AI prompts are the new coding for kids

When I was in school, computer science was primarily an elective course focused on teaching kids the basics of coding. It was clearly a less popular option than receiving a music or physical education. And when I entered the tech industry full-time in the early 2000s, I blamed myself (and I’m sure many of you did) for not taking a lot of tech courses.

The good news is that basic coding is now a mandatory part of curricula around the world. The bad news is that it’s all too little, too late.

The good news is that times have changed. Basic coding is now a mandatory part of the curriculum in school districts around the world, and after-school programs teaching Python, game design, and robotics are all the rage. The bad news is that it’s all too little, too late. And the focus on coding is horribly outdated. We are currently on the brink of a long-predicted technological age. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will destroy everything we know and understand about the relationship between humans and computers. A tipping point for education leaders in AI innovation and adoption across all professions, this moment requires a radical rethink focused on developing true machine learning literacy in students of all ages. . And as a technology entrepreneur, you have a key role to play in starting this revolution.

The core literacy of using any form of AI, especially generative AI, comes down to understanding prompt engineering. Technocrats would take this for granted, but in mainstream education it is still an early concept and has confused the heads of school and system leaders. But we get it. With the pace of change increasing exponentially, it’s natural to wonder if a major shift in technical skills development is worth investing time and resources into. When I hear this from education leaders (I hear this all the time), I tell them (and encourage you to do the same). Understanding how, when, and why to prompt an AI engine is more than just a problem. Technology Skills—It’s a life skill, one that today’s students must master.

Unfortunately, the current dominant discourse about AI in many schools is that it threatens academic integrity. But if the goal of education is to prepare students for the world they are to inherit, this change must happen now. According to the recently released 2023 edition of the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, more than 85% of organizations cited increased adoption of new, cutting-edge technologies and increased digital access as the trends most likely to drive transformation. mentions expansion.

Meanwhile, the mainstream media flips around and declares immediate engineering as the next big job opportunity. Time reporter Nick Popuri, for example, described it in April as a job that “pays six figures and doesn’t require a degree.” Computer engineering or even advanced coding skills are required. All of this buzz has spawned a slew of express companies touting AI-prompted engineering “bootcamps” aimed at appealing to people already in the market for (new) jobs. However, education often moves at a different pace, which partially explains the defensive reaction of many educators concerned about the risks of opening the door to his AI in the classroom. My organization’s work in schools and districts is already seeing exciting new pilot programs and initiatives take hold, but much of the focus is on using machine learning to It tends towards automating tasks. many In the world of education), I have also witnessed some inspiring direct engagement with students.

Hence my call to arms. As job creators, innovators, and often guardians, technology entrepreneurs have a key role to play in leading schools through this change. Here are his three key messages that can be conveyed directly to education leaders.

1. AI prompts and machine learning literacy is the new coding. Now is the time to give young people a real opportunity to deepen their understanding of how to use AI effectively, not just in technical courses, but across the curriculum.
2. Prompt engineering is the practice of critical and analytical thinking. This is important for two reasons. First, by presenting AI as a tool for developing well-known skills, it provides a “softer landing” in a slow-changing field like education. Second, these are the most sought-after skills by job providers. Which two skills do you think were rated most important in the 2023 future jobs report? A great opportunity to build your skills.
3. This is just the tip of the iceberg. As transformative and disruptive as ChatGPT has been over the past six months, we know there will be more to come. Today’s shift to a growth mindset centered around emerging technologies lays the foundation for future major advances such as far-reaching automation, quantum computing, and infinitely more complex machine learning.

I founded Future Design School to address a pressing need in education. Right now, it’s crucial to shift focus to developing AI skills. Innovative people (such as BetaKit readers) are lighting the way, and education must innovate accordingly. Since you’re already shaking your dog, it’s a good idea to shake it even harder. Your voice for these skills is certainly being heard, and the louder the voice, the more we all achieve and the better Canada stands in this rapidly changing economy. I guess.

Learn more about Future Design School’s innovative work on AI in education. To book a meeting with a member of our senior leadership team, email team@futuredesignschool.com or message Sarah directly on Twitter. @sarahprevette.