Education Sec Confuses AI With Steak Sauce?

During a panel at the ASU+GSV Summit, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon raised eyebrows by repeatedly referring to Artificial Intelligence as “A1,” reminiscent of the popular steak sauce.

The summit, focused on the impact of AI on learning, saw McMahon discussing the integration of technology in education. However, her pronunciation of “AI” as “A1” created a memorable moment.

“You know, A1 development — I mean, how can we educate at the speed of light if we don’t have the best technology around to do that?” she stated, further adding, “I heard that there was a school system that’s going to start making sure that first graders, or even pre-Ks, have A1 teaching in every year, starting that far down in the grades. That’s a wonderful thing!”

Initially, McMahon correctly used the term “AI” before lapsing into the “A1” substitution. She said “It wasn’t all that long ago that it was, ‘We’re going to have internet in our schools!’ Now let’s see A1, and how can that be helpful.”

The slip-up drew comparisons to a sports figure mistaking Major League Baseball for the “NFL,” highlighting the ubiquity of the “AI” acronym in today’s tech landscape.

While acknowledging that everyone is prone to occasional misstatements, the error felt particularly notable given McMahon’s position as Secretary of Education.

Keywords: AI, Artificial Intelligence, Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, ASU+GSV Summit, Education Technology, A1 Steak Sauce, Education Policy