More than half of Australians are worried today’s school students are not being taught enough about artificial intelligence (AI), according to research commissioned by TDM Foundation.
These concerns may be well founded, with demand for people with sophisticated tech skills growing exponentially in Australia, but there remains a marked shortage in talent.
Current predictions state that up to 25-46 percent of existing jobs will become automated and tech focussed by 2030, and one million new digitech jobs will be created over the next 5 years. Yet Australia is only seeing 7,000 students leave university each year with the appropriate skills to take on careers in technology.
Younger age groups reported the highest levels of concern that not enough was being taught on AI in classrooms with 75 percent of 18 -24 closely followed by 65 percent of 25-35 year olds, worried.
There are similar degrees of sentiments too that Australia is falling behind in its development of AI compared to other countries, with 78 percent of 18-24 year olds feeling concerned the country is not as progressed, this drops substantially in older age brackets, with only 38 percent of those aged over 65 year olds reporting the same.
Addressing this opportunity to boost Australia’s capability in tech and specifically artificial intelligence, a consortium of Australian organisations and world renowned tech leaders have come together to launch an education program called The Day of AI, for high school students that will improve digital literacy skills. These organisations include: TDM Foundation, CS in Schools, Teach for Australia and The Australian Academy of Technology & Engineering.
The Day of AI, is a one day program taking place across Australian classrooms today, 27th July. Well over 16,000 students from classrooms in every state and territory across the country are taking part in the interactive day, designed to spark confidence and interest in technology.
Developed by i2Learning and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and modified to suit Australian schools, the program content is consistent with Australian Curriculum standards and showcases some of the best AI learning in the world.
The Day of AI introduces students to the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a world powered by AI. The day is free, hands-on and creative and covers all aspects of AI including ethical considerations and possible future use.
The Day of AI is aimed at instilling a passion and understanding for technology and artificial intelligence amongst Australian students, to ultimately create the next generation of tech innovators and leaders, and fill the increasing demand, and subsequent shortage, for tech skills in every industry, future proofing Australia’s technological economy.
TDM Foundation’s Roly Clifton Bligh said: “the students we educate today are the ones that in the next five to 10 years will build Australia into a leader in technology. To get there we need to inspire confidence and a love of technology, through education. That’s why we’re proudly supporting The Day of AI in providing an immersive opportunity for Australian students to shape a strong future for our country”.
Today, students will learn the very basics of AI, coding, how to identify a deep fake, gain an understanding about recommendation systems and how social media platforms use AI to differentiate users, plus learn about the social and ethical implications of AI.
It is a free and open program for secondary students from Years 7 through to 10, wherever they are located in Australia. The activities on the day can be easily delivered by any teacher, regardless of how little or how much experience they have in computer science and digital technologies.
Students and teachers will also have the opportunity to win an exciting prize, that includes an enviable work experience opportunity at some of Australia’s leading tech companies, including Culture Amp, ROKT, Tyro, Pet Circle, Guzman y Gomez and Go1.
To learn more about Day of AI, visit https://dayofaiaustralia.com