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Journalism of Courage
— Arun Prakash
The development of new-age technologies is driving the general development of the 21st century. This has led to the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is being considered one of the most significant technological advancements.
While still at its nascent stage, AI promises to streamline how even menial tasks are perceived while adding its innovative flair to reduce time, effort and the overall challenge. AI is being implemented in every aspect of our lives, from electrical gadgets/appliances to creative tasks to automate effort while reducing error. However, a significant barrier to the complete adoption of AI has been the lack of awareness regarding its usage, as the majority of the global population has little understanding of how to use its computing prowess to align it with their regular tasks in personal and professional capacities.
This is why global education systems are steadily integrating AI and machine learning in their curriculums. These curriculums have been designed to focus on assisting young students to become familiar with GenAI and its various aspects. This helps school students to grow an innovative mindset from a young age, which stands to benefit them by completing crucial tasks later in their personal and professional lives.
While schools are slowly warming up to the idea of introducing progressive courses like AI in its curriculums, some EdTech platforms have identified this gap and have adopted a proactive approach to address this change. These introductory courses offer basic knowledge about GenAI modules, machine learning, Language Learning Models (LLMs) and a practical understanding of their usage. Furthermore, slightly advanced courses are also available in the digital domain for interested school students, where they can garner a more profound understanding of working with AI, its components and the intricate engineering behind it. Let’s take a look at some of these courses.
To the uninitiated, the term Machine Learning refers to a critical component of AI and computer science focusing on utilising data and intricate algorithms to enable artificial intelligence models to mimic the process of human learning. In simpler words, Machine Learning constitutes the process which is used by us to learn a new skill and integrate it with AI models.
Indian school students looking to pursue higher studies in the field of artificial intelligence can join introductory courses such as Introduction to Machine Learning and Practical Machine Learning, offered by several EdTech platforms, from the comfort of their homes and languages. These courses are designed by subject-matter experts and industry veterans to offer a basic understanding of fundamental concepts, basic algorithms, and hands-on coding experience. Students can garner critical skills like analysing crucial data and introducing themselves to build LLMs while making predictions without requiring programming assistance. These courses are often self-paced to cater to individual learning curvature, and students also become subject to certifications once they finish them.
To introduce AI and its intricacies to school students, educationists suggest adopting a generalist approach. The primary reason behind this is that it is predicted that everyone will have to use some form of GenAI as part of their tasks. The objective is to equip school goers with sufficient knowledge to handle AI models and effectively use them. This is why EdTech platforms offer introductory AI courses that are designed for students of all ages, irrespective of their apprehension to new-age technologies.
Introductory courses in artificial intelligence include basic ChatGPT courses, Virtual AI assistant courses that are powered by GPT3 API and basic Python. The highlight of these courses is to teach basic NLP architecture that powers ChatGPT and introduce effective prompts to draft streamlined content and coding materials. This also empowers school students by teaching them to access AI chatbots like ChatGPT and enhance their potential to effectively align it to their daily tasks. These courses are also coupled with demo projects that help students use their knowledge firsthand to enhance the learning experience.
The foundation of AI, Machine Learning and in general, Computer Science, lies within programming and Python is one of the most sought-after programming languages today. However, courses related to these remain slightly more advanced than the apprehension power of the majority of school students. However, school goers who are almost at the end of their junior academic journey and are interested in pursuing Computer Science degrees can enrol themselves in introductory courses in Python and other programming languages. Several EdTech platforms in India offer courses that teach programming fundamentals to the uninitiated, along with basic introductions to Python. These courses are designed to assist students in learning algorithmic thinking and object-oriented designs in their skill set, equipping them with adequate knowledge before deciding to pursue a detail-oriented degree.
Conventional education is undergoing rapid transformation in India and abroad, as innovation and upskilling are taking center stage. Similar thoughts have been echoed in the National Educational Policy (NEP) in India, and a growing emphasis on learning coding, AI and other technological aspects among new-age students is taking precedence in curriculums. As technology development continues, school students will also be subject to increased focus on learning era appropriate skills and knowledge in classrooms, and that is not far away.
(The author is the founder and CEO of GUVI )
