Latest news with #AIeducation
Forbes
7 hours ago
- Forbes
Looking Under The Hood At The AI Education Task Force
Lindsey Witmer Collins is the Founder and CEO of WLCM App Studio, an award-winning software design and development agency. In April, a presidential directive ordered the creation of an Artificial Intelligence Education Task Force for the purposes of promoting AI literacy and proficiency in grades K-12. The policy includes 'comprehensive AI training for educators and fostering early exposure to AI concepts to develop an AI-ready workforce and the next generation of American AI innovators.' I'm an AI believer working in the development space. I constantly think, talk and write about how AI can improve products, streamline work and generally make life better. Yet I fear the tail is wagging the dog here, and I'm skeptical of this administration's attitude and intentions when it comes to education. Breaking Down The Initiative I find myself asking, 'For what?' Recall Steve Jobs's caution against prioritizing process over content: What you are doing is far more important than how you're doing it. AI is a how tool. The outcomes mentioned in this initiative are a bit slippery. It says nothing about improving literacy rates or fostering interest in STEM or whatever. What I get out of it is 'using AI to use AI better.' The imaginations of children do not need a technological intermediary to fulfill their potential. If you've ever seen children play or draw or build, the last thing you've thought is, 'AI could make this better.' I would argue that concepts of 'optimization' and 'efficiency' have no place in the realm of imagination. As far as critical thinking goes, writing is thinking. On this point, I suspect we've gone too far in analogizing AI's functions to human functions. LLMs don't 'think.' They tokenize language. They break down a phrase, feed it into a statistical model and regurgitate a series of words most likely to correlate with an appropriate response. These outputs aren't 'thoughts.' In humans, language is an extension of feelings, instincts, associations, ideas, knowledge, history. It is the vehicle that allows us to express what's inside us. The highest aim of education is to cultivate this interior soil. To inspire thinking and curiosity by exposing kids to new ideas, allowing them to grow toward their interests, like the stem of a vine follows the sun across a room. Writing is the mechanism that allows this pursuit. The best way to build critical thinkers is to engage in unassisted writing. The exercise of writing is to think about your own thinking, to put ideas into form and interrogate them. To follow the path of thought all the way to its essence, its truth. Your truth. Writing is necessary work, necessary friction. By doing it for them, AI robs children of the joy and the work of their imagination. This undermines the AI project, too. You can't have AI literacy without having regular literacy first. The president himself calls the Department of Education 'a big con job.' I'm skeptical of this task force being a good-faith move. For an education initiative, shouldn't someone specializing in education be leading it? Ironically, Education Secretary Linda McMahon does not have a background in education. She is the ex-wife and business partner of former WWE CEO Vince McMahon (Hulk Hogan voice: 'That's right brother!'). Again, tail wagging dog, I fear: The education system assisting the AI cause rather than AI assisting the educational cause. The directive makes space for 'public-private partnerships' to develop educational resources. Is it cynical to interpret this whole initiative as a way to funnel public money into AI companies? That's quite fast. When we talk about 'moving fast and breaking things' in the context of education, what or whom is being broken? There's no good answer. While AI has hugely reduced hallucinations, it's still not perfect. To deploy AI in our nation's classrooms, I'd expect the error rate to be the same as that of airplanes, or my car cranking when I turn the key. I'm down for this. Teachers are strapped for time, spending hours after the final bell grading the day's work, preparing the next day's lesson, attending staff meetings, communicating with parents, etc. Note that teachers already know how to do their jobs, and they learned without AI. This makes them well-equipped to use and apply AI to the areas where it can help them most. This truth applies to all jobs. I worry that AI will come with enterprise metrics of speed, efficiency and ROI. Obviously, we must have goals and outcomes, but we can't lose sight of what we're doing: empowering teachers to do more of what matters most. I hope AI isn't used on the grounds of culling teaching staff, increasing class sizes and generally exacerbating the problems teachers already struggle with. First Things First AI holds so much promise, but as miraculous as it is, it can't match the miracle of our inborn human machinery. Our imagination, our determination, our experiences and perspectives. Sure, AI can make things run smoother, faster and propel us to new destinations. But AI can't take the wheel. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Coin Geek
13 hours ago
- Business
- Coin Geek
OpenAI rolls out first international learning platform
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, has entered into a strategic agreement with the IndiaAI Mission to introduce OpenAI Academy in India. This marks the platform's first-ever international Academy chapter, and the formal start of OpenAI's education and artificial intelligence (AI) literacy programs in India. The South Asian nation currently represents the second-largest market for ChatGPT users, highlighting the country's growing interest in AI tools and applications. The collaboration aims to expand access to AI education and training across the country. The partnership underscores India's broader efforts to make advanced technologies more accessible and inclusive as part of its national AI development strategy. 'Together with IndiaAI, we're working to equip the next generation of students, developers, and mission-driven organizations with the tools and training they need to build responsibly with AI,' the company said. As part of the agreement, OpenAI will contribute a range of educational materials and resources to support IndiaAI's 'FutureSkills' initiative, as well as the iGOT Karmayogi platform, which is focused on upskilling civil servants. Additionally, OpenAI will offer up to $100,000 in application programming interface (API) credits to 50 fellows and startups selected under the IndiaAI Mission. The initiative seeks to make AI skills accessible to a broad audience nationwide by providing both online and offline training in English and eventually other regional languages. A key goal of the initiative is to train one million teachers in the practical use of generative AI technologies. OpenAI also plans to organize hackathons across seven Indian states, aiming to engage around 25,000 students. Jason K., Chief Strategy Officer at OpenAI, reportedly said, 'India is emerging as one of the most dynamic hubs for AI innovation. We are thrilled to collaborate with IndiaAI to empower individuals with the skills and confidence to harness AI meaningfully in their daily lives and careers.' 'As demand for AI professionals is expected to reach 1 million by 2026, there's a significant opportunity and a need to expand AI skills, development and make sure people from every part of India can participate and benefit,' he added. The initiative comes at a time when OpenAI is navigating a challenging legal landscape in India, where it is attempting to argue that Indian courts lack jurisdiction over its United States-based operations. This position is likely to face scrutiny, especially given past instances where similar arguments by platforms like Elon Musk's X have been unsuccessful, and tech companies have come under pressure from Indian authorities over regulatory compliance. OpenAI is embroiled in a legal dispute initiated by the Indian news agency ANI. The case centers on allegations that OpenAI used copyrighted content without authorization, intensifying the legal and regulatory challenges the company faces in one of its most important markets. Major shift in Sam Altman's India vision In February, OpenAI's chief executive, Sam Altman, held discussions with India's Minister for Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Ashwini Vaishnaw, to explore collaborative opportunities in building an affordable and accessible AI infrastructure in India. The talks focused on areas such as the development of AI models, production of graphics processing units (GPUs), and the creation of practical AI-driven applications tailored to India's needs. 'Had super cool discussion with Sam Altman on our strategy of creating the entire AI stack – GPUs, model, and apps. Willing to collaborate with India on all three,' Vaishnaw wrote on X after the discussions. Altman's India visit marked a notable change in his outlook compared to his statements in 2023, when he expressed skepticism about the ability of countries outside the United States to develop cutting-edge AI technologies. His recent engagement signals a recognition of India's growing influence in the global AI landscape and its potential to become a key contributor to the next wave of AI advancements. 'India is an incredibly important market for AI in general, for OpenAI in particular. It's our second-biggest market, and we have tripled our users here in the last year… The country has embraced AI technology and is building the entire stack, from chips to models and applications,' Altman had said in February. India's AI market to more than triple to $17 billion by 2027 Altman's change in outlook toward India is no coincidence—it mirrors the nation's fast-growing influence in the global technology arena. Thanks to its vast digital population and abundance of skilled engineers, India is increasingly seen as a center for innovation, real-world testing, and large-scale implementation of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence. As the world's second-largest online market, boasting over 900 million Internet users, India presents a powerful combination of widespread mobile connectivity and strong digital infrastructure. This makes the South Asian powerhouse an ideal environment for launching scalable, affordable AI innovations tailored to both local and global needs. According to a report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), India's domestic AI market is projected to more than triple to $17 billion by 2027, making it one of the fastest-growing AI economies globally. This momentum is fueled by rising enterprise tech investments, a thriving digital ecosystem, and a robust talent base. 'India already has 600,000+ AI professionals, with the number expected to double to 1.25 million by 2027. The country accounts for 16% of the global AI talent pool, second only to the United States, a reflection of both its demographic advantage and STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education pipeline,' the BCG report said. The supporting infrastructure is also evolving rapidly. By 2025, the world's most populous country is set to establish 45 new data centers, adding approximately 1,015 megawatts of capacity to its existing network of 152 facilities. India's startup landscape is evolving just as quickly. The country is now home to more than 4,500 AI-driven startups, with nearly 40% founded in the past three years, the BCG report said. These companies are bringing innovation to a wide range of industries, including healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and financial services. Many of them are tackling unique Indian problems through AI-based solutions, which are increasingly gaining relevance on a global scale. 'With its talent, scale, infrastructure, and policy tailwinds, India is not just poised to adopt AI, it is positioned to help define how AI shapes the global economy,' the BCG report pointed out. In March 2024, the Indian government approved a funding package of approximately $1.24 billion for the IndiaAI Mission, to be implemented over a five-year period. This significant investment is designed to accelerate the country's AI ecosystem, drive innovation, and support entrepreneurial ventures. According to the Union Cabinet—the country's highest policy-making authority—the initiative is expected to benefit the public and stimulate economic growth at the grassroots level. The IndiaAI Mission envisions the creation of a robust, inclusive AI ecosystem by addressing key areas such as equitable access to computing power, improved data quality, development of homegrown AI technologies, and fostering a skilled talent pool. It also aims to facilitate collaboration between academia and industry, support startups through risk capital, encourage socially beneficial AI applications, and uphold ethical standards in AI development. These goals are being pursued under seven foundational pillars that guide the Mission's framework. As part of its strategy, the Mission is building a scalable AI computing infrastructure tailored to the needs of India's expanding AI research and startup landscape. This includes setting up an advanced AI compute system equipped with over 18,000 GPUs, made possible through public-private partnerships. Eligible users will be able to access these computing resources at 40% reduced cost under the scheme, significantly lowering barriers to AI development and experimentation. In order for artificial intelligence (AI) to work right within the law and thrive in the face of growing challenges, it needs to integrate an enterprise blockchain system that ensures data input quality and ownership—allowing it to keep data safe while also guaranteeing the immutability of data. Check out CoinGeek's coverage on this emerging tech to learn more why Enterprise blockchain will be the backbone of AI . Watch: India posed to become leaders in Web3 title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="">
Tahawul Tech
2 days ago
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
UAE sets pace in GenAI-powered upskilling and inclusive digital transformation
The UAE's 344% surge in GenAI course enrollments signals more than a trend—it marks a turning point in how nations prepare for an AI-first future. At the forefront of this shift is Coursera, whose data-driven approach to talent development is helping enterprises, governments, and individuals build future-ready capabilities at scale. In this exclusive interview, Kais Zribi, General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at Coursera, spoke to Sandhya D'Mello, Technology Editor, CPI Media Group, shedding light on the evolving skilling landscape, the UAE's leadership in AI maturity, and the steps being taken to bridge gender gaps in emerging tech sectors. Interview Excerpts: How do you see the UAE's remarkable 344% growth in GenAI enrollments shaping enterprise workforce strategies across the region? Are similar trends emerging in other key markets? The UAE's 344% growth in GenAI enrollments reflects a profound shift in how enterprises across the region are preparing their workforces for the future. This surge signals that AI fluency is no longer optional, it's essential for innovation, competitiveness, and long-term resilience. Employers are rethinking talent development strategies by embedding AI and GenAI skills into upskilling roadmaps and treating them as foundational capabilities. This aligns closely with digital transformation agendas, as governments invest in human capital to power AI-driven economies. Similar trends are emerging across the region. In Saudi Arabia and Qatar, GenAI enrollments have grown by 165% and 194% respectively, supported by bold national AI strategies and talent development initiatives. 'Organisations are accelerating investments in job-relevant, scalable learning to address urgent talent gaps and build agile, innovation-ready teams.' Globally, GenAI is Coursera's fastest-growing skill category. In 2025 alone, over 12 learners enroll in GenAI courses every minute, and we now offer nearly 700 courses. By delivering high-quality, localised content at scale, Coursera is helping enterprises across the UAE and the broader region upskill rapidly and stay ahead of technological disruption. What role do Coursera's enterprise partnerships play in helping businesses close skill gaps and build future-ready talent pipelines? Coursera's enterprise partnerships are helping organisations across the UAE respond to surging demand for AI, data, and tech skills. As the majority of employers prioritise these capabilities, the need for targeted, scalable upskilling has become critical. Through flexible, curated learning pathways, supported by localised content and AI-powered tools, Coursera enables public and private sector organisations to accelerate talent development and prepare their workforces for the AI era. Our Global Skills Report shows that more than 13% of the UAE's labor force is actively learning on Coursera, highlighting strong digital engagement. Globally, 94% of employers say they're more likely to hire candidates with GenAI credentials, underscoring the growing demand for skills that Coursera's enterprise solutions are designed to deliver. This aligns with what we see in the UAE, where employers increasingly value industry-aligned credentials that demonstrate job-readiness in key fields. Our partnerships extend beyond content delivery. Coursera works closely with enterprises to design upskilling programs aligned to business goals, from accelerating AI adoption to building data-literate teams. Coursera's platform enables organisations to build structured, job-relevant learning programs that support continuous upskilling, track progress at scale, and help retain talent. By equipping teams with in-demand skills, businesses can respond more effectively to disruption, remain competitive, and strengthen internal mobility. What lessons can other countries in the region learn from the UAE's approach to scaling AI learning and infrastructure? The UAE's top ranking on Coursera's AI Maturity Index highlights a holistic and forward-looking strategy that offers a blueprint for other countries in the region. The country's approach combines investments in infrastructure, education, and regulatory agility. From mandating AI education in public schools to launching initiatives like the 5GW AI Campus, the UAE is embedding AI learning across all levels, creating a steady pipeline of talent ready to lead in an AI-first world. At the same time, the UAE fosters a vibrant ecosystem, attracting global capital such as the US$100 billion MGX fund, and advancing public-private collaboration. Agile governance and progressive regulation support responsible progress and accelerate AI adoption. Other countries can draw on these lessons: align education with national strategies, mobilise investment in tech infrastructure, and establish inclusive, visionary policies that enable both access and innovation. The UAE's success illustrates how coordinated action between government, industry, and higher education institutions can drive meaningful progress. At Coursera, we believe that such multi-stakeholder collaboration is essential to delivering high-quality learning that equips citizens for the jobs of tomorrow. By prioritising human capital development alongside technological infrastructure, countries can accelerate their journey toward a competitive, inclusive digital economy. How is Coursera working with enterprises and governments to advance women's participation in AI and STEM across the region? While the UAE has made strong progress in digital transformation, Coursera's Global Skills Report highlights persistent gender gaps in emerging tech fields. While women account for 32% of Coursera learners in the UAE, only 24% of them are enrolled in STEM and 21% in GenAI courses. 'Regionally, women make up 35% of learners across MENA, but just 31% of them are in STEM and 24% in GenAI, signaling a clear need for more inclusive access.' To help address this, Coursera is working closely with public and private sector partners to expand women's participation in AI and STEM. Beyond scalable learning, we're also convening ecosystem players across the region to tackle structural barriers and surface shared solutions, including through initiatives like the Coursera Women Leadership Summit MEA, which brings together regional stakeholders, global educators like Dr. Barbara Oakley, and prominent female leaders to spotlight pathways for women in emerging tech. Building on these efforts, our research, highlighted in the Closing the Gender Gap in GenAI Skills playbook, identifies key barriers such as time constraints and perceptions around career relevance that continue to limit women's engagement. We're responding with flexible, self-paced learning, modular content, and AI-powered coaching to support diverse learning needs. Overcoming these challenges also requires tailored messaging, clear career pathways, and equitable learning environments. That's why we're working with governments, universities, and industry partners to expand access to GenAI content and professional certificates, and to showcase how these skills translate into meaningful careers. Our interdisciplinary GenAI courses highlight real-world applications across sectors, helping shift perceptions and boost engagement among women. Industry micro-credentials offer more accessible, affordable routes to job readiness, allowing women to demonstrate their skills and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving workforce. By embedding equity into course design, showcasing diverse role models, and leveraging strategic partnerships, we aim to make tech careers more accessible and aspirational for women. Increasing women's participation in tech not only drives equity but also unlocks new perspectives and innovation, fueling a more inclusive digital future.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
AI First? Make Sure Your People Understand It First
AI: Educate first. getty AI-first thinking doesn't just spring out of a vacuum. Leaders and employees need to adopt an AI-first mindset that prepares everyone for the changes ahead. This makes training and education about AI more important than anything – and where any AI-first efforts are most likely to get bogged down. Among students, 65% say they had not had the opportunity to take an AI-specific or AI-inclusive courses at their universities, according to a student-run survey published in EdTech. Only three percent felt very confident that their education would help them secure a job in a field involving AI. AI education is still lacking for current employees as well. While the percentage of workers using AI for their jobs increased from eight percent in 2023 to more than one-third (35%) as of this spring, only 31% said their employer-provided training on AI tools, according to a survey released by Jobs for the Future. In addition, AI use appears to an individual endeavor, with a majority (60%) reporting using AI primarily for self-directed learning. The importance of education and training to prepare organizations for an AI future is emphasized by Adam Brotman and Andy Sack, in their latest book, AI First: The Playbook for a Future-Proof Business and Brand. An AI-first policy cannot move forward without education and training, said Brotman, former chief digital officer at Starbucks, and Sack, former adviser to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. 'An AI-first mindset requires a commitment to ongoing education about AI technologies and their potential applications," they wrote. "It encourages experimentation and learning from both successes and failures, ensuring that teams stay ahead of technology advancements.' Such programs should begin with programs 'to build proficiency across the organization. These programs should cover AI basics, applications, and potential impacts on various business functions.' Ultimately, AI education and training smooths the way for 'proper governance and process for scaling AI within your company," they added. "You can't effectively advise the company on an appropriate AI use policy or help prioritize potential AI pilots if you don't have a basic understanding of how the foundational AI systems work, versus still needing to improve, or the variety of capabilities and workflows that stem from AI." Brotman and Slack outline the progression for both individuals and their organizations – from experimenting with AI to building an AI-first culture: Notably, an AI-first mindset also borrows from the 'lean' approach to management, emphasizing 'continuous improvement and innovations by building products that customers want through interactive cycles of build, measure, and learning,' Brotman and Slack pointed out. AI-first lean thinking 'starts with identifying the core problem that needs solving and developing a minimum viable product to test hypotheses. Lean thinking is about reducing waste in processes, understanding customer needs through direct feedback, and pivoting strategies based on data and insights.'
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Science
- RNZ News
Number of students studying for Master's in AI triples at Auckland University
Students learning about Artificial Intelligence in a Master's programme at the University of Auckland during a 'hackathon'. Photo: Supplied The head of a university course offering a masters degree in Artificial Intelligence says student numbers have more than tripled since it began last year. Dr Thomas Lacombe, the director of Auckland University's Master of Artificial Intelligence programme, said about 30 students took part in 2024 and this year's cohort was around 100. Most came from a science background, but there were students from other disciplines, and around 10 to 15 were professional people. "[They] are currently working, some of them full-time, and taking the programme to upskill in AI as part of their career." Most New Zealand universities now offered AI-related degrees and courses. Auckland's Masters programme included technical learning, ethics, academic research, and applying AI within business. Lacombe said it was "tricky" to guess where students would end up working. "A lot of the jobs are being created right now, or they are evolving. Most of the students from the first course are only graduating now," he said. "But it can lead to jobs around AI machine learning engineering. It can be students working for companies who are developing new AI tools or new AI algorithms. "A lot of students could go into jobs where they are applying AI in a specific domain, to solve problems. I think this will have the most impact in industry." Other students would follow an academic pathway, he added. "So, researching AI, perhaps by doing a PhD." Earlier this month, the students took part in a "weekend hackathon" collaborating in small groups to design and develop AI tools to address "real-world challenges" facing researchers and universities. One included helping researchers apply for grants by helping them fill out forms more efficiently, and more effectively, giving them a better chance of being selected. Nick Kearns, of the university's Research and Innovation Office, said the university would look at supporting the students to develop the tools. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
