Education AI is the new space race. Here is how America should react – 74

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The launch by the Soviet Union of the Spoutnik 1 satellite in 1957 sparked a Revival of Science Education in America. At the time, the Americans assumed that they were far ahead of a new border of science. They were wrong. But Sputnik was a call for alarm clock. Finally, the United States not only exceeded the USSR in the space race, but became the world's world center for STEM research and development.

Today, American hypotheses on its technical advantages are again disputed.

China recently announced that all Beijing students will receive Compulsory training in artificial intelligence From next fall. And the emergence of China In depth has shown that hypotheses commonly bound by the technical advantage of the United States are once again that – hypotheses.

This could be a call for competitive awakening of American AI, illustrating that the United States must strengthen considerably and expand its approach to AI education. But in this new space race, America has no years to catch up. The progress of AI occurs to the fastest rhythm of any innovation in modern history.

If we wait, we will lose.

As part of the plan of the Beijing Municipal Education Commission, Elementary schoolchildren Will be registered in practical introductory courses for artificial intelligence, middle school students will learn to apply AI in their school work and their daily life, and high school students will focus on strengthening innovation in the field.

China is not alone. The governments of Singapore, South Korea, Finland and Canada have all adopted initiatives for Integrate AI training into children's education. This list will only grow as more and more nations realize the way in which the vital will be in the Fourth industrial revolution.

The countries that lead to AI education will subsequently lead to economic growth and military progress focused on AI. If the United States does not prioritize literacy and the preparation of AI, that does not only put students to fail – it undermines its own economic and national security. From 2030, artificial intelligence will contribute almost 20 dollars of the global economy. America must remain in the foreground.

This means that the literacy of AI – the fundamental understanding of these technological tools – is not optional. The preparation of AI is not either, the ability to take advantage of these tools to the advantage of the nation. Installing the two concepts in American schools will set up the basics of the future.

Admittedly, the structure of the education system in the United States restricts the government's ability to impose AI courses from top to bottom, such as China.

But history shows that the American community approach can be a catalyst for innovation, especially when states, schools and non -profit organizations are authorized to collaborate and lead. Education IA does not need a unique approach; He needs momentum and sharing what works and what doesn't work. If we leave each state or school to understand it for themselves, we risk more the Americans who fall on the wrong side of the lack of knowledge.

So how can American schools get on the right track?

First of all, do not ignore the current technological race. Developments like those of Beijing should trigger conversations and actions between school leaders, teachers and parents.

Second, recognize the education of AI as a national priority. Federal officials must discuss literacy and preparing the AI ​​as imperative for economic security and competitiveness of the country. Although the economy and education tend to be distinct political discussions, they go hand in hand as regards the ability of future generations to participate in a global workforce increasingly focused on technology.

Third, even without any federal action, academic states and districts can and must recognize the importance of AI education and integrate it into their programs. This is already happening in places like Ohio, where the State has financed workshops with continuous training in AI concepts for all educators and its association of the educational service center has developed a Political AI toolbox. In Maryland, the public schools of the County Prince George have developed an IA implementation framework.

There is also a lot of room so that non -profit organizations take over on AI education. Organizations love AIEDU (where I work), Aiiandyou And put it INCREASE The initiative did a lot of leg work by creating pilot programs and teacher training so that schools do not have to understand it from zero.

America must reach the moment.

A year after the Soviets launched the first space satellite in history, the Congress spent the National Defense Education Actwhich has increased the financing of education – in particular in science and mathematics. Scientists and local engineers that the effort produced has strengthened national security, has transformed the United States into the best world superpower in a generation and has led to discoveries that lead IT, medicine and mobile technology to date.

New technological developments and educational investments in places like China require a similar response. America must move forward to implement an AI education which will help the nation prosper and compete in the years to come.

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