to close digital skills gaps.
That toolkit seeks to empower diverse sectors, including private enterprises and academic institutions, by providing essential insights and resources within an ever-evolving technological landscape. Furthermore, the forum underscored the importance of lifelong learning and continuous upskilling, particularly in advanced fields such as AI and cybersecurity. ‘Addressing the digital skills gap requires strong partnerships and a commitment to investing in digital education,’ emphasised Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau.
Bahrain’s leadership in promoting digital skills was prominently featured, reflecting its dedication to international cooperation and innovation. Young entrepreneurs showcased their innovative approaches to digital education, demonstrating the transformative potential of technology in shaping the future.
Apple Intelligence to add new languages next year
Tech giant Apple announced that it will expand the language support of its generative AI, known as Apple Intelligence, to include German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Vietnamese, and more in 2025. This follows the introduction of English versions tailored for India and Singapore. The update will initially arrive with American English in iOS 18.1, expected later this year, with localised English for Australia, Canada, and other regions by the end of 2024.
In 2025, support for languages like Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish will also be added. However, Apple faces challenges in major markets, including the European Union, where regulatory hurdles linked to the Digital Markets Act delay its launch on iPhones and iPads. Despite this, the AI feature is already available in the EU through the macOS Sequoia 15.1 developer beta.
China presents even bigger obstacles due to strict local regulations on AI models. Apple is in talks with authorities in both the EU and China to resolve these issues and expand the availability of Apple Intelligence.
Italy targets digital divide with AI-assisted learning
Italy is testing AI-assisted learning tools in selected schools to close the nation’s significant digital skills gap. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has introduced the initiative in 15 classrooms across four regions, aimed at supporting both students and teachers through virtual assistants.
The AI tools are designed to tailor education to individual needs, providing an improved learning environment. Though few details have been provided, officials remain optimistic that the experiment will offer insights into a potential wider rollout. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara emphasised the importance of these digital advancements for future generations.
Italy currently lags behind most EU countries in basic digital skills, ranking near the bottom of the bloc. The government has also introduced a ban on mobile phones in classrooms, a move aimed at reducing distractions and promoting focus.
The trial will be carefully monitored throughout the year to assess its effectiveness and inclusiveness, with the hope of addressing past struggles to digitalise Italy’s education system.
Boosting workforce skills with O’Reilly AI Academy
O’Reilly has launched its AI Academy, designed to help businesses upskill their workforce in generative AI technology. The Academy offers hundreds of learning materials, including books, live events, and on-demand courses, to enhance productivity through GenAI tools.
The demand for GenAI skills has surged, with global executives planning to invest more in AI technologies. Despite this, a vast number of workers remain untrained in the tools required to implement GenAI. Only 10% of workers have gained these skills, and confidence in executives’ understanding of AI remains limited, highlighting a clear need for upskilling.
O’Reilly’s AI Academy addresses this gap, providing tailored learning tracks to meet specific industry needs. Courses focus on essential skills such as productivity enhancement and AI integration, covering roles from HR to project management. Additional role-specific tracks will be introduced, enabling even greater personalisation.
Completing these learning tracks earns participants badges and certificates, which can be shared on platforms like LinkedIn. This helps employees showcase their expertise in GenAI, empowering them to adapt and drive business outcomes in an AI-driven world.