Latest news with #edX

Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
An Employee Says 'The Role Of CEO Is Smoke And Mirrors.' They Claim AI Is Now Making The Calls—And CEOs Are Just 'Following Instructions'
A Reddit post arguing that CEOs are the next in line to be replaced by AI hasn't gone unnoticed, sparking a cascade of responses ranging from enthusiastic support to wary skepticism. 'The role of CEO is smoke and mirrors,' responded one person. 'CEOs are using AI now and following its instructions.' The original post came from r/recruitinghell, where a person shared a conversation they had with an IT professional. The anecdote claimed that a senior IT manager at a hospital now has just four employees on his team—and they need to get their work approved by an AI system. Don't Miss: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. 'The moment one employee-owned company replaces its overpaid CEO with AI, all other CEOs will start turning against AI,' the post argued. That idea gained traction fast, with commenters pointing out how companies have long outsourced labor to cut costs, yet never seem to outsource the top brass. As one person wrote, 'CEOs are already using decision models if not AI. Now they will only use more AI, which results in the point that we actually don't need CEOs.' A 2023 survey by edX found that 49% of CEOs think most or even all of their job could be automated or replaced by AI. Not everyone was on board. One person argued that replacing CEOs with AI is 'absurd,' saying, 'Even if CEOs don't do day-to-day work, they're still the face of a company. They meet investors, talk to stakeholders, negotiate deals, navigate employee morale and more.' They questioned how an AI could be held accountable or manage real-world interactions. 'Who owns the AI? Who instructs the AI? Who holds it accountable?' Trending: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:. Some went further, warning that AI-run companies would be ruthless. 'Careful what you wish for. AI doesn't have any sympathy, emotions, or ability to bargain and understand tradeoffs,' wrote another. Still, someone shot back, 'You could say the same for CEOs. Maybe they were robots all along.' Much of the support for replacing CEOs with AI seemed rooted in frustration over executive compensation. One person wrote, 'Regular employees earn X. CEOs earn 180x.' Another put it more directly: 'Out of all the jobs at a company, CEO just might be the easiest role for AI to replace. Most CEOs don't have enough time to really focus on any one given area of the business.' Still, others warned about oversimplifying the role. 'The CEO is the last person to be replaced with AI,' wrote someone who said they sit on corporate boards. 'Their role is to steer the company. We hold them accountable for execution and delivery of performance.'The discussion ultimately became a broader debate about the role of leadership in a future where AI might dominate more than just support roles. But some were cautious about placing too much faith in automation. The original poster later wrote, '100% AI will fail society. AI will either fail at the job... or do it too well and displace humans.' Whether you think CEOs are irreplaceable or the easiest role to automate, the post clearly struck a chord. As AI tools become more embedded in workplace decisions, questions about who's really in charge aren't going away anytime soon. Read Next: Here's what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy. Inspired by Uber and Airbnb – Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets – UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article An Employee Says 'The Role Of CEO Is Smoke And Mirrors.' They Claim AI Is Now Making The Calls—And CEOs Are Just 'Following Instructions' originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fact Check: Clarifying claims surrounding Harvard's free Constitution course
Claim: Harvard University will offer a free online course for every U.S. citizen covering basic U.S. government, understanding the Constitution and "How to Recognize a Dictatorship Takeover 101." Rating: What's True: Harvard University offers a free online course called "American Government: Constitutional Foundations" via its edX program. The course is free not just to U.S. citizens but to anyone in the world. A new session was due to start on May 27, 2025, though the course has been around since at least 2018, according to the course instructor. What's False: While the course covers the basics of how the U.S. government and the Constitution work, there is no evidence of a section within in covering "How to Recognize a Dictatorship Takeover 101." Around May 24, 2025, a claim (archived) started circulating that Harvard University would offer a free online course for every U.S. citizen covering basic U.S. government, understanding the Constitution and "How to Recognize a Dictatorship Takeover 101." Harvard University set to launch FREE college courses online for every US Citizen. Highlighting basic U.S. government, understanding the Constitution, and How to recognize a Dictatorship takeover 101. Harvard University. — Brad (@BraddrofliT) May 24, 2025 A popular early version of the claim posted on X read: "Harvard University set to launch FREE college courses online for every US Citizen. Highlighting basic U.S. government, understanding the Constitution, and How to recognize a Dictatorship takeover 101. Harvard University." The claim also circulated on Facebook (archived), Threads (archived), Instagram (archived), Reddit (archived), Bluesky (archived) and TikTok (archived) with similar text. Snopes readers emailed to ask if the claim was true. Harvard does offer a free online course called "American Government: Constitutional Foundations." The course, according to Harvard University's website, "explores the origins of U.S. political culture, how that culture informed the Constitution, and how that framework continues to influence the country's politics and policies." Harvard delivers the course through edX, a platform that hosts free college-level courses from universities including Harvard. The courses are free not just for U.S. citizens but for people around the world. However, though a new session was due to start on May 27, Thomas E. Patterson, the course's instructor, said via email the course launched "pre-COVID," meaning before the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Harvard and Patterson last updated the course in 2024, he added. Sarah Kennedy-O'Reilly, assistant director at Harvard Public Affairs & Communications, said via email that edX launched in 2012. She added that: "These courses take roughly 12 – 18 months to build online so none have been created in response to recent events." Additionally, we found no evidence of a section within the course on "How to Recognize a Dictatorship Takeover 101." Therefore, we rate this claim mostly true. The claim circulated as Harvard University made headlines over its ongoing conflict with the Trump administration. Harvard twice filed lawsuits against the Trump administration — first in April and again in May 2025, after the administration sought to strip the university of its right to admit international students. In early May 2025, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced that Harvard would no longer receive federal grants, accusing the university of engaging in "a systemic pattern of violating federal law." Later that month, a federal judge temporarily blocked the administration's attempt to stop Harvard from enrolling international students. Harvard's lawsuit remained pending. According to Harvard University's website, "American Government: Constitutional Foundations" covered the origins of U.S. political culture, the Constitution's provisions for limited government, limits to popular influence, the division of power between the federal and state governments, the individual rights held by today's Americans, the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause, the 1964 Civil Rights Act and affirmative action. Patterson said the course was "not about a particular administration but rather constitutional design with contemporary and historical examples." American Government: Constitutional Foundations | Harvard University. 9 July 2018, BINKLEY, COLLIN. "Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration from barring Foreign Student Enrollment at Harvard." AP News, 23 May 2025, Burga, Solcyré. "Breaking Down the Harvard vs. Trump Timeline." TIME, 6 May 2025, "Can Anyone Use edX?" edX Learner Help Center, Accessed 27 May 2025. EDSecMcMahon. "Dear @Harvard :" X, 5 May 2025, edX. "HarvardX: American Government: Constitutional Foundations." edX, 27 May 2025, Powell, Alvin. "Harvard Files Lawsuit against Trump Administration." Harvard Gazette, 22 Apr. 2025, ---. "University Sues Administration over Move to Bar International Students, Scholars." Harvard Gazette, 23 May 2025, Rose, Andy. "Attacks on Harvard by Trump Administration Have Built for Months. A Timeline of the Dispute." CNN, 26 Apr. 2025,
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fact Check: Clarifying claims surrounding Harvard's free Constitution course
Claim: Harvard University will offer a free online course for every U.S. citizen covering basic U.S. government, understanding the Constitution and "How to Recognize a Dictatorship Takeover 101." Rating: What's True: Harvard University offers a free online course called "American Government: Constitutional Foundations" via its edX program. The course is free not just to U.S. citizens but to anyone in the world. A new session was due to start on May 27, 2025, though the course has been around since at least 2018, according to the course instructor. What's False: While the course covers the basics of how the U.S. government and the Constitution work, there is no evidence of a section within in covering "How to Recognize a Dictatorship Takeover 101." Around May 24, 2025, a claim (archived) started circulating that Harvard University would offer a free online course for every U.S. citizen covering basic U.S. government, understanding the Constitution and "How to Recognize a Dictatorship Takeover 101." A popular early version of the claim posted on X read: "Harvard University set to launch FREE college courses online for every US Citizen. Highlighting basic U.S. government, understanding the Constitution, and How to recognize a Dictatorship takeover 101. Harvard University." The claim also circulated on Facebook (archived), Threads (archived), Instagram (archived), Reddit (archived), Bluesky (archived) and TikTok (archived) with similar text. Snopes readers emailed to ask if the claim was true. Harvard does offer a free online course called "American Government: Constitutional Foundations." The course, according to Harvard University's website, "explores the origins of U.S. political culture, how that culture informed the Constitution, and how that framework continues to influence the country's politics and policies." Harvard delivers the course through edX, a platform that hosts free college-level courses from universities including Harvard. The courses are free not just for U.S. citizens but for people around the world. However, though a new session was due to start on May 27, Thomas E. Patterson, the course's instructor, said via email the course launched "pre-COVID," meaning before the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Harvard and Patterson last updated the course in 2024, he added. Sarah Kennedy-O'Reilly, assistant director at Harvard Public Affairs & Communications, said via email that edX launched in 2012. She added that: "These courses take roughly 12 – 18 months to build online so none have been created in response to recent events." Additionally, we found no evidence of a section within the course on "How to Recognize a Dictatorship Takeover 101." Therefore, we rate this claim mostly true. The claim circulated as Harvard University made headlines over its ongoing conflict with the Trump administration. Harvard twice filed lawsuits against the Trump administration — first in April and again in May 2025, after the administration sought to strip the university of its right to admit international students. In early May 2025, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced that Harvard would no longer receive federal grants, accusing the university of engaging in "a systemic pattern of violating federal law." Later that month, a federal judge temporarily blocked the administration's attempt to stop Harvard from enrolling international students. Harvard's lawsuit remained pending. According to Harvard University's website, "American Government: Constitutional Foundations" covered the origins of U.S. political culture, the Constitution's provisions for limited government, limits to popular influence, the division of power between the federal and state governments, the individual rights held by today's Americans, the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause, the 1964 Civil Rights Act and affirmative action. Patterson said the course was "not about a particular administration but rather constitutional design with contemporary and historical examples." American Government: Constitutional Foundations | Harvard University. 9 July 2018, BINKLEY, COLLIN. "Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration from barring Foreign Student Enrollment at Harvard." AP News, 23 May 2025, Burga, Solcyré. "Breaking Down the Harvard vs. Trump Timeline." TIME, 6 May 2025, "Can Anyone Use edX?" edX Learner Help Center, Accessed 27 May 2025. EDSecMcMahon. "Dear @Harvard :" X, 5 May 2025, edX. "HarvardX: American Government: Constitutional Foundations." edX, 27 May 2025, Powell, Alvin. "Harvard Files Lawsuit against Trump Administration." Harvard Gazette, 22 Apr. 2025, ---. "University Sues Administration over Move to Bar International Students, Scholars." Harvard Gazette, 23 May 2025, Rose, Andy. "Attacks on Harvard by Trump Administration Have Built for Months. A Timeline of the Dispute." CNN, 26 Apr. 2025,


Independent Singapore
20-05-2025
- General
- Independent Singapore
8 soft skills that can make you rich — for life
When discussing wealth, what usually comes to mind is money, status, or material success. However, a few of life's most potent possessions can't be placed inside a bank account. These soft skills shape how we interrelate, lead, develop, and succeed. Whether one is a student, a budding artist, an emerging professional, or an entrepreneur pursuing an audacious idea, these abilities are an enduring investment. With relevant illustrations, common slipups to dodge, and first-rate learning resources, these 'tools' can benefit one's vocation, boost confidence, strengthen relationships, and impact the world. Emotional Intelligence: The Glue That Connects Us Why it matters : Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is our capacity to distinguish, grasp, and manage emotions—our own and others. It's the basis of durable relationships, unswerving trust, and never-ending teamwork. Where people stumble : Sidestepping tough discussions or countering thoughtlessly can wear away trust quicker than we think. How to build it : Read: Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman Watch: Susan David's TED Talk, 'The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage' Learn: LinkedIn Learning's Emotional Intelligence at Work course Communication: More Than Words Why it matters : Effective communicators don't just express their thoughts and feelings well; they also connect. They listen enthusiastically, articulate concepts emphatically, and pay special attention to body language and attitude. Where people stumble : Intruding, using nonsensical or high-falutin words, or inability to detect non-verbal signals can produce detachment rather than connection. How to build it : Read: Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny & team Watch: Brené Brown's 'The Power of Vulnerability' Learn: Coursera's Effective Communication course Critical Thinking: Your Inner Compass Why it matters : In a world swamped with dogmatic views and half-truths, critical thinking assists in sifting the noise, asking intelligent questions, and making informed decisions and astute choices. Where people stumble : Carelessly making decisions or clinging to prejudices, as this clouds one's outlook. How to build it : Read: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Watch: Helen Lee Bouygues' TED Talk, 'Critical Thinking for Better Judgment' Learn: edX's Critical Thinking Skills course Negotiation: Win-Win or Lose-Lose Why it matters : Negotiation is part of all of life's activities. Whether one is seeking a raise in salary, forming a partnership, compromising with a friend, or wanting to meet a spouse halfway, negotiation is present. Strong negotiators pursue a shared advantage, not just victory. Where people stumble : Being aggressive and adversarial, rushing the process, or making it personal can disrupt trust. How to build it : Read: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss Watch: William Ury's 'The Walk from No to Yes' Learn: Coursera's Negotiation Skills course Adaptability: Your Edge in a Changing World Why it matters : Change is the only thing that doesn't change. Flexible people stay diplomatic and non-violent, are inquisitive, and focus on solutions when plans are drastically modified or challenges arise. Where people stumble : Accusing others or fighting change interrupts growth, and occasionally ruins it entirely. How to build it : Read: Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson Watch: Guy Kawasaki's 'The Art of Innovation' Learn: Udemy's Adaptability and Resilience course Leadership: Influence Starts with Integrity Why it matters : Leadership is never about titles—it's about compelling acts, compassion, responsiveness, and accountability. The finest leaders encourage and lead by example. Where people stumble : Nitpicking, imposing controls, evading tough decisions, or playing favorites diminishes trust and drive. How to build it : Read: Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek Watch: Sinek's TED Talk, 'How Great Leaders Inspire Action' Learn: Harvard Online's Leadership Principles course Time Management: Mastering the Clock Why it matters : Time is the most limited resource. Those who manage their time well get more things done with less anxiety, more purpose, and with more meaning. Where people stumble : Stalling, postponements, deliberate delays, too much multitasking, or poor planning result in exhaustion and pressure. See also Wendy Jacobs and 200 others become Singaporean citizens How to build it : Read: Getting Things Done by David Allen Watch: Laura Vanderkam's 'How to Gain Control of Your Free Time' Learn: LinkedIn Learning's Time Management Mastery course Creativity: Your Superpower for Solving the Unsolvable Why it matters : Creativity pushes invention, problem-solving, and advancement in every turf, not just the arts. It's about changing direction, shifting courses when necessary, doing what's doable, and making the impossible possible. Where people stumble : Dread of failure or sticking to obsolete systems and approaches can stifle one's imaginative trigger. How to build it : Read: Creative Confidence by Tom & David Kelley Watch: Ken Robinson's 'Do Schools Kill Creativity?' Learn: Coursera's Creative Problem Solving course Invest where it counts Diplomas and degrees, titles, certificates, and technical abilities open doors, but soft skills are what will keep these doors open forever. They don't just boost one's CV; they provide the 'buzz' of how you become in life. And like any valued asset, they develop and grow with reliable attention, effort, and determination. So, wherever you are on your journey, always remember — the cleverest investment you can make is investing in yourself.


Indian Express
29-04-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
6 free AI courses from Google, Harvard, and IBM to future-proof your career
The world is evolving rapidly, and stagnancy is not an option. Artificial intelligence (AI) is briskly reshaping industries. It is not only setting new standards for innovation; it is virtually changing careers. If you are a student or working professional, or if you are simply curious about what's happening around you, knowing the basics of AI is the best way to stay abreast of the changing world. Since the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT in 2022, each day presents a new use case of the disruptive technology, amplifying fears of job displacement. In times like these, upskilling is no longer a luxury but a necessity. As of today, companies around the world are looking for individuals who can not only understand AI but also apply their knowledge and even collaborate with AI tools to solve problems and drive growth. Learning AI skills is, in a way, future-proofing one's career, as it is likely to present new opportunities. From healthcare to finance, education, and entertainment, AI is making rapid strides in every sector. For those equipped with AI skills, the time is right to take advantage. However, if you are thinking of upskilling, you are also getting apprehensive about the cost. The good news is that you need not break the bank to get started. Numerous renowned institutions and tech companies are offering top-quality AI courses for free. Be it a deep dive on machine learning, knowing the ethics of AI, or just a hands-on introduction, there is a wide range of free courses to pick from. In this article, we have listed some of the best AI courses that may help you level up at zero charge. Google: Google AI for Anyone In case you are new to all the AI cacophony, this is the perfect starting point for you. The search giant is offering a beginner's course for anyone who wants to learn how AI is applied to real-world situations. The course is being offered through the online education platform edX and is a self-paced course, meaning one can finish it at their own pace. The course takes about four weeks to complete if the learner dedicates two to three hours a week. According to the platform, as the name suggests, one need not be well-versed in computer science or mathematics or have any background in AI. No programming knowledge is required either. The course will have Laurence Moroney, lead AI advocate at Google, as the instructor. Students will get to learn what AI is, how it fits with ML and deep learning, the significance of data, applications of AI, etc. AI for Everyone by Andrew Ng This is yet another foundational course that has been designed to help learners understand AI. The course comprises four modules and offers a flexible schedule. It is being offered by Coursera and has a 4.8 rating, with 98 per cent of learners reporting that they liked the course. Moreover, learners will also get a shareable certificate that they can add to their LinkedIn profiles. In terms of the modules, students will get to learn what AI is, build AI projects, build AI for companies, and learn about AI and society. The course is instructed by Andrew Ng, a renowned British-American computer scientist and technology entrepreneur. He was a co-founder and head of Google Brain, and has also served as the chief AI scientist at Chinese tech giant Baidu. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) by IBM This course being offered by IBM through Coursera is a great way to enhance one's career. The beginners' level course is flexible and can be completed at one's convenience. It has four modules, namely, introduction and applications of AI; AI concepts, terminology, and application domains; business and career transformation through AI; and issues, concerns, and ethical considerations. Students taking this course will get to learn new concepts from industry experts and gain foundational understanding of a subject or a tool. Moreover, they will also be able to develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects. Most importantly, learners will earn shareable career certificates. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python by Harvard University This is among the most popular free online courses being offered by Harvard University. One of the prerequisites to access this course is that the learner should have taken Harvard University's CS50 Introduction to Computer Science course via the edX platform. This is a seven-week course that will touch upon AI algorithms, machine translation, handwriting recognition, game-playing engines, etc. Learners are required to commit around 10 to 30 hours per week to complete the course. The module includes hands-on projects and lectures by David J. Malan, Gordon McKay Professor of the Practice of Computer Science at Harvard University, and Brian Yu, Senior Preceptor in Computer Science at Harvard University. Even though this course requires CS50 and prior programming experience in Python, it is among one of the best programmes to pursue if one desires to upgrade their career. Generative AI at SAP This course by software giant SAP focuses on how generative AI is redefining businesses within SAP's ecosystem. The course explains some foundational concepts such as large language models along with showcasing real-world applications. This course has been tailored to suit business professionals and offers an in-depth understanding of how to use AI for innovations within organisations. The online course covers different approaches to AI and shows different use cases. It allows students to identify fundamental uses and business benefits of AI. The course is free and is self-paced; however, it does not offer a badge or certificate. Introduction to Generative AI by Google Cloud This is a micro-learning course offering the fundamentals of generative AI in just 45 minutes. It explains what generative AI is, how it operates, and what makes it different from traditional approaches to machine learning. It is ideal for creative professionals and tech enthusiasts who want to explore the role of AI in content creation and automation. As part of the programme, learners will get to explore various generative AI model types and their practical applications. Moreover, students will also get introduced to various Google tools that are instrumental in the development of generative AI tools. Upon completion, one will get a digital badge that can be shared across their social networks. While these are just a handful of courses, there are many more, and we will keep updating you about the same. It is important to understand that in order to stay relevant, one needs to adapt, learn and grow with AI.