A number of big names in the US technology industry, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, have signed an open letter published in the New York Times. The letter argues that training in artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science is needed to “keep America competitive.”
“Countries like Brazil, China, South Korea, and Singapore have made computer science or AI a mandatory subject for all students. The US is falling behind. In the AI era, we must prepare our children to be AI creators, not just consumers.”
With an AI-led economy , AI and computer science courses are the fastest way to close the skills and wage gap, helping the US stay ahead in the technology race.
The letter cites a Brookings Institution report that found that students who studied computer science in high school earned 8 percent more than other students, regardless of their occupation or college education. Women and low-income earners saw the biggest impact.
Change is happening across the country. In the past 10 years, all 50 states have taken steps forward, and 100,000 teachers have started teaching computer science.
Currently, 12 states require students to learn basic computer science as a requirement for high school graduation, but according to the CEOs, this is not enough. “We have a responsibility to prepare the next generation for a new American dream. We owe it to them to provide aneducation that reflects the needs of our time.”
“We must make computer science and AI a mandatory part of the curriculum in every school,” the letter reads. “We must ensure our children are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.”
Previously, on April 23, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to promote AI training and support human resource development. The order “Promoting AI Training for Young Americans” aims to create a framework to expand AI training in general education, higher education, and AI human resource development. The order outlines a strategy to bring AI into education, helping Americans access AI from a young age. The focus of the initiative is to form public-private partnerships and provide resources to teach AI.
“Early learning and exposure to AI concepts not only demystifies this powerful technology, but also sparks curiosity and creativity, prepares students to be active and responsible participants in the future workforce, and nurtures the next generation of AI innovators to take our country to new heights of scientific and economic achievement,” the order reads .
Right from the beginning of his second term as President, Mr. Trump issued another executive order “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in AI”, aiming to strengthen the country's dominance in the global AI race.
This week, the United Arab Emirates announced that it will introduce AI into public education at all levels, including preschool, starting next school year. The goal, said Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is to help children gain a deep understanding of AI from a technical perspective, as well as raise awareness of the ethical aspects of the technology.
While some educators and parents worry that generative AI tools like ChatGPT could increase cheating and undermine students’ critical thinking and writing skills, top tech leaders believe that AI and computer science courses will help de-mystify young people and are calling for them to become an integral part of education.
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/chung-ta-phai-chuan-bi-cho-con-tre-trong-ky-nguyen-tri-tue-nhan-tao-2398577.html
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