The influence of big tech companies in America’s schools is increasing rapidly. Amidst the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), companies like Microsoft, Google, Apple and OpenAI are providing training, workshops and technical tools for teachers and students. However, now opposition to their increasing interference has also started. American Federation of Teachers (AFT) in collaboration with Microsoft and OpenAI has started an AI training program worth more than Rs 220 crore. Critics say that this will increase the influence of corporate interests on the education system and may weaken the role of the teacher. Tech companies provide schools with laptops, tablets, operating systems and apps and also advocate for the inclusion of their favored subjects in the curriculum. Microsoft also provides computer science education with its Minecraft game. Large school systems like the Los Angeles Unified School District have decided to stop using iPads and Chromebooks for young children amid protests. About a decade ago, tech companies used to promote teaching coding in schools to overcome the shortage of software engineers. Now, amid AI writing its own code and layoffs at tech companies, their focus is on AI education. Some teachers and professors have warned that AI chatbots could automate essential tasks for teachers like giving feedback to students. Brad Smith, vice chairman and president of Microsoft, said the trend began because public schools often seemed incapable of teaching critical modern subjects and preparing students for the ever-changing demands of the marketplace. He said where would the schools be today without the support of corporates like Microsoft. Google’s dominance Google has dominated schools through cheap Chromebooks and free apps. Its share has reached 59%. Google’s goal is to get children addicted to services like Gmail and Chrome from an early age, so that they can later earn profits from data and advertisements. Some parents and schools are now frustrated with excessive screen use. Pharma companies are taking the approach. Years ago, pharmaceutical companies used to hold seminars for doctors to motivate them to prescribe new brand-name drugs. Dr. Adrienne Fugh-Berman, a professor at Georgetown University, says the industry invests money in things where it helps. Tech companies also fund surveys and research. Tech companies fund surveys and research reports to help make products like AI chatbots and courses like computer science necessary priorities.
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Tech companies are interfering in American schools on the pretext of AI: Companies like Microsoft, Google and OpenAI are providing training and equipment; protests at many places
