Finnish technology company Reaktor and the University of Helsinki have partnered to educate people about AI for free. The two institutions have worked together to develop an online course that teaches those interested in technology the basics of AI. Reaktor and universities also appealed to organizations to train their staff in AI, with more than 200 organizations including banks, telecommunications and healthcare organizations pledging to do so to date.
Approximately 90,000 students have enrolled in the course since it began in May. Although the course is popular with Finns, it is already in high demand worldwide, attracting students from over 80 countries. The course attracts a large number of female students (37 per cent) as well as students aged 45 and over (21 per cent). By early September, he said 7,500 people had already completed the course.
The Elements of Artificial Intelligence online course is for anyone who wants to learn more about artificial intelligence. This course consists of six sections that highlight various aspects of AI, including definitions, neural networks, machine learning, and social impact. The course is expected to take a total of 30-60 hours to complete.
“We initially aimed to help Finland remain at the forefront of AI development. Training 1% of the population was a long-term goal, but the impact of this course is even greater. We are already aware of the global demand and are considering adapting our policy to meet the AI goals of other countries, including the United States, the Netherlands, and the UAE.” hannah hagstromReaktor AI Business Director.
Hagström continued, “Artificial intelligence is already a part of our daily lives and will have an even greater impact on all industries and individuals in the future. That's why everyone should know what AI is. They should be given the opportunity to understand what it is and how to understand it.” we can take advantage of it. The democratization of information is important so that everyone has an equal opportunity to shape their future. ”
This course is popular with businesses and professionals, offering a way to gain a competitive edge. Rather than hiring a few in-house AI experts, companies can quickly train their entire staff to use technology to proactively explore new business opportunities.
Sign-ups are growing by the thousands every week. In addition to attracting Finnish companies and individuals, Elements of AI is also attracting interest from around the world, from French aviation officers to Italian biological researchers. Outside of Finland, this course has proven to be most popular in the US, Germany, UK and Brazil.
Its worldwide popularity was surprising.
The creators had hoped the course would attract national attention, but its global popularity was a surprise.
“University machine learning and AI courses have been full for years, but we never expected this course to gain so much global attention so quickly. It's one of the most popular MOOCs we've created, and we're working hard to further improve the course based on the feedback we receive. Teem RuthAssociate Professor and lead instructor of the Elements of AI course at the University of Helsinki.
Ruth added: “Through education, we want to demystify technology and dispel unnecessary fear.Following the successful launch of our Elements of AI course last week, all first-year students has announced a pilot project that will make studying computer science free and open to anyone who completes 60 credits in one year. The University of Helsinki represents a major change in the Finnish educational system, as it has relied on open education and aims to support people in life-long learning.
This is not Reaktor's first successful educational initiative. In 2014, Reaktor started running free coding school sessions for children under 10 years old and encouraged all technology companies in Finland to do the same with the free educational materials they provide. I appealed to you. Over his four years of work, he worked with the President of Finland to teach coding to thousands of children and helped bring coding into Finland's national curriculum.
To register for “The Elements of Artificial Intelligence” for free, visit the Elements of AI website.
