Cybersecurity faculty member Hector Trevino said the course would not only plant seeds of interesting AI, but also give participants the confidence needed to face the ever-evolving world of technology.
“I will teach the fundamentals of AI, a course that will benefit our community by helping students understand the technologies that shape the world around them,” Trevino said. “This course is important because AI is playing a role in education, careers, and everyday decision-making. Students will learn core skills in coding, data, problem solving, and how to design and apply AI projects. The goal is to build their confidence, foster innovation, and prepare them for future opportunities in a technology-driven world. ”
Onesimo Trevino González, who is also a cybersecurity faculty member, said he was assigned the largest module, mainly focusing on machine learning and data learning, data import processes, and basic techniques of computer visualization.
These modules also revolve around creating and programming commands to execute and validate AI responses.
“Designing this course was a labor of love for AI technology and our community,” he said. “We've made everything as easy and simple as possible. We want our students to succeed, learn and be inspired. All the modules will be connected and work together. It will open their eyes to AI and give our region a real clear understanding of how this technology is evolving here at home.”
Although the program is online, Trevino Gonzalez and those involved in delivering the course ensured that through lectures, theory, hands-on exercises, and quizzes, students were prepared to implement AI personally or in the workplace, and learned many in-demand marketable skills.
“There's a big misconception that AI will take over our jobs and the world, but that's not true. AI can't think for itself…it needs human input,” he says. “This will make AI skills some of the most marketable skills. The demand is increasing, we're seeing a surge, and we want our students and community to be ready. STC is leading the way.”
Petrosyan hopes this upcoming course will continue to evolve over time and serve as a stepping stone to STC’s newest AI certification/degree programs.
“Our hope is that this course opens doors, sparks curiosity, and inspires more community members to pursue additional certifications and degrees. This is an exciting step forward not only for STC, but for the entire Rio Grande Valley,” she said.
For more information or to register for STC's AI Community courses, please visit: southtexascollege.edu/cpit/courses/career/computers/.
