Education for innovation in the 21st Century

One of the most widely accepted definitions of intelligence refers to it as a mental ability capable of reasoning, planning, solving problems, thinking abstractly, understanding complex ideas, learning quickly, and learning from experience or training. Artificial Intelligence (AI) aims to achieve these abilities in artificial systems, such as computers.

A few days ago, during a breakfast a colleague shared with amazement how his son showed him that he could solve some complex equations from his homework. "Look, Dad, you take a photo...." the enthusiastic young man explained, "......and then it shows you the solution to the equation." Meanwhile, my colleague's smile faded. "I don't know how far AI will take us," he commented.

Life is becoming so simplified that everything seems to be reduced to a simple "click". Strictly speaking, the button doesn't even exist, as it's actually a piezoelectric sensor that detects our finger′s pressure on the phone screen. And in a few years, we probably won't even need a physical device to select options; we will wear augmented reality glasses and, with a simple gesture (manual or voice), give instructions to algorithms that will generate actions to achieve our goals.

Thanks to technology, each of us has the potential to become a "citizen data scientist." For example, with our mobile phone, we can take a photograph and determine if a skin blemish has grown disproportionately, which could indicate a possible pre-diagnosis of a condition that requires medical attention.

In recent months, the adoption of Chatbots (like ChatGPT) has made impressive progress. Beyond internet browsers and search engines that provided us with links to websites with information, we can now establish a dialogue and ask almost anything in a small window. On this occasion, I would like to reflect on some aspects of the future of innovation in our society.

For several years, various communities have debated the application of AI in scientific development (known as AI Science) and, on the other hand, the promotion of technophobia, especially regarding the supposed threat it poses to human innovation.

This polarization identifies winners, who take advantage of the benefits, and losers, who are left out. Such division can lead not only to catastrophic consequences but also to even deeper inequality and injustice. It is precisely the responsibility of those of us dedicated to AI to contribute to the education of all levels of society about AI's capabilities and potentials.

Taking into account the average educational level of our societies, we must ask ourselves whether we can explain the fundamentals of AI so that they can be easily assimilated according to suc and academic level, in terms of understandability (sic).

Some concepts present in AI algorithms (e.g. classification, learning, clustering) are relatively simple and, undoubtedly, fundamental to understanding the how and why of this area of study. It is not an abuse of language to think that mathematics and basic physics, as well as their conjunction, can be the starting point for education in AI, mainly because they can provide the basis for understanding the precise and abstract thinking required.

For example, a route optimization algorithm (e.g. Djistra) on platforms like Uber constantly uses instructions around the world that calculate distances (mathematical concept), optimizing energy functions (physical concept) that weigh volumes (geometric concept) and intensities (energy concept) of traffic.

In this way, concepts such as vectors, energy, matrices, calculations, images, languages, learning, optimizations, data, information, knowledge, and intelligence intertwine and can be explained using everyday examples. This allows us to understand the current reach of technology, which is increasingly arriving in the hands of those who can or have the ability to adopt it.

In summary, it is essential to promote AI education and facilitate understanding of its basic concepts, using practical and accessible examples. Thus, we can face the (enormous) challenges posed by the rapid evolution of technology and avoid the digital divide between those who benefit from it and those who are left behind. By involving all levels of society in learning and understanding AI, we will contribute to creating a more equitable and inclusive future, where innovation and progress are accessible to everyone.

With proper education and understanding, we can harness the potential of AI to improve our lives and solve global problems creatively and innovatively. Through collaboration among experts, citizens, and decision-makers, it is possible to develop solutions and policies based on solid data and a deep understanding of emerging technologies.

As we move toward a future of innovation increasingly dependent on technology, it is crucial that we all have the opportunity to participate in the conversation and decision-making that affects our lives. Education in AI is an essential tool for ensuring that our society adapts and thrives in this exciting and challenging new world.

After a long conversation, I believe my colleague was able to sleep peacefully but with a long list of things he committed to studying: hopefully, ChatGPT can help him with such an extensive and growing agenda.