T

he world is changing at a rapid pace, thanks to technology. And as we embrace these advancements, our workforces will experience significant changes. A few decades ago, it seemed impossible for robots to replace human jobs, but now it's a reality.

The recent Davos Annual Meeting by the World Economic Forum underscored the increasing significance of artificial intelligence (AI) in our global landscape. Hadi Partovi articulated insights on the crucial need to adapt to future requirements and the integration of AI in education.

As we continue to advance, a different narrative has emerged. The founder of code.org, Hadi Partovi, stated that the risk is not losing jobs to AI but to people who understand AI.

This blog post will explore how teaching our younger generation about AI could prepare them for a changing work landscape.

When people think about job losses due to AI, the risk isn't people losing their jobs to AI... it's losing their job to somebody else who knows how to use AI." — Hadi Partovi

According to an analysis conducted by the McKinsey Global Institute, 51% of job activities are highly susceptible to automation, and that's through the currently demonstrated technology alone.

That's why teaching young people AI knowledge is essential while equipping them with problem-solving, innovation, creativity, communication, and collaboration skills.

These skills are highly valued in the age of digitization. The world is a whole of internet misinformation, but by teaching kids about AI, they can distinguish between facts and falsehoods.

This type of digital education goes beyond just the basics; it's crucial to help them be productive and thrive in whatever workforce awaits them. 

Teaching kids AI doesn't mean we're replacing their teachers. It's augmenting their learning. Many educators and professionals see AI as providing additional tools to aid learning. 

Digitally fluent individuals can enhance the global workforce and economy. However, the public education system may need to do more to keep up with changing times. Many wonder if they are prepared to help their students enter the workforce.

Many changes must make the education system resilient in a changing technology landscape. Early implementation is preferable. So, why wait for the future of education when you can be at the forefront of change?

One of the crucial benefits of teaching AI today, especially among young generations, is introducing a mindset shift and encouraging innovation. Today's Students will form the backbone of future businesses, industries, and societies.

And as the workforce needs change, they must be able to adapt. Utilizing AI in classrooms and extracurricular activities and teaching students about practical applications teaches students to embrace change and think innovatively.

The skills they learn by incorporating AI into their studies will stay with them forever.

According to Partovi, Problem-solving, creative thinking, digital skills, and collaboration are in greater need every year yet still need to be taught in our schools. Even when schools teach digital skills, they focus on how to use technology – how to create a document or a presentation – rather than how to make technology. Some of the topics we teach today will no longer be essential in the 2030s.

  • Handwriting is increasingly obsolete.
  • Complex arithmetic is no longer done by hand.
  • The internet has replaced the need to memorize many basic facts.

He says schools must teach computer science as part of the core curriculum to prepare all students with the creative, collaborative and digital problem-solving skills of the future. Computer science is not just about coding. It is also about computational thinking, interface design, data analysis, machine learning, cybersecurity, networking and robotics. 

Our schools should teach the curriculum of the future, not just the curriculum of the past.- Hadi Partovi 

Preparing the next generation for the future means preparing them for a changed workforce. Our education system must grow when technology is evolving.

We must act now by incorporating AI in the curriculum and preparing our students for the tech-advanced world while maintaining focus on the ever-important interpersonal communication and collaboration skills.

According to Patrovi Coding is only one aspect of computer science. Along with coding, it encompasses computational thinking, designing interfaces, analyzing data, machine learning, ensuring cybersecurity, networking, and developing robotics.

Acquiring knowledge in computer science can foster creativity, ethical decision-making, problem-solving skills, and collaborative abilities.

These proficiencies are not just crucial for technical professions in developed countries, but are also highly valuable for all kinds of jobs in all economies.

 It's essential to consider how changes in how we work influence our schools' transformation. Preparing our young ones for the future of work is necessary—and educating them about AI is the first step.

The workforce is evolving, and we need to be ready, or we risk losing talent to the ever-changing workforce landscape.

Hadi Partovi is a prominent figure in the technology and education sectors, known for his entrepreneurial spirit, passion for computer science, and commitment to making digital skills accessible to everyone. Here's a summary of his achievements:

Code.org: This non-profit organization aims to make computer science education accessible to all students, particularly through their popular Hour of Code initiative.

Code.org's AI course is a free, self-paced learning resource that teaches students about the basics of artificial intelligence (AI). The course is designed for students in grades 6-12, but it can be adapted for a wider range of ages and skill levels.

Posted 
Jan 25, 2024
 in 
Skills For Future
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