Tech Explained: Here’s a simplified explanation of the latest technology update around Tech Explained: Maths Over Coding? AI Godfather Yann LeCun Explains What Skills Will Matter Most in AI Era in Simple Termsand what it means for users..
Yann LeCun, widely known as the “Godfather of AI,” has stirred discussion after joking that he is a computer science professor who argues against studying computer science. Speaking on The Information Bottleneck podcast, the NYU professor clarified that he is not discouraging students from pursuing computer science, but urging them to build strong academic foundations instead of chasing short-lived technology trends, drawing on his experience as both an academic and former chief AI scientist at Meta AI.
>Yann LeCun warned that as US Big Tech becomes increasingly closed, “the best open-source large language models today are coming from China,” a trend he sees as geopolitically concerning.
>He emphasized that the rapid progress of AI over the past decade was driven primarily by… pic.twitter.com/SuJnLHKse9
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In an interview with Business Insider, Yann LeCun warned that students who overload their schedules with courses tied to short-term tech trends risk limiting their future adaptability. He cautioned that without spending time wisely, computer science degrees may lose long-term value as technologies rapidly evolve.
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LeCun reiterated on the podcast that students should prioritise mathematics, modelling, and core engineering disciplines. He argued that subjects grounded in real-world problem-solving, such as electrical and mechanical engineering, offer stronger intellectual foundations than narrowly focused, trend-driven coursework.
Reflecting on his own academic path, LeCun noted that he began in electrical engineering in Paris before earning a PhD in computer science in 1987. He also pointed out differences in US curricula, observing that engineering students typically study advanced calculus, while some computer science students stop at basic calculus, which he sees as insufficient for sustained growth.
While LeCun acknowledged that programming remains essential, even as AI tools make coding easier, his central advice was to focus on “skills with a long shelf life.” His views align with similar messages from global tech leaders and serve as a reminder, especially for students in fast-growing tech hubs like India, that strong fundamentals may outlast fleeting technological trends.
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