How Perplexity is Challenging Google

🕵️ PD Intelligencer - Oct 5th 2024

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ONE BIG IDEA

How Perplexity is Challenging Google

Most AI models seem to work very similarly. For text-based AI, the experience tends to be chat based. You ask a question and the AI model responds.

Perplexity does this too but where it differs is in the output it produces. It almost produces a mini report with sources, summaries, and related information.

I searched for “What is the T3 Framework” and it returned several relevant sections: sources, a summary, an overview, relevant videos, its impact in education, some practical applications, and related ideas.

You can see how it might be the first AI model that can out Google, Google.

And with its basic user interface, it doesn’t require a lot of training. Just like Google.

How does it differ from other popular AI offerings like ChatGPT and Claude?

While ChatGPT and Claude are powerful language models capable of generating human-like text, Perplexity AI seems specifically designed for research purposes.

It focuses on providing accurate, well-sourced information from reputable sources, making it an ideal tool for research and fact-checking. 

Additionally, Perplexity AI's responses are concise and to-the-point, saving valuable time for educators and students alike.

How can it help a teacher in their Classroom?

Perplexity AI is a game-changer for teachers, offering a wealth of opportunities to enhance their teaching practices.

Teachers can use Perplexity AI in many different ways. Here are three:

• Conduct in-depth research for lesson planning, ensuring their content is up-to-date and backed by credible sources.
• Quickly summarize lengthy articles or research papers, streamlining the process of lesson preparation.
• Differentiate instruction by generating explanations and examples at varying complexity levels, catering to diverse learning needs.

How It Can Help Students in the Classroom?

Perplexity AI is not just a tool for teachers. It also empowers students to take an active role in their learning.

Here are are four ways students can use Perplexity AI in the classroom:

• Conduct reliable research for assignments and projects, ensuring they have access to accurate and well-sourced information.
• Develop critical thinking and fact-checking skills by verifying the credibility of sources cited by Perplexity AI.
• Engage in collaborative research projects, leveraging Perplexity AI to divide tasks and shre findings effectively.
• Explore topics of interest and connect curriculum concepts to real-world applications, fostering increased engagement and motivation.

Fun Classroom Activities Powered by Blooket

👀 Perplexity Scavanger Hunt

Divide students into teams and give them a list of clues or questions related to a topic you're studying. Teams must use Perplexity AI to find the answers and complete the scavenger hunt.

This encourages collaboration, research skills, and critical thinking as they evaluate the information provided by the AI.

📖 Perplexity Storytelling

Have students use Perplexity AI to research a historical event, famous person, or fictional setting. Then, challenge them to use the information gathered to craft an original story or narrative.

This activity promotes creativity, writing skills, and the ability to synthesize information from various sources.

📣 Perplexity Debate

Assign students to opposing sides of a controversial or debatable topic. They must use Perplexity AI to research and gather evidence to support their assigned position.

In class, hold a structured debate where students present their arguments and rebuttals, citing the information they found.

This activity fosters critical thinking, public speaking, and the ability to evaluate the credibility of sources.

How can it be used by non-teaching staff within a school district?

School district operations generally consume 25-40% of a school district's budget. There are lots of opportunities to increase efficiency.

The bigger opportunity is in increasing the efficacy of everyone at the district. This is how you give everyone in the district the thing they need the most: time.

Finance and Procurement

Perplexity AI can be used to streamline financial processes and improve procurement decisions.

The AI can assist in analyzing budget data, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and providing recommendations for efficient resource allocation.

Additionally, it can help evaluate vendor proposals, compare pricing, and ensure compliance with procurement regulations.

Security and Facilities Management

Perplexity AI can enhance security measures and facilities management within the district.

The AI can analyze security protocols, identify potential vulnerabilities, and recommend improvements.

It can also assist in optimizing facility maintenance schedules, predicting equipment failures, and suggesting energy-efficient solutions for buildings.

Human Resources

Perplexity AI can streamline various HR processes, such as recruitment, employee training, and performance evaluation.

The AI can help identify qualified candidates by analyzing resumes and job descriptions, provide personalized training recommendations based on individual needs, and offer data-driven insights for fair and objective performance evaluations.