With technology advancing at a breakneck pace, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a key player in shaping the future of various industries, bringing both opportunities and challenges. In this AI-driven world, students can develop innovative thinking and enhance their problem-solving skills by learning about AI. This knowledge not only supports their studies but also expands their understanding, making them more competitive and better prepared for future careers.
In recent years, primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong have started incorporating AI into their curricula, helping students grasp cutting-edge technologies. Christine Choi, the Secretary for Education, recently announced in the Legislative Council that the Education Bureau is developing AI curriculum units for junior secondary schools and enhancing programming education for upper primary students. This initiative aims to help students understand and apply the latest developments in technology and innovation.
Learning AI helps students cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to solve complex problems. These skills are essential for success in the 21st century and can also enhance learning in other subjects. Instead of shying away from AI, it’s better to equip ourselves early. Here are four ways to self-learn AI and boost your competitiveness:
1. Online Self-Learning Courses
There are many free and paid online courses available, complete with presentations, videos, and notes that dive deep into different AI models and case studies. Once you have a solid foundation, consider tackling university-level courses to experience the academic environment ahead of time. Several online platforms collaborate with foreign universities to offer courses where students can watch pre-recorded lectures and earn certificates after completing assessments.
2. Supplementary Reading
Besides online courses, there’s a wealth of AI reference books available, such as "The AI Generation and Our Future," co-authored by a former U.S. Secretary of State, the former CEO of Google, and the first dean of MIT’s School of Computing. Another great read is An AI Course for Middle School Students: The Future Talent Needs of AI Ecosystems (《寫給中學生看的AI課——AI生態系需要文理兼具的未來人才》)," which explores AI development, trends, and its impact on our lives and careers, helping readers develop an "AI mindset."
3. Competitions and Practical Experience
Both theory and practical application in technology are crucial. Competitions can ignite participants' motivation to learn and increase their interest in AI, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. For example, the recent Master Code 2022/23’ Competition: Envisage the Climate Blueprint with AI invited organizations like Microsoft and WWF to provide climate data, enabling students to create AI tools for reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.
4. Experience and Internship Programs
Want to dive into a university-like atmosphere early? Many institutions now offer workshops specifically for students, led by university professors, where participants can engage in hands-on training with deep learning models. You might even have the chance to join university research teams, collaborating with experts to design and develop smart city systems, gaining real-world experience with AI technology.
As the field of AI continues to evolve, it’s important to stay curious and pursue new knowledge and skills in this area. The Education Bureau will continue to support students in self-learning, enhancing their ability to apply information technology and prepare for the future. In November, they will host an online workshop for students as part of the Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence Online Workshop & Self-learning Courses, so stay tuned for updates!