• Schools need to incorporate AI into the curriculum says Techways.online.
• The digital education provider says that a holistic approach to AI education can help prepare learners for a range of careers.
• Techways offers AI courses and workshops for learners, teachers and parents.

Much like cryptocurrency, NFTs, and the metaverse, there is a lot of hype around the billion dollar industry of artificial intelligence.

However, AI’s place in the overall technology space is a point of contention for many with some even pointing to the fact that despite billions in investment, the profits from AI are yet to come to fruition. While there are use cases for the technology, most people simply don’t have a use for it beyond making chatbots better or ironing out operational inefficiencies. There has also been talk of late that the AI bubble is about to pop.

This morning, we received comment from Techways.online, an education provider that focuses on helping learners understand things like cybersecurity, data science, game development and, of course, AI. That comment opened with the rather emotive subject that local schools are failing learners by not incorporating AI into the curriculum.

That’s a big claim to make but it does have merit. Education has often lagged behind the times and given the rate at which technology develops, this is bad news for learners who graduate into a world where their skills and knowledge are outdated.

AI as we know it today seems rather new but it isn’t. In fact, machine learning and AI have been staples of the tech world for the better part of a decade if not longer. AI is what helps Google Maps inform you there is increased traffic on the N1 in the morning, it’s how Facebook and other social media platforms create timelines. Even chatbots have existed for a long time but the rate at which the technology has improved means that those chatbots – and other ML and AI solutions – are more advanced than they’ve ever been.

While AI as we know it today (ChatGPT, Midjourney, Udio etc.) may be a flash in the pan, the underlying technology isn’t. The ability to parse large chunks of data quickly is incredibly valuable and OpenAI or not, it holds immense value for businesses.

As such, organisations such as Techways.online are important as they expose school learners to emerging technology, technology that could form part of their career in the future.

The company works with schools to expose learners to AI. Rather than needing to hire a teacher with AI teaching experience, a school can simply outsource its AI education to Techways.online. The company helps align AI education with assessment guidelines while also helping them navigate the risks associated with the technology. Teachers can also be trained through Techways.online.

“We understand that every school has particular needs,” explains Techways.online founder Joanne Brink. “Our tailored approach helps schools develop comprehensive AI strategies, address potential challenges, and create engaging learning experiences for students and teachers.”

Speaking with the founder about the so-called AI bubble and whether it bursting would upend efforts to embolden learners with AI education.

“The ‘AI bubble’ concept raises an interesting point. At TechWays, we advocate for a measured approach, focusing on responsible AI implementation in education,” Brink tells us.

“Our goal is to equip students and teachers with the knowledge and skills to navigate the evolving landscape of AI, not simply chase trends. Even if the hype around AI cools, the ability to understand, utilise, and adapt to new technologies like AI is becoming crucial across all industries.”

This is an excellent approach to AI education. By focusing on developing skills that can be applied to other areas of technology, not solely AI, learners are sure to be equipped to carve out a career in the digital landscape, no matter what the tech du jour is in the future.

What’s more is that Techways.online partners with AI for Schools to conduct introductory workshops for both learners, teachers and parents to give them a better idea of whether AI is a good path to pursue.

“We urge South African schools to take a proactive approach to AI education,” adds Brink. “By partnering with TechWays, schools can become leaders in AI education and prepare their students for a successful future.”

Techways.online has priced its AI course for students rather affordably. For example, an AI course for students which is comprised of 27 lessons costs R366. You can find out more about all the AI courses offered here.

Bubble or not, its good to see organisations like Techways.online exposing learners to emerging technologies and helping them learn what options await them when they leave school.

[Image – Supplied]