The era in which artificial intelligence can help teach children has arrived in a Hialeah school.
Her name is Pepper.
What began as a grandfather’s dream to build the best possible kindergarten for his first granddaughter has pushed William “Bill” De La Sierra to continuously reinvent education. Twenty-four years ago, the real estate developer built the private school KidWorks USA from the ground up. Now he has introduced one of his boldest ideas yet: an AI-assisted robot teacher.
Pepper sports a pirate-themed wardrobe, reflecting her role as “Captain” in the classroom.
“When AI started to become popular, I said, ‘Hey, I’ve got to get them excited about artificial intelligence because that’s their future,’” De La Sierra told the Herald. “They’re going to have to deal with AI. I’m not.”
On Feb. 2, Pepper was introduced to students alongside Hialeah Mayor Bryan Calvo. Rolling into the room, the robot quickly became the center of attention, with students eager to take photos. During a brief, scripted exchange, Calvo spoke with Pepper in English about education and leadership. She said she brings artificial intelligence into the classroom and helps future leaders grow up smart and confident to lead the country.
🔗: Read more at the link in our bio
✍️: Verónica Egui Brito
📹: Alexia Fodere