SUMMARY

Breakthroughs in Chinese AI models are sending shockwaves through Washington and Silicon Valley. Chinese companies are narrowing the AI gap despite vast differences in computing power and resources. It comes as the White House is planning to redirect billions in funding from universities to individuals in a bid to accelerate AI innovation. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Amrith Ramkumar.

View the transcript of the story.

NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?

News alternative: Check our recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. Who is Amrith Ramkumar, and what is his background?
2. What makes these Chinese AI models more attractive to American companies to some users?
3. How powerful are these AI models, according to Ramkumar?
4. Where is the White House directing billions of dollars taken from university fundingi?
5. Why is the White House allocating so many funds toward further AI development?

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

1. Do you think it matters which country develops leading AI models? Why or why not?
2. Do you think it would be better if the U.S. government invested in and shaped the future of AI? Or do you think AI development should be left to private companies?

Media literacy: Why

WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO

Read over the following article that discusses AI—The good, the bad, and the scary. Once you are finished reading, create a pro/con list of AI usage as it applies to your own life. Then, as a class, discuss:

• Do you believe that AI will improve people's life and work as it develops? Or do the risks outweigh the benefits?
• How do you imagine the world will be different after 10 more years of AI development?
• Do you think your own relationship to AI will change in the next decade? How so?

Written by PBS News Hour Intern Justin Vasquez

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