In our rapidly evolving world of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is on the brink of revolutionizing education. It promises to boost economic growth and prepare a future-ready workforce.
Alex Kotran, the co-founder and CEO of the AI Education Project (aiEDU), discussed how AI is shaping the future of work on a recent Workmorphis Wired episode, “AI Education for Tomorrow’s Workforce.”
AI Literacy: The Foundation of Tomorrow’s Success
As Alex sees it, AI will revolutionize how we work, making fundamental AI skills imperative for those entering the workforce of the future. He states, “If you’re a sophomore in high school today, [your foundational AI literacy skills will be] one of the biggest determinants of your success after you graduate high school.”
While the economic implications of AI literacy alone make a strong case for its inclusion in K-12 curriculum, the potential academic benefits are just as exciting.
The AI models we have access to today, which Alex is confident “are sufficiently powerful enough to really transform the opportunities and the access to knowledge that [some] kids take for granted,” have the potential to positively benefit both students and educators alike.
By alleviating teachers of repetitive tasks that consume valuable instruction time and offering students the experience of working with personalized, one-on-one tutors, AI can ensure equitable opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds.
The Critical Role of Policy in AI Education
Transitioning from recognizing the need for AI education to implementing effective policies is challenging. However, organizations like aiEDU are leading the way in establishing new policies and partnerships.
In February 2024, aiEDU announced a partnership with InnovateOhio, resulting in an AI toolkit for Ohio policymakers, educators, and parents. The toolkit showcases the power of cross-sector collaboration in creating policies that support AI literacy.
This project serves as a model for how public-private partnerships can facilitate the integration of AI into education and workforce systems, aligning instruction with the economic demands of the digital age.
From Vision to Action: Implementing AI Policies
Turning AI education policies into positive student outcomes begins in the classroom. Educators are crucial in bridging the gap between ambitious policy goals and their practical application.
It is vital to provide educators with access to rigorously vetted AI tools, professional development opportunities, and the support necessary to learn and grow in an AI-assisted classroom.
Alex emphasized, “You can’t have teachers ensure that students are using the tool safely or using the tool effectively themselves if they don’t understand some of the basics about what good or bad use cases are.”
This process is not just about developing and launching AI literacy programs, but also ensuring that all stakeholders have the knowledge and support they need to benefit from these programs.
Join the Movement: Listen, Learn, and Act
As AI continues to transform the way we live and work, the insights from Alex and other leaders in AI education are more than just food for thought — they’re a call to action.
When properly employed, AI can empower us all to reshape education and training, building a more equitable and prosperous future.
Achieving this vision requires a united effort, guided by expert insights and collaborative engagement.
Are you ready to be part of the change?
Dive into this episode of Workmorphis Wired today to discover the transformational potential of artificial intelligence.
Together, we can ensure that AI literacy unlocks a brighter, more equitable future for all.
Meet the Contributors
Alex Kotran is the co-founder and CEO of the AI Education Project (aiEDU), a non-profit that creates equitable learning experiences that excite and empower students everywhere with AI literacy.
Emily Fabiano is the founder of Workmorphis, a cross-sector workforce consultancy helping organizations build a more resilient workforce to thrive in a changing economy. Fabiano has deep experience in workforce transformation at the government level, working at the cross section of workforce strategy, economic development, and public policy. With a keen understanding of the unique challenges facing today’s and tomorrow’s workforce and the ability to communicate across sectors, Fabiano brings a new level of understanding and collaboration required to connect industry and education and prepare people for jobs. She is also the past director of strategy and operations at the Ohio Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation.
