Teaching AI skills for the future: easy tips for a nervous computing teacher

According to Goldman Sachs, 300 million jobs could be displaced globally by AI by 2030, transforming the landscape of employment as we know it.

This staggering statistic underscores the urgency for computing teachers to adapt and prepare the next generation for a future where AI is not just a tool but a central player in the workforce.

As computer science teachers, we are on the front lines of this transformation, tasked with the critical role of equipping our students with the skills they'll need in an AI-driven world.

The question looms large: is there still value in teaching traditional programming skills when AI can seemingly do it all?

More importantly, what skills should we focus on to ensure our students thrive in a future that is as unpredictable as it is exciting?

This blog post aims to navigate these pressing questions, offering insights into the evolving job market and the essential skills students will need to succeed. We'll explore strategies for teaching these skills, even when the future feels uncertain and daunting. By the end of this post, you'll have a clearer understanding of how to guide your students through this brave new world, building trust and confidence in your role as a computing teacher.

Understanding AI and its impact on jobs

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. These systems can perform tasks such as problem-solving, understanding language and recognising patterns. In essence, AI enables machines to mimic cognitive functions that we associate with the human mind.

Today, AI is redefining industries at an unprecedented pace.

In healthcare, AI-driven diagnostics and personalised treatment plans are becoming the norm. In finance, AI algorithms are revolutionising trading and risk management. Even retail is seeing a shift towards AI-powered customer service and inventory management. These trends illustrate how AI is not just enhancing efficiency but also transforming the very nature of work across many different sectors.

As we look to the future, AI's influence on the job market is expected to grow exponentially. With advancements in machine learning and automation, many routine and manual jobs could be replaced by AI systems.

However, this shift also opens up new opportunities. Jobs that require creativity, emotional intelligence and complex decision-making are likely to flourish.

The demand for AI specialists, data analysts and roles focused on managing AI technologies will also rise. Preparing students with the skills to adapt and thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape is more crucial than ever before.

Technical skills students will need in an AI future

In the future, technical skills will still form the foundation of a student's ability to navigate and succeed.

Learning to program will still be a vital skill, not just for creating software but for understanding the logic and structure behind AI systems.

While AI can automate many tasks and can even write programs for us, it is little wonder that many are asking if it is still worth teaching our students how to program?

Understanding programming remains crucial for several reasons:

1. Foundation of AI: Programming is the backbone of AI technologies. Understanding how to code gives students an insight into how AI systems are built and function. This foundational knowledge is essential for anyone looking to innovate or work in tech-related fields.

2. Problem-solving skills: Learning to programme develops strong problem-solving skills. It teaches students how to break down complex problems into manageable parts and devise logical solutions, a skill they can apply to any career.

3. Creativity and innovation: Programming allows students to be creative. By learning to code, students can develop their own applications and solutions, turning ideas into reality. This creativity is vital in a world where technology is constantly evolving.

4. Adaptability: As technology changes, programming skills provide the adaptability needed to learn new tools and languages. It equips students with the confidence to tackle future technological advancements.

By teaching programming, we equip students with a versatile skill set that prepares them for a future where they can thrive alongside AI, driving innovation and progress.

So what other technical skills will our students need?

Data analysis will be important as it will enable students to interpret complex datasets, a skill increasingly in demand across many different industries.

Machine learning, will be another essential area, enabling students to design algorithms that improve and adapt over time. All these skills will allow students to not only work alongside AI but also to innovate within this expanding field.

While technical skills are indispensable, the importance of soft skills cannot be overstated.

What soft skills will they need?

Creativity allows us to build new and innovative solutions to problems. We need to allow students to visualise how to solve problems in novel ways.

Critical thinking helps them evaluate AI systems' outputs and make informed decisions. Emotional intelligence, the ability to understand and manage emotions, is vital for collaborating effectively in diverse teams and ensuring AI technologies are developed and used ethically.

These skills ensure students can adapt to and thrive amidst the changes AI brings to the workplace.

In an AI-driven world, the only thing we can rely on is, it will change. This makes lifelong learning and the ability to be flexible and adapt paramount. Students must cultivate a mindset that embraces continuous learning, staying curious and open to new knowledge and skills.

This adaptability ensures they remain relevant and competitive, whatever the future holds. Encouraging students to pursue diverse learning opportunities, whether through formal education or self-learning, will prepare them for a future that is constantly evolving.

How do we prepare our students?

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our world, including its concepts into our curriculum is essential.

Introduce AI concepts

Start by introducing students to the basics of AI, such as understanding algorithms and data processing.

Encourage students to engage with AI through interactive tools and simulations, which can demystify complex concepts and spark curiosity.

Hands on projects

Hands-on projects are an effective way to deepen students' understanding of AI.

Consider projects where students can create simple AI models, such as chatbots or image recognition systems, using accessible tools and platforms.

One simple image recognition project is using AI to sort everyday objects. In this project, students use AI to sort images of everyday objects into categories.

This simple project helps students understand how AI can be used to recognise and classify images.

• Step 1: Image Collection: Students take photos of everyday objects around the classroom or at home. They should aim for clear images that highlight the object's shape and take it from multiple angles.

• Step 2: Image Sorting: Using a tool like Google's Teachable Machine, students upload their images and create categories for the objects (e.g., "Books," "Cups," "Shoes").

• Step 3: AI Model Training: Students train the AI model to recognise and sort the images into the correct categories. They then test the model by uploading new images to see if it accurately sorts them.

• Step 4: Reflection: Students can finally discuss how AI can assist in organising and categorising information, exploring potential applications in everyday life such as how self-driving cars recognise objects.

These projects not only enhance technical skills but also foster creativity and critical thinking, helping students gain practical experience and insights into the potential applications of AI in various fields.

Collaboration with local businesses

You can even collaborate with local businesses to organise workshops where industry professionals share their expertise and insights into how they are currently using AI and how they see this changing in the future. These collaborations bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice, equipping students with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in an AI-driven job market.

Discuss AI ethical concerns

As AI technologies become more pervasive, understanding their ethical implications of this new technology is crucial.

Teaching students about ethical AI involves exploring how these technologies can impact society, privacy and decision-making. It's important to discuss issues such as bias in AI algorithms and the responsibility of developers to create fair and transparent systems.

By instilling a strong ethical foundation, students become conscientious creators and users of AI, ensuring that these technologies are developed and deployed responsibly.

Engaging students in discussions and debates about AI ethics fosters critical thinking and awareness. Consider having classroom debates on topics such as "Should AI be used in law enforcement?" or "Can AI ever be truly unbiased?"

Encourage students to research different perspectives and present their arguments, promoting a deeper understanding of the complexities involved.

Here is a list of possible discussion topics with real-life scenarios that raise some interesting ethical concerns, prompting students to consider the consequences and propose solutions.

• AI and bias in facial recognition: Look at how AI in facial recognition has shown bias, leading to discussions about fairness and privacy.

• AI in social media: Discuss how AI algorithms decide what content we see on social media, raising concerns about privacy and control.

• AI and job automation: A look at how AI is changing the job market, with concerns about job displacement and the future of work.

• AI in video games: Exploring how AI is used in video games and the ethical questions about data collection and player privacy.

• AI and personal assistants: Discusses how AI in personal assistants like Siri and Alexa raises questions about privacy and data use.

These discussions not only enhance students' ethical awareness but also prepare them to navigate the moral challenges they may encounter in their future careers.

Looking at teaching AI

Teachers looking to introduce AI concepts in the classroom have a wealth of resources at their disposal.

Among these are my specially crafted AI lesson series, designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of AI's basics, impact and ethical considerations.

This series includes engaging activities, discussions and quizzes tailored to align with the UK computing curriculum, making it an excellent fit for both KS3 and GCSE students.

In addition to my resources, websites like code.org offer interactive platforms where students can learn the basics of coding and AI through engaging activities.

In this rapidly evolving AI-driven world, teachers play a pivotal role in preparing students for the future.

Now is the time for you to embrace the challenge and begin integrating AI education into your classroom. By using the resources and strategies discussed in this blog post, you can equip your students with the skills they need to thrive in a future where AI is ubiquitous.

Start small, experiment with AI-related projects that encourage curiosity and critical thinking among your students.