Grade 3 to 7 learners from RA Padayachee Primary in Durban are learning Artificial Intelligence (AI) during an after-school STEM education programme
Technology is growing at a rapid rate and children these days need to have the skills that will enable them to work in a world that is technilogically more advanced than right now. Learning the basics of computational thinking, electrical engineering, mobile computing and robotics will greatly benefit a child today, as they become the adults of tomorrow.
I-Innovate has partnered with U.S. developers, Curiosity Machine to bring the AI Family Challenge to South Africa with aim of ultimately reaching 20 000 learners in disadvantaged communities around the world. Learners, teachers and family members get together to explore fascinating facets of AI technologies such as machine learning, speech recognition, prediction models, autonomous vehicles and neural networks.
As learners learn and apply AI concepts, they are inspired to use them to find solutions to pressing community problems when it comes to food, agriculture, health, transportation and energy.
The ‘learn by doing’ approach to mastering the series of design challenges presented by I-Innovate are aimed at igniting creativity, problem-solving, collaboration and innovation. The learning experience fosters a strong and valuable sense of empowerment, confidence and inclusion in the learners.
Grade 3 to 7 learners from RA Padayachee Primary and their teachers have stepped into the astounding world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) during an after-school STEM education programme called the AI Family Challenge. Other programmes like this one have been successful in Cape Town.
“With these hands-on design challenges, we make complex AI concepts tangible,” says I-Innovate CEO, Trisha Crookes.
“For instance, participants understand how autonomous vehicles process different signals by building a system of circuits to simulate sensors and rapid decision-making. More importantly, over the course of the challenge, participants develop a learner mindset that gives them a lifelong ability to innovate and problem-solve.”
“The AI Family Challenge is another inspiring and highly relevant way of showing children in our communities that they can have a meaningful impact today and in the future,” concludes Crookes.
For further information about I-Innovate and their programmes, visit www.i-can-innovate.com
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