Artificial intelligence (AI) is a fascinating and quickly evolving field. As we learn to harness the power of tech in our everyday lives, Delaware universities are preparing students with a variety of AI courses and programs.
What Is AI?
AI is a term for technology that allows computers to simulate human learning and thought—including problem solving, decision making, creativity and autonomy. In recent years, the technology has been used in chatbots and search engines to simulate human conversation.
“AI has evolved faster than we can keep up just in the last 12 months and, at the rate at which the field is evolving, we have been witnessing a number of AI-driven scientific advancements spanning medical diagnostics, climate and physics,” explains Sunita Chandrasekaran, Ph.D., co-director of University of Delaware’s AI Center of Excellence. “To that end, it is time critical to educate our next-generation AI workforce and bring them up to speed on AI technologies such that they can help shape the future of AI and the evolving technological landscape.”
Here’s a look at how universities across Delaware are training the next generation of experts in artificial intelligence.
University of Delaware Center of AI Excellence
Along with computer science courses focused on AI, University of Delaware recently opened its own AI Center of Excellence (AICoE). With co-directors Sunita Chandrasakeran and Kathy McCoy at the helm, the AICoE will accelerate innovation at UD through seed grants, AI course programming and partnerships with other industrial and academic organizations.
“With an AI program in school, we will be able to inform/educate our students on the “right” usage of AI and what to watch out for when they use AI for their research and education purposes—or even in their daily life,” the co-directors explain.
Computer science students at University of Delaware can take AI courses focused on research, ethics, functions and more. To learn more about how University of Delaware is using AI to further research goals and enhance education, as well as the AI education the university offers, visit sites.udel.edu/ai/.
“It is time critical to educate our next-generation AI workforce and bring them up to speed on AI technologies [so] they can help shape the future of AI and the evolving technological landscape.” —Sunita Chandrasekaran, Ph.D., co-director of University of Delaware’s AI Center of Excellence.
Other AI Courses and Learning Opportunities in Delaware
Other Delaware institutions also want to remain ahead of the curve when it comes to AI education. Wilmington University offers a variety of computer science electives, and students can earn an undergraduate certificate in artificial intelligence. The certificate program provides students with in-demand AI skills to compete in an increasingly saturated tech field. With Wilmington University’s certificate plan, students can either walk away with the standalone credential or continue their education and pursue an undergraduate degree.
Delaware Technical Community College offers an online introductory AI course in a self-guided or instructor-moderated format. The course includes an introduction to AI, a look at how the technology is used in business, language processing, robotics and much more.
At Delaware State University, a 400-level AI course provides students with a comprehensive overview of artificial intelligence, including strategies, techniques, algorithms and considerations for the design of software that can act on its own. On the research side, the Center of Excellence for Emerging Technologies has begun to explore the benefits of AI, especially in the realm of agriculture.
The Future of AI Research and Education
Many people are still wary of AI use, and the co-directors at University of Delaware’s AI Center of Excellence agree that caution is not unfounded.
“Misconceptions and lack of adequate information can lead to fear. There are a lot of myths on how AI can be harmful,” they explain. “At the same time, AI being blindly used and trusted can [also] lead to problems.”
The prevalent myths and the public’s valid concern about the ethics of AI are the reasons why the AICoE emphasizes education. The directors believe that in order to overcome the myths, it’s important to educate the public on the outcomes of AI misuse, as well as the technology’s limits and promise.
“We are hoping that some of our students will be at the forefront of developing AI systems and ethically using them to solve education and societal problems,” Chandrasekaran says. “There is incredible potential with these systems if they are used ethically.”
Related: This Program Uses AI to Detect Breast Cancer in Milford
