Graduation season is upon us. The caps and gowns. The pomp and circumstance. Parents waiting for hours just to hear their child’s name called. But what if their name is never called even though they are on the program? This recently happened at a graduation in Arizona. Why? Well, there was an AI announcer that malfunctioned. Let’s chat.
So how was AI used during the graduation?
The Glendale Community College utilized an AI name reader to announce graduates’ names as they crossed the stage and accepted their degrees.
Why would a college need AI to call names?
These types of systems are increasingly becoming an option as students can individually tell the system exactly how to pronounce their name.
Also, an AI announcer wouldn’t get tired and need a break.
What mistake did the AI announcer make at the graduation?
The system made mistakes by mispronouncing some names, calling wrong names, and entirely skipping others.
How was this handled?
Officials had to pause the ceremony two times to try and reset the system. At first, graduates, who suffered from the errors, were told they would not be able to recross the stage. However, later they were allowed to recross with their names called by a human announcer.
So what software was messing up the names?
I’m not sure which software Glendale Community Collegeused at the ceremony, but there are several option available to colleges and universities for graduations. Name pronunciation software powered by AI include NameCheck by StageClip, Namecoach, NameShouts, SayMyName, and Tassel.
My Take
If universities are insistent that students not use AI for coursework, is it ok for universities to rely on an AI system for this purpose? Graduation is an important day for many families. Shouldn’t the human touch and voice be there for the ceremony? I think more colleges and universities will get push back on these types of systems. It seems a number of graduates were left with a bad impression of their important day.
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