Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the world of information technology (IT) and creating new opportunities and challenges for IT pros and users. But how do you teach AI concepts to different audiences and levels of expertise? Here are some tips and resources to help you explain and demonstrate the basics and benefits of AI.
Before you start teaching AI concepts, you need to know who you are teaching and what they want to learn. Are they IT pros who need to develop, manage, or troubleshoot AI systems? Are they users who need to interact with or benefit from AI applications? Are they beginners who need an overview of AI terminology and principles? Are they advanced learners who want to dive deeper into AI algorithms and frameworks? Depending on your audience, you will need to adjust your language, examples, and objectives to suit their needs and interests.
Understand your learner profile! A readiness assessment in the form of an investigatory questionnaire may help here. I find that it is a great way to segment/gauge your learner's interest in diving deeper into more AI-themed topics. Just start off on a blank canvas. Envision what seminal topics/themes in AI that your target audience would like to learn more in-depth about. For example, if more comprehensive AI topics (e.g., recommender systems, statistical learning theory, etc) are of interest to the respondent, then perhaps you may want to equate/cluster them in the more advanced learner bucket. However, if the respondent is interested in foundational AI topics (e.g. machine learning) then perhaps you may want to start off with the basics.
One of the best ways to teach AI concepts is to start with the problem that AI can solve. For example, you can show how AI can help automate tasks, optimize processes, enhance customer service, or generate insights from data. By framing AI as a solution to a real-world problem, you can capture your audience's attention and curiosity, and motivate them to learn more. You can also use case studies, stories, or scenarios to illustrate how AI works in different contexts and domains, such as healthcare, education, or entertainment.
Another key aspect of teaching AI concepts is to explain the process of how AI works. You can use diagrams, flowcharts, or animations to show the steps and components of an AI system, such as data collection, data processing, model training, model testing, and model deployment. You can also use analogies, metaphors, or comparisons to help your audience understand complex or abstract concepts, such as neural networks, machine learning, or natural language processing. For example, you can compare a neural network to a human brain, machine learning to learning from experience, or natural language processing to understanding and generating language.
A third way to teach AI concepts is to demonstrate the outcome of AI in action. You can use interactive tools, simulations, or demos to show your audience how AI can perform tasks, make decisions, or create outputs. For example, you can use Google's Teachable Machine to let your audience train and test their own AI models using images, sounds, or poses. You can also use IBM's Watson Assistant to let your audience build and test their own chatbots using natural language. By demonstrating the outcome of AI, you can help your audience see the potential and value of AI for themselves.
A fourth way to teach AI concepts is to address the challenges and limitations of AI. You can discuss the ethical, social, or technical issues that arise from using AI, such as bias, privacy, security, or reliability. You can also explain the best practices and standards for developing and deploying AI responsibly and transparently. For example, you can use Microsoft's Responsible AI Resources to learn and teach about the principles and tools for creating trustworthy AI. By addressing the challenges of AI, you can help your audience develop a critical and informed perspective on AI.
There are different types of AI; currently the spotlight is on Chatgpt - generative AI. Chatgpt is a combination of - a search engine - a language model The program expresses itself so well, that this misleads people into thinking it is wise and knows it all. (This is a RISK) - Someone asked him : "Name the 8 books of Harry Potter". The program gave a reply, but there are only 7 books. - Ask the program to write a biography of person X. The answer will probably be a mixture of true and false. - I think we need to start an inventory of what Chatgpt does wrong (on LinkedIn ?)
A final way to teach AI concepts is to encourage the curiosity and learning of your audience. You can provide them with additional resources, such as books, articles, podcasts, or courses, to help them explore and expand their knowledge of AI. You can also invite them to ask questions, share feedback, or suggest ideas for further learning or improvement. By encouraging the curiosity of your audience, you can foster a culture of lifelong learning and innovation in AI.
Encourage users to go beyond theory and lessons. Start to “tinker”. There is a lot you can learn by just interacting with the tools.