The Future Transformed by AI and Challenges in Education: A Conversation between Sam Altman and Ben Nelson

The rapid development of AI technology in recent years, particularly the evolution of Large Language Models, is significantly changing how we live and work. In particular, the emergence of ChatGPT, released by OpenAI under the leadership of Sam Altman, has served as a catalyst for everyone to easily access AI, allowing society as a whole to concretely experience the "possibilities and risks of AI utilization."

This article introduces a conversation between Ben Nelson (founder of Minerva University), who is advancing educational reform, and Sam Altman (CEO of OpenAI). Rather than limiting themselves to simple predictions about the "future brought by AI," both discuss how society and education should adapt and what kind of future we should create. This article organizes the main topics of their discussion and explains the impact on education and society.

1. A New Era Brought by the Evolution of AI

1-1. AI Productivity and the Role of Humans

Sam Altman emphasizes that "AI is ultimately a powerful tool, and depending on how it is used, it can bring significant benefits to society." For example, by using ChatGPT or AI coding assistants (such as GitHub Copilot), repetitive programming tasks can be dramatically reduced, giving engineers the freedom to tackle more advanced challenges.

In this way, an era is just around the corner where we can leave so-called "boring" tasks to AI and humans can focus on more creative tasks.

1-2. Impact on Creative Fields

With the evolution of image generation AI and natural language processing technology, there are concerns that the jobs of artists and writers might be taken away. However, according to Altman, it is more likely to be a "trigger for an explosion of creativity." During the conversation, an anecdote was shared about a child who enjoys having ChatGPT create stories for them every night.
AI is considered to be merely an assistant and a means to "accelerate" creation.

2. Reforms Required in Education

2-1. The Learning Attitude Required in the AI Era

Both individuals particularly emphasized that "educational institutions should be places that cultivate thinking skills, not just rote memorization." Ben Nelson states, "Knowledge itself is already overflowing due to the rise of the internet and AI. What is needed is 'systems thinking'—the ability to break down complex problems, think logically, and derive solutions."

2-2. A Return to Oral Exams and an "Experimental Spirit"

As anecdotes shared in the conversation, there are university presidents who say they will return all exams to oral formats to prevent cheating by AI, and others who seem half-resigned, saying, "I can no longer tell if students have learned anything." In contrast, both argue that "experimental initiatives" are what is truly important.

Now that AI tools like ChatGPT have only recently appeared, even many experts are in a state where they "do not know the correct answer." Therefore, Altman states, "Since there is no answer, we have no choice but to try things out and search for the optimal solution," emphasizing the need for educational institutions to first flexibly experiment with curricula and examination methods and accumulate successful case studies.

3. Society and Leadership in the AI Era

3-1. Concerns and Opportunities Regarding New Disparities

While AI dramatically increases productivity, there is a risk that the gap between "those who can master AI" and "those who cannot" will widen. In particular, the point was repeatedly made in the conversation that "pure ability" is likely to replace areas where university names, family background, and connections were previously emphasized.

While this presents a significant opportunity for talented individuals, it also carries the risk that a segment of society will be left far behind if they are not given the chance to learn how to utilize these tools.

3-2. Responsibilities and Actions Required of Leaders

Mr. Altman states that government leaders and heads of educational institutions around the world are beginning to seriously consider the arrival of an AI-driven society. A recurring theme throughout this conversation was the message that "now is the time to take bold steps toward educational reform."
For example, the case of Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates, which significantly overhauled its entire curriculum, is a prime example of transformation that overcomes the constraints of existing systems. In fact, following the reform, it has garnered attention both domestically and internationally as an "educational institution capable of adapting to the cutting-edge AI era."

4. Toward a Future of Co-creation between AI and Humans

4-1. Future Scenarios and Practical Actions

Sam Altman also says, "It is important not just to predict, but to think through scenarios while actively using AI, and to find optimal solutions." When considering future scenarios, the following actions will be key.

1. Active implementation and experimentation in educational settings

   • Redesigning some classes with the premise of AI utilization, and continuously updating examination formats and evaluation methods.

2. Strengthening individual literacy

   • Developing environments where not only students but also working adults can "test-drive" AI to improve AI literacy.

3. Support and regulation through public policy

   • Governments should use subsidies and incentives to create mechanisms for educational institutions and companies to adopt AI soundly. At the same time, regulations to curb the risks of misuse should also be considered.

4-2. Returning to "Creating Value"

Mr. Altman notes that humans have a strong desire to "be in control of their own future." Even if the nature of work changes significantly due to AI and some tasks are automated, most people will not lose the desire to "create something" or "be useful to society and others."
While there are extreme views regarding the arrival of AI, such as a "future where only a few talents stand out" or a "future where no one needs to work," the more likely prospect is that "more people will engage in higher-level work." The role of education is to prepare for such a future and to support people so they can demonstrate their own value.

The conversation between Sam Altman and Ben Nelson posed the question of "how to build the future and how to prepare for it" in a society where AI is evolving. We must move beyond passive predictions of "how technology will change society" and instead explore "how we can proactively change it ourselves."

In the field of education in particular, traditional rote learning and systems that only value "prestigious academic credentials" are becoming obsolete. With AI, information gathering and simple tasks will be significantly streamlined, and the essence of what needs to be learned will shift toward "systems thinking," "problem-solving skills," and the "establishment of ethics and values." It is clear that bold curriculum reform and new teaching methods utilizing AI are required.

In the society of the future, individuals who "think for themselves, take action, and create value" will achieve great results. It is the greatest mission of the AI era for educational institutions, governments, companies, and individuals to join hands and shape the future through repeated trial and error.