Thomasville, Ga. (WTXL) – Through the AI4GA initiative, Thomas County students are learning how artificial intelligence is shaping the future.
- Professor Will Hannah was one of the first trained by top AI researchers at Georgia Tech, Carnegie Mellon and the University of Florida.
- This course teaches students about neural networks such as self-driving cars and GPS, machine learning, and real-world applications.
- More information about the programs funded by Google and the National Science Foundation is currently expanding to schools in Texas, Florida and New York.
Broadcast transcription:
AI is no longer just a technical buzzword. This is something Thomas County Middle Schoolers are learning to use at just 13 years old.
It shows how these students practice artificial intelligence and learning skills that could shape their future careers.
“So there are quite a few initiatives focused on AI throughout all grade levels. A few professors are also involved in a variety of research projects. But there was a shortage of middle schools.
That's why teacher Will Hannah was invited to join the first group of the AI4GA program for Georgia's artificial intelligence.
He trained in person with a professor at Carnegie Mellon at Georgia Tech and the University of Florida, and brought the experience back to his classroom.
This class is the only class in the state funded by the National Science Foundation and Google and designed for middle school students.
“Students are very aware that these technologies exist. They are always using autocorrection when typing, even through social media. This is all versions of AI that we already interact with. So, they understand how it works and not magic, but based on mathematics, not magic, that is, students.
That's the goal. It's about turning curiosity into understanding.
It's not just about using AI. It's about learning how it's programmed, how to make decisions, and how mistakes occur.
“I've always had a positive view of AI. After learning more about it, I still do that,” McClain said.
Lyra McLain, 13, says learning how AI works is just making her more excited about her tech future.
“For a while, I was planning on becoming a robotics engineer. I know that it has to do with a lot of AI, but yeah, that's what I'm trying to do,” McClain said.
Students here are learning how tools like GPT work and how AI connects to real work and systems.
“I also learned about Lidar, Radar, and GPS, and how AI can be beneficial from that,” Patel says.
Hannah says it's expanding nationwide as Texas, Florida and New York are already on board, and 50 more teachers are trained.
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