Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that enables computers and robots to perform tasks requiring intelligence. AI can write anything with a single prompt, recommend music or movies, drive cars, and recognize faces. Experts predict that in the coming years AI will be used in even more aspects of people’s lives. What do you think an AI powered world will look like?
In a webinar hosted by ed-tech company Memrise on April 13, 2023, five technology leaders discussed how artificial intelligence will likely change what students will need to learn in the future. The panelists were:
- Ben Whately, co-founder and chief strategy officer of the language learning platform Memrise
- Patricia Scanlon, founder and executive chair of SoapBox Labs, which develops voice recognition software for children
- Sarah Touzani, CEO and co-founder of Waggle, an AI co-pilot for managers
- Raza Habib, CEO and co-founder of Humanloop, which develops tools to make it easier for companies to adopt AI technology
- Josh Wöhle, CEO and co-founder of the online learning platform Mindstone
AI is becoming increasingly influential and is already changing the world. In fact, all five of the tech companies listed above use AI in their products and services!
Josh Wöhle, CEO and co-founder of Mindstone, said that students will need to focus on honing their soft skills, or interpersonal attributes, to prepare for future jobs in an AI powered world.
“The evolution of software engineering in the last 15 years can give us a window to understand what the evolution in other knowledge-intensive disciplines might look like in the next two or three [years],” he said.
Wöhle explained that in the early years of software engineering, someone’s ability to code granted them higher status in the job market. But now, the ability to code isn’t even in the top five skills that chief technology officers are looking for.
Today, the top three skills that companies are looking for when they’re hiring software engineers are: 1.) the ability to learn; 2.) the ability to problem solve; and 3.) the ability to collaborate.
“As we move towards a world where we have all of these [AI] tools, those are some of the core skills that will enable you to differentiate yourself in the workplace,” Wöhle said.
The process of STEM education requires students to problem solve, collaborate, and combine knowledge from different fields. Hence, incorporating AI lessons into STEM is worthwhile for learning these skills in an AI powered world.
Full Story: Education Week (4/18)
STEM Activity
Imagine Ways that Artificial Intelligence Could Change the World
AI is all around us, and it’s changing our world—often for the better, but sometimes with unintended consequences. In this STEM activity, you will imagine and explore the potential benefits and dangers of an artificial intelligence solution that you imagine in an AI powered world. Click on the link below to get started:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/stem-activities/subjects/artificial-intelligence