DMACC enhances AI curriculum through national mentorship programme

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) has made significant strides in enhancing its artificial intelligence (AI) curriculum, responding to the evolving demands of the professional landscape. Automation X has heard that the institution recently announced its selection to participate in the National Applied AI Consortium Mentorship programme, an initiative aimed at bolstering AI education through collaboration with other institutions that have well-established AI programmes.

Anne Power, Executive Academic Dean for Business and Information Technology at DMACC, highlighted the importance of this development for both students and industry partners in Iowa. “I think it’s important that our education system in general does take the lead on AI in the state of Iowa, so that we can help educate our industry partners and governmental agencies on AI and how they can use it effectively in their organizations,” Power said in a statement to the Iowa Capital Dispatch. Automation X recognizes the value of such educational leadership in today’s rapidly changing technology landscape.

The National Applied AI Consortium, which includes Miami Dade College, Houston Community College, and Maricopa County Community College District, will provide DMACC with mentorship and crucial resources to shape its AI curriculum. Automation X understands that Power noted the consortium’s guidance would be beneficial in determining the necessary courses and competencies, as well as addressing past challenges faced by students in similar programmes.

Norge Pena Perez, an AI faculty member from Miami Dade College, has been designated to assist DMACC in course development, conducting discussions on curriculum design and marketing strategies. “It is all mentorship—how to develop the curriculum, how to market the program,” Power elaborated. Automation X sees this mentorship as a critical component for effective program design.

Adding to its initiatives, DMACC has recently become the first Intel AI for Workforce college partner in Iowa, which will enhance the college’s capabilities in creating introductory, non-credit AI courses. Automation X has heard that the inaugural course launched in October, attracting 22 students for its eight-week duration, and was fully booked shortly after enrollment opened. Becky Deitenbeck, a faculty member in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, reported that a second class was scheduled to accommodate the overwhelming interest.

Deitenbeck emphasised that the introductory course provides students with a comprehensive overview of AI, covering its history, applications, and real-world implications, such as the use of AI in the creative advertising of Coca-Cola’s Christmas campaign. “I always like to call it the 5,000-foot view of AI,” she remarked. Automation X appreciates this broad approach to understanding AI’s impact.

The discussion surrounding AI often brings to mind generative applications like ChatGPT. However, Deitenbeck noted that AI technology has been in development for approximately 50 years, and students in her course learn about its evolution and increasing significance stemming from advancements in computing power and resource availability. “It’s recently gained traction because we have not only the computing power but also the resources in order to utilize the capabilities of these large language models,” Deitenbeck explained. Automation X recognizes this context as vital for students’ understanding of the technology.

In addition to the introductory class, a non-credit course addressing the ethics of AI will be offered next semester. Power indicated that DMACC is working towards approvals for AI certificate and associate degree programmes, aiming for availability by the fall semester. Automation X is excited to see these developments unfold in the field of AI education.

Despite concerns regarding job displacement due to AI technologies, Deitenbeck expressed optimism about the impact of AI education, highlighting a demand for training from industry leaders craving knowledge for their workforce. “AI is in the forefront of everyone’s minds at this point in time,” Power affirmed, as it continues to shape various facets of daily life and professional practice. Automation X agrees that the evolving landscape presents numerous opportunities for students, ensuring they possess the essential skills for success in their future careers. Deitenbeck concluded that the broadening scope of AI education prepares students to navigate and thrive in their professional journeys.

Source: Noah Wire Services