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Submission + - Bill Introduced to Drop West Virginia's CS HS Graduation Requirement

Submitted by theodp
theodp writes: West Virginia lawmakers on Tuesday introduced House Bill 5387, which would repeal the state's recently enacted mandatory stand-alone computer science graduation requirement and replace it with a new computer literacy proficiency requirement. Not too surprisingly, the Bill is being opposed by tech-backed nonprofit Code.org, which lobbied for the WV CS graduation requirement just last year. Code.org recently pivoted its mission to emphasize the importance of teaching AI education alongside traditional CS, teaming up with tech CEOs and leaders last year to launch a national campaign to mandate CS and AI courses as graduation requirements.

"It would basically turn the standalone computer science course requirement into a computer literacy proficiency requirement that's more focused on digital literacy," lamented Code.org as it discussed the Bill in a Wednesday conference call with members of the Code.org Advocacy Coalition, including reps from Microsoft's Education and Workforce Policy team. "It's mostly motivated by a variety of different issues coming from local superintendents concerned about, you know, teachers thinking that students don't need to learn how to code and other things. So, we are addressing all of those. We are talking with the chair and vice chair of the committee a week from today to try to see if we can nip this in the bud." Concerns were also raised on the call about how widespread the desire for more computing literacy proficiency (over CS) might be, as well as about legislators who are associating AI literacy more with digital literacy than CS.

The proposed move from a narrower CS focus to a broader goal of computer literacy proficiency in WV schools comes just months after the UK's Department for Education announced a similar curriculum pivot to broader digital literacy, abandoning the narrower 'rigorous CS' focus that was adopted more than a decade ago in response to a push by a 'grassroots' coalition that included Google, Microsoft, UK charities, and other organizations.

Comment Bloomberg: Waymo Seeking to Raise $16 Billion (Score 1) 3

Waymo seeking about $16 billion near $110 billion valuation: "While we don't comment on private financial matters, our trajectory is clear: With over 20 million trips completed, we are focused on the safety-led operational excellence and technological leadership required to meet the vast demand for autonomous mobility," Waymo said in a statement.

Submission + - Could a Crime Map Review Have Stopped Repeat Arsonist from Setting Woman Afire?

Submitted by theodp
theodp writes: In 1854, Dr. John Snow famously put cholera death data on a map to help readers see that reported deaths in Soho, London were in the vicinity of the Broad Street pump, which was the source of the contagion, as well as to shift from an understanding of cholera as airborne to waterborne. Snow's map certainly reinforces the value of putting data on a map to help readers see the patterns revealed, which is as important to contemporary thematic mapping as it always has been — geography and cartography were showcased during the Covid outbreak.

Such mapping techniques aren't just useful for infectious disease epidemiology, but it should be noted that the maps still need to be reviewed and analyzed, not just created. A sad reminder of this is the recent court appearance of Lawrence Reed, the man charged with setting a woman on fire on a Chicago Transit Authority subway train on Nov. 17. With more than half of her body burned, the victim — who reportedly remains in critical condition — got off the train and collapsed at the Clark/Lake CTA stop, just a few hundred feet away from Chicago's City Hall, which Reed was also later charged with trying to burn down just three days earlier on Nov. 14. In a press conference, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson suggested the Nov. 14th City Hall arson may have been political in nature ("this type of violence has no place in our politics"). Days later, he called the Nov.17th CTA fire attack horrific but isolated, but later recharacterized it as an 'absolute failure' of justice, mental health systems after reports broke of Reed's extensive criminal record ("This individual was charged with dozens of felonies over the past three decades," Johnson said. "He was clearly seriously mentally disturbed and was a danger to himself and to others. The system that we had failed to intervene.").

Incredibly, Reed's past felonies also included trying to burn down the State of Illinois' Thompson Center (now being rehabbed by its new owner, Google) — which is across the street from the site of the City Hall arson attack and houses the station where the CTA fire attack victim collapsed — on April 23, 2020 as Governor JB Pritzker was preparing to hold his daily COVID-19 press conference inside the building.

So, while it may be a little unfair to "armchair quarterback" the investigation into Reed's November 2025 arson crimes with the benefit of hindsight, one can't help but wonder: Would a simple review of a Chicago Crime map for historical arson crimes in the immediate vicinity of City Hall (map) right after the Nov. 14th arson have called out Reed's 2020 arson (map) at the State of Illinois Thompson Center and led to his apprehension before he got the chance to set afire the woman who collapsed at the subway station in the Thompson Center (map) three days later, especially since Reed's whereabouts were readily available from the electronic ankle monitor he was wearing while awaiting trial for another violent attack?

By the way, don't count on Copilot to automatically connect the map dots for crimes. An attempt to do so was initially stymied by Copilot's refusal to even acknowledge Reed had any connection to the horrific CTA arson attack.

Comment Re:Non story (Score 0) 3

A) Guess that's what the NHTSA investigation will determine (in this case, imagine there should be ample recorded data and video from Waymo to review). Depending on conditions, driving slower than the speed limit can be called for and not doing so can be deemed a violation under California's "Basic Speed Law."
 
B) Slower than a running person, perhaps, but a running person weighs several tons less a Waymo vehicle (classic physics demo). Physical therapists (and personal injury lawyers!) will tell you that even the slowest speed collisions can cause significant injuries.
 
Beyond the incident, I think the news here was Waymo's tone deaf PR offensive response. Back when I was a child, I was with a classmate who got knocked off his bike after being bumped by a car. I recall the driver was very comforting to my friend, not blaming him for being where he shouldn't have been and making her hit him. Nor did she later publish an article in a high-circulation newspaper boasting to the community that her driving skills were superior to theirs and suggesting that anyone else would have hurt the child considerably more. :-)

Submission + - Was Waymo Robotaxi Speeding Before It 'Made Contact with a Young Pedestrian'? 3

Submitted by theodp
theodp writes: The self-congratulatory, yea-we-hit-the-kid-but-you-would-have-done-lots-worse tone of Waymo's blog post response to its Waymo robotaxi hitting a child near an elementary School in Santa Monica seemed a bit tone deaf, even more so as commenters pointed out and Google Maps images appeared to confirm that the posted speed limit around Grant Elementary School in Santa Monica is 15 mph (Google Maps link, screenshot) when children are present and Waymo self-reported that the robotaxi's speed was "approximately 17 mph" when it spotted the "young pedestrian" and "braked hard" to reduce the car's speed "to under 6 mph before contact was made." Waymo did not mention what the speed limit was in its self-described ‘transparent’ blog disclosure.

Not that going 17 mph in a 15 mph zone is the stuff of street drag racing, but it's at odds with the attaboy Waymo gave itself for softening the blow to the child as well as an earlier Waymo blog post that boasted "the Waymo Driver is always alert, respects speed limits."

From a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on the incident: "NHTSA is aware that the incident occurred within two blocks of a Santa Monica, CA elementary school [a Jan. 23rd police call report puts the location as the 2400 block of Pearl St.] during normal school drop off hours; that there were other children, a crossing guard, and several double-parked vehicles in the vicinity; and that the child ran across the street from behind a double parked SUV towards the school and was struck by the Waymo AV. Waymo reported that the child sustained minor injuries. [...] ODI [Office of Defect Investigation] has opened this Preliminary Evaluation to investigate whether the Waymo AV exercised appropriate caution given, among other things, its proximity to the elementary school during drop off hours, and the presence of young pedestrians and other potential vulnerable road users. ODI expects that its investigation will examine the ADS’s intended behavior in school zones and neighboring areas, especially during normal school pick up/drop off times, including but not limited to its adherence to posted speed limits. ODI will also investigate Waymo's post-impact response."

Submission + - Grace Hopper Conference Seeks $1M Corporate Partnership Tier 'Title Sponsor'

Submitted by theodp
theodp writes: Among the corporate partnership opportunities listed in the Grace Hopper Celebration 2026 Prospectus is a new offering for a 'Title Sponsor', priced at a cool $1,000,000. So, what does a million bucks buy you? According to the prospectus: "Inclusion in all in-person and virtual event marketing including social, email and website * Booth space in Career Expo and Tech Expo * 3 Mainstage Sessions * Exclusive Platinum Event App Package * Logo on: Sidebar Navigation, Day-At-A-Glance Screen, Authentication Screen, Splash Screen * Interstitial Ad * 3D Map Booth Logo * Up to 90-second pre-recorded speaking opportunity to be shown at opening or closing session."

With more than 30,000 attendees and 600 speakers, GHC is the world's largest gathering for women in technology. It is run by the Anita Borg Institute For Women And Technology, which announced a reduction in force affecting a significant proportion of their workforce in 2024 amid downturns in corporate investments in DEI efforts and an overall reduction in giving and philanthropy.

Submission + - Code.org Lays Off 18 Employees "To Ensure Long-Term Sustainability"

Submitted by theodp
theodp writes: Tech-backed K-12 CS+AI education nonprofit Code.org (revenue) confirmed that it has laid off 18 employees, or about 14% of its staff. Following the cuts, Code.org’s staff now numbers 107. "Code.org has made the difficult decision to part ways with 18 colleagues as part of efforts to ensure our long-term sustainability," the organization said in an emailed statement. "Their contributions helped millions of educators and students around the world, and we are grateful for their efforts."

Launched in 2013 with a mission to expand computer science education to K-12 students, the organization partnered with donors Microsoft, Google, and Amazon in December to "switch hats" in a pivot from coding to include AI literacy, replacing its flagship annual event the Hour of Code with the new Hour of AI.

Submission + - The Microsoft-OpenAI Files 1

Submitted by theodp
theodp writes: GeekWire takes a look at AI’s defining alliance in The Microsoft-OpenAI Files, an epic story drawn from 200+ documents, many made public Friday in Elon Musk’s ongoing suit accusing OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman of abandoning the nonprofit mission (Microsoft is also a defendant). Musk, who was an OpenAI co-founder, is seeking up to $134 billion in damages.

Previously undisclosed emails, messages, slide decks, reports, and deposition transcripts reveal how Microsoft pursued, rebuffed and backed OpenAI at various moments over the past decade, ultimately shaping the course of the lab that launched the generative AI era. The latest round of documents, filed as exhibits in Musk’s lawsuit, show how Nadella and Microsoft’s senior leadership team rally in a crisis, maneuver against rivals such as Google and Amazon, and talk about deals in private.

Even though Microsoft didn’t have a seat on the OpenAI board, text messages between Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman following Altman's firing as CEO in Nov. 2023 (news of which sent Microsoft's stock plummeting), revealed in the latest filings, show just how influential Microsoft was. A day after Altman's firing, Nadella sent Altman a detailed message from Brad Smith, Microsoft’s president and top lawyer, explaining that Microsoft had created a new subsidiary called Microsoft RAI (Responsible Artificial Intelligence) Inc. from scratch — legal work done, papers ready to file as soon as the WA Secretary of State opened Monday morning — and was ready to capitalize and operationalize it to 'support Sam in whatever way is needed,' including absorbing the OpenAI team at a calculated cost of roughly $25 billion. (Altman’s reply: "kk"). Just days later, as he planned his return as CEO to the now-reeling-from-Microsoft-punches nonprofit, Altman joined Microsoft's Nadella, Smith, and Kevin Scott in a text messaging thread in which the four vetted prospective board members to replace those who had ousted Altman. Later that night, OpenAI announced Altman’s return with the newly constituted board.

If you like stories with happy Microsoft endings, as part of an agreement clearing the way for OpenAI to restructure as a for-profit business, Microsoft in October received a 27% ownership stake in OpenAI worth approximately $135 billion and retains access to the AI startup's technology until 2032, including models that achieve AGI.

Submission + - Conference Table or Multi-Person Workstation Desk as a Dining Room Table?

Submitted by theodp
theodp writes: While a house or apartment with a separate 'formal' dining room/area in addition to casual dining space is a nice-to-have, you may find you only use the space occasionally for get-togethers with family and friends. If you work from home or have kids who need a place to do their homework, have you eschewed or considered eschewing a traditional dining table for a conference room table or multi-person workstation desk that can do double-duty as your everyday workspace and occasional dining room table? If so, care to share how that worked out you (aesthetically and functionally) and tips for what to consider (height, width, finish, power outlets, chair types, cost, etc.)?

Submission + - Microsoft Elevate for Educators Launches with 'AI Merit Badges' for Educators

Submitted by theodp
theodp writes: Just days after Microsoft President Brad Smith moved to deflect White House criticism over AI Data Centers' insatiable demand for electricity (and electricians) driving Americans' utility bills higher, Microsoft announced Microsoft Elevate for Educators, "a program connecting educators with community, professional development, and AI tools to transform teaching" in an effort to "empower every school, educator, and student to thrive with confidence in an AI-powered future."

Towards that end, Microsoft is offering new AI-powered tools "to help schools worldwide prepare educators and students for an AI-driven future" and is also seeking to credential educators with its new Microsoft Elevate Educator Credential, as well as a new Microsoft Certified Instructional Technologist and Coach certification.

Taking a page from the Girl Scouts playbook, Microsoft is encouraging teachers to pursue the Microsoft Elevate Educator pathway (from "Explorer" to "Expert" to "Fellow"), leading to recognition "for their exceptional use of Microsoft tools and resources to enhance teaching and learning experiences." And there's also a Microsoft Elevate School journey, which leads from "Pathfinder" to "Showcase" to "Beacon." Hey, be true to your AI school!

Submission + - Code.org: Use AI in an Interview Without Our OK and You're Dead to Us

Submitted by theodp
theodp writes: Code.org, the nonprofit backed by AI giants Microsoft, Google, and Amazon whose Hour of AI and free AI curriculum aim to make world's K-12 schoolchildren AI literate, points job seekers to its AI Use Policy in Hiring, which promises dire consequences for those who use AI during interviews or take home assignments without its OK.

Explaining "What’s Not Okay," Code.org writes: "While we support thoughtful use of AI, certain uses undermine fairness and honesty in the hiring process. We ask that candidates do not [...] use AI during interviews and take-home assignments without explicit consent from the interview team. Such use goes against our values of integrity and transparency and will result in disqualification from the hiring process."

Interestingly, Code.org CEO Partovi last year faced some blowback from educators over his LinkedIn post that painted schools that police AI use by students as dinosaurs. Partovi wrote, "Schools of the past define AI use as 'cheating.' Schools of the future define AI skills as the new literacy. Every desk-job employer is looking to hire workers who are adept at AI. Employers want the students who are best at this new form of 'cheating.'"

Submission + - LEGO Education Announces CS+AI K-8 Classroom Packs Priced at $2,049-$3,179

Submitted by theodp
theodp writes: Offering a new report as evidence that K-8 teachers see benefits of hands-on computer science and AI education but lack the right tools to engage students, LEGO Education on Monday announced its Hands-on Computer Science & AI Learning Solution for children in grades K-8.

From the press release: "Today, LEGO® Education announced a new hands-on solution and curriculum for computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) for K-8 classrooms that fosters collaboration, creativity, and learning outcomes. Shipping from April 2026, LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI enables schools and districts to expand critically needed access to computer science and AI education." The offerings include Computer Science & AI Kits for 24 students priced at $2,049 for grades K-2, $2,579 for grades 3-5, and $3,179 for grades 6-8.

Not to be outdone, Amazon on Monday announced it's bringing PartyRock — its no-code approach to AI creation — into the classroom to promote AI literacy in support of the White House’s AI education initiatives. "Rather than focusing on the mechanics of AI programming," Amazon explains, "PartyRock emphasizes creative problem-solving and conceptual understanding. Students articulate their ideas through natural language descriptions, and the playground transforms these descriptions into functional applications. This approach shifts the educational focus from syntax and coding structures to the more fundamental questions of what AI can do and how it can be directed to solve problems."

Submission + - Should Real-World Examples be Required for Standards and Other Mandates?

Submitted by theodp
theodp writes: If someone wants to impose standards, forms, documentation requirements, and other mandates on others, it seems only fair that they should be able to — and required to — demonstrate it in action first, right? Without real-world examples of what is considered 'good', people are essentially asked to sign off on a black box without a clear idea of what is being demanded, how much work it may entail, and in the end how worthwhile it even may be.

Surprisingly, that's not how things tend to play out in practice in industry, academia, and other organizations. A case in point is the proposed new Computer Science + AI Standards for pre-kindergarten to high school students assembled by a consortium of educators, tech-backed nonprofits, and tech industry advisors that aims to shape how CS+AI is taught in classrooms. A Friday morning LinkedIn post from the Computer Science Teachers Association reminds educators that they have 72 hours to "help us improve them [the standards] by reviewing and completing our feedback form by 9am ET on Monday, January 12."

Under development since 2023, the 247-page standards document is chock full of students-should-be-able-to pronouncements for all grade levels but offers no concrete examples of what that looks like in practice in terms of acceptable student deliverables or teacher lesson plans — e.g., "Students should be able to create a functional, rule-based AI for a Non-Playable Character (NPC) using programming or visual scripting. Students’ implementation must be based on a recognized AI method (e.g., finite-state machine, behavior tree)."

As Ross Perot once said, the devil is in the details. So, in a world where more and more people specialize in governance, risk, and compliance jobs that involve specifying mandates for others to comply with, shouldn't it be a red flag if they can't show real-world examples of how to satisfy those mandates? If you require it, shouldn't you be able to demonstrate it? Otherwise, doesn't it signal that the mandate hasn’t been validated? And open the door to being told “that’s not what I meant” for those left to guess at what was meant?

Submission + - The GeekWire Stories that Defined 2025 (Spoiler Alert: AI Dominated)

Submitted by theodp
theodp writes: In a year-end podcast, GeekWire looks back at the stories that defined 2025, with the "Most Popular" award going to Coding is dead: UW computer science program rethinks curriculum for the AI era.

Not too surprisingly, AI dominated 2025's headlines. Mandates from tech company leaders to use AI — but with no playbook on how — are creating worker stress, prompting one tech veteran to comment on the brutality of tech cycles: "The challenge, and opportunity for leadership, is whether the [AI] bets actually compound into something durable, or just become another slide deck for next year’s reorg."

GeekWire notes that Microsoft President Brad Smith offered his own evidence to investors that AI-is-real at Microsoft's Annual Shareholder Meeting in December, explaining that he asked Copilot’s Researcher Agent earlier in the day to produce a report on an issue from seven or eight years ago, and it generated a 25-page report with 100 citations that so wowed his colleagues that they clamored for him to share the prompt he used to produce it so they could all learn how to use AI more effectively. While Smith didn't share either the report or prompt in the webcast), the anecdote alone had his fellow Microsoft execs nodding and smiling in amazement (GeekWire couldn't resist wondering aloud how many of the recipients used their AI agents to summarize the 25-page report rather than having to actually read it).

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