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Learning vs. Memorizing: How AI Really 'Thinks'

Writer's picture: Joy MoralesJoy Morales

Updated: Nov 21, 2024


Remember cramming for exams in school? Memorizing facts and figures only to forget them a week later? That's not learning – that's memorization. Today, many schools still struggle with this distinction, often focusing on memorization for the next big test rather than true learning.

This same challenge perfectly mirrors the world of AI and how it can transform your business.


The Brain vs. The Filing Cabinet

Think about your own learning process. When you truly learn something, you don't just store information – you understand patterns, make connections, and can apply knowledge to new situations. This is where modern AI shines, and its way more exciting than a super-powered filing cabinet.


Modern AI tools don't just memorize data; they discover patterns, recognize trends, and adapt to new information. It's the difference between a student who memorizes multiplication tables and one who understands the underlying principles of multiplication. Both can give you answers, but only one can solve new problems creatively.


Teaching AI to Fish

You know the old saying: "Give someone a fish, they eat for a day. Teach them to fish, they eat for a lifetime"? Well, traditional software is like giving a computer fish, it can only work with what is explicitly given. Modern AI is like teaching a computer to fish, it learns the principles and can adapt to different situations.


Tools like IBM Watson, Azure Machine Learning, and Salesforce Einstein don't just store information; they learn from it. They're constantly analyzing patterns, identifying relationships, and getting smarter with each interaction. It's like having a student who never gets tired of learning and can process millions of lessons simultaneously.


The Continuous Learning Loop

Unlike memorization, which has a clear endpoint (you've either memorized something or you haven't), learning is continuous. Modern AI systems, like the human brain, are constantly evolving. They take in new information, adjust their understanding, and refine their responses.

Think of it like learning a language. You don't just memorize a phrasebook and become fluent – you learn patterns, practice in different contexts, and gradually improve your understanding. AI does the same thing, just at a much faster pace and with much more data.


Embracing the Learning Mindset

The key to successful AI implementation isn't about having the biggest database or the most powerful processors, it's about fostering a learning environment. Just as students thrive in classrooms that encourage curiosity and exploration, AI systems perform best when they're set up to learn and adapt.


Stay current with AI developments through channels like Your AI Wizards AI In Brew on YouTube, engage with AI communities, and remember: the goal isn't to have AI that knows everything, but AI that can learn anything.


The AI Learning Toolbox

Today's AI learning tools are like having different types of teachers for different subjects:


IBM Watson: The analytical professor who excels at finding patterns in complex data. The cost for IBM Watson Assistant starts at $140/month for the Plus plan.


Salesforce Einstein: The sales mentor who understands customer behavior. Pricing for Salesforce Einstein varies based on the Salesforce edition and additional features used.


Microsoft Power Automate: The efficiency expert who streamlines processes. It offers a free tier, and pricing for premium features starts at $50/month.


Zendesk: The customer service guru who gets better with every conversation. Pricing for Zendesk varies based on the plan and features used.


Insycle: The librarian who keeps all your data organized and accessible. The entry-level price for Insycle starts at just $1.00/month.


Azure Machine Learning: Microsoft's Azure Machine Learning offers a range of tools for building, training, and deploying machine learning models. Pricing starts at $200/month.


See how we sometimes misuse and misunderstand words, and also AI theories read: When Words (and AI) Get Lost in Translation.


Discover why calling it "synthetic" instead of "artificial" intelligence changes everything about how we understand and use AI in business read: Changing From ‘Artificial' to 'Synthetic'.



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