As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly evolves, with machines becoming increasingly skilled at tasks like coding, there’s a common assumption that humans may soon be sidelined in favor of technology. However, Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the leading figures in tech, argues that this isn’t the case.
Despite the growing capabilities of AI-powered systems, Gates insists that humans still need to grasp the fundamentals of mathematics and coding. In a recent interview with Axios, he explained why these foundational skills are more critical than ever, especially for those looking to understand and interact fully with AI technology.
Why human skills matter
Gates compared learning coding to mastering multiplication, even though computers are highly efficient at both tasks. He explained that while AI can handle specific tasks, it’s essential for humans to deeply understand the concepts behind them, such as numbers and algorithms.
He said that you must engage with them regularly if you want to understand multiplication or how numbers work. This foundational understanding is equally vital for working with AI, even though many technical tasks can now be automated.
Maths is the key to understanding AI.
For Gates, the bedrock of understanding AI is rooted in mathematics. He expressed concern that programmers without a strong mathematical foundation may struggle to grasp the more profound concepts behind the technologies they work with.
Gates stated that understanding the “innards” of AI helps people make sense of its sometimes baffling behaviors—why it can appear incredibly intelligent at times and surprisingly off-track at others. As AI continues to evolve, Gates believes that grasping these underlying principles will become even more critical as the technology grows increasingly sophisticated and unpredictable.
AI’s role in education: Rethinking assessment
In addition to its impact on the workforce, Gates also discussed AI’s influence on education. While he acknowledged that AI could disrupt traditional methods of assessing learning, he suggested that alternative approaches could provide more meaningful measurements.
He referenced educational innovator Sal Khan, who proposed that students submit logs of their AI interactions rather than just their final work, enabling teachers to gauge the student’s involvement better. Gates also highlighted the importance of testing students without the aid of AI, ensuring they truly understand the material.
Preparing students for the future
Finally, Gates rejected banning AI in schools, arguing that such an approach would be counterproductive and unrealistic. He pointed out that in the future, students will inevitably encounter AI in the workplace, making it essential to become familiar with the technology early on.
Gates believes that embracing AI in education will help prepare students for the rapidly evolving job market and equip them with the skills needed to thrive in a world increasingly shaped by AI.
