'Fever' of learning AI: Concerns about 'mixing good and bad'

Artificial intelligence (AI) courses are creating a 'fever' attracting learners from all fields. In the midst of the "mixed" AI training market with countless attractive advertisements, what makes many people wonder is: Who is responsible for ensuring quality?

EXPLOSION IN QUANTITY, QUALITY IS UNLOCKING?

Just type in the keyword "AI courses" on social media platforms and very quickly, a series of suggestions will appear.

Users can easily come across countless advertisements with attractive introductions: "Only 5 sessions to master AI", "Learning AI increases sales by 200%", or "No need to know technology to master AI"... From free courses on social networks, to online classes with tuition fees "only equal to a few cups of milk tea", or in-depth programs worth tens of millions of dong, all are blooming like mushrooms after the rain.

According to Thanh Nien reporters' research, the common point of many of these classes is convenience, short duration, and quick learning. A basic AI course lasts several sessions, with tuition ranging from 500,000 VND to 5 million VND. For advanced classes, students have to spend from 7 to 10 million VND, or even more. In addition, many centers also apply the strategy of giving away free basic classes, then offering a half-price promotion if you register for an advanced class right away.

Mr. Ngo Huu Thong, Director of the Institute for Applied Technology Research and Human Resource Development AiOV, said that the rapid development of AI courses reflects the global trend, when AI is becoming a tool to change the way people work and create.

More and more people are in need of taking AI courses

PHOTO: YEN THI

Mr. Thong said the explosion of AI courses is a good sign in terms of popularity. "Even people who do not work in the technology field have the opportunity to quickly access AI - this contributes to bringing technology closer to life and work," he said.

However, this expert also expressed concern that overheated development also poses risks to quality, especially since some courses are currently organized mainly to "catch trends" instead of building a systematic program. At that time, students easily fall into the situation of "not knowing how to apply the course after finishing it".

From a policy perspective, Master Nguyen Dang Hieu, Director of the Institute for Applied Administrative Sciences, emphasized: The State has issued many resolutions and strategies on AI, which have contributed to creating a strong driving force for the application of AI in all aspects and socio -economic fields; promoting the need to learn and apply AI widely, from the public sector to private enterprises. Therefore, it is understandable that there are more and more AI courses. However, this rapid development has created a gap in quality, posing many potential risks, especially in the team of experts and lecturers - those who play a decisive role in the true value of each course.

Sharing the same view, according to Dr. Cam Anh Tuan, Head of the Department of Archival Studies and Office Administration, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), in anticipation of the Party and State's policies on AI, AI training institutions are developing very strongly, the number of lecturers is also increasing in proportion to the demand for learning about AI. However, Dr. Tuan also expressed doubts about this development, especially among the teaching staff.

AI TEACHERS ARE NOT JUST WHO

The field of AI is changing every day, and practical experience and communication skills are equally important. Master Ngo Huu Thong analyzed that a researcher who is good at theory but does not know how to explain will make it difficult for students to absorb. On the contrary, a lecturer with rich application experience and good communication skills will help students to immediately apply knowledge to work. Therefore, it is necessary to balance all three factors: basic knowledge, practical experience and pedagogical skills.

"If anyone can claim to be an "AI expert", the training market will become a place of "mixed gold and brass", and learners will be at risk of receiving one-sided and unsystematic knowledge," Mr. Thong added.

From a professional perspective, Master Hieu affirmed that the teaching staff is the key factor determining the success or failure of AI training courses. AI instructors must ensure that they have both in-depth expertise in the field they are teaching or researching, as well as pedagogical skills and basic or advanced knowledge of AI.

Master Hieu analyzed that a person with formal training in AI is often good at technology, but if he lacks in-depth knowledge in the application field, it is difficult to accurately assess whether the product created by AI is truly suitable and brings practical value to that expertise or not.

"People with good professional skills need to be properly trained in AI, while people who are good at AI need to gain in-depth knowledge of the application field. Only then can teaching ensure accuracy and be close to reality," Master Hieu emphasized.

Dr. Cam Anh Tuan believes that lecturers need to emphasize the role of AI users in their work, especially the ethical and responsible factors in teaching AI that need to be put first. "If lecturers only "deify" AI without practical experience, the consequences will be very dangerous," Dr. Tuan warned.

The faculty is the key factor in determining the success or failure of AI training courses.

Photo: YEN THI

STAY AWARE OF THE AI "FEVER"

In the context of the "mixed bag" of AI training market, experts recommend that students must equip themselves with information filters and be alert before enrolling in any course.

According to Mr. Ngo Huu Thong, learners first need to clearly define their goals: learning to know, learning to apply to work, or to delve into research. From there, carefully consider the lecturer's profile: what background do they have, what projects have they participated in, how is their communication ability, and don't forget to refer to the reviews of former students instead of just believing in advertising.

In addition, students should prioritize courses that have a clear structure, come with accompanying documents, have post-course support, and more importantly, have a training philosophy that is closely linked to three factors: effectiveness (must be able to apply what is learned after completion), responsibility (instructors impart correct knowledge), and lifelong learning (always encourage students to continue updating, instead of stopping at one course).

Master Nguyen Dang Hieu recommends 5 more criteria to choose the right course: reputation of the training institution; quality and experience of the lecturers; detailed program content, close to the actual work; support before and after training; and facilities and teaching equipment.

Proposal for a standard framework for AI training

According to Master Nguyen Dang Hieu, it is best to establish certain conditions for AI instructors, because this is a factor that greatly affects the quality of AI training courses and is very beneficial for learners.

Master Hieu informed that according to current regulations, teachers and lecturers in Vietnam who want to participate in teaching must attend pedagogical training courses and be granted certificates. For AI lecturers, in addition to this requirement, they also need to attend training courses from basic to advanced on AI, master the skills to use and apply technology in the specialized fields they teach or research.

According to expert Ngo Huu Thong, Vietnam needs a minimum standard framework to ensure the quality of AI courses. This standard framework should not be as academic as in universities, but should not ignore the foundation.

It is possible to combine two elements: Basic knowledge of AI, data, ethics in AI and practical skills, demonstrated through real projects or products. This will ensure the effectiveness of the program, promote the responsibility of the instructor in imparting correct knowledge, and encourage the spirit of lifelong learning in both instructors and students - because AI is always changing, and everyone needs to be constantly updated.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/con-sot-hoc-ai-lo-ngai-vang-thau-lan-lon-185250907182529716.htm