TL;DR:
- edX collaborates with top universities in the US to launch an AI Boot Camp.
- The program is designed for beginners and focuses on essential technical AI skills.
- Classes begin in fall 2023, with multiple universities offering the course.
- The curriculum covers data science, machine learning, AI applications, and more.
- AI skills are in high demand, with the survey showing a significant shortage in the job market.
- Learners can access additional AI courses on edX.org for free.
- The AI Boot Camp complements edX’s extensive portfolio of boot camp programs.
- Graduates report high job satisfaction and positive outcomes.
Main AI News:
In a bid to address the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) skills in the job market, edX, the leading global online learning platform, has joined forces with prestigious universities across the United States to unveil a cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence Boot Camp. This intensive online program is tailored to individuals with little or no prior technical training who aspire to swiftly develop the expertise required for an entry-level technical role with a focus on AI.
Scheduled to commence in the fall of 2023, the program will be inaugurated by Michigan State University, the University of Denver, The Ohio State University College of Engineering, and Southern Methodist University, welcoming their first cohorts in September. Shortly thereafter, in November, Columbia University’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, the University of Utah, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte will kick off their inaugural cohorts. Those eager to embark on this transformative journey can already enroll for the September start date on edX.org.
Spanning 24 weeks and designed for early- to mid-career professionals, the part-time boot camp will immerse learners in practical and technical skills across data science, machine learning, and AI. Informed by real-time industry demands, the curriculum encompasses marketable technologies and foundational concepts such as Python, unsupervised and supervised machine learning, transformers, natural language processing, AI applications, time series forecasting, and AI and data ethics. The Artificial Intelligence Boot Camp is enriched by the expertise of seasoned industry practitioners and bolstered by the support of on-demand tutors, all aimed at equipping graduates with dynamic, in-demand skills vital for thriving in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Anant Agarwal, the Founder of edX, Chief Platform Officer at 2U, and former director of CSAIL, MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, emphasized the significance of AI literacy, stating, “Every individual, irrespective of their profession or trade, stands to benefit from a fundamental understanding of AI–it is now a requisite literacy in our times. The Artificial Intelligence Boot Camp with edX will help equip more people with the AI knowledge and skills necessary to augment their capabilities and ensure they’re harnessing the myriad opportunities unfolding in this fascinating and rapidly shifting technology.”
A recent survey commissioned by edX unveiled intriguing insights into the AI landscape. Technical hiring managers across the US anticipate that nearly half (42%) of all job candidates hired within the next five years will require AI skills, while they believe that currently, less than 20% possess these skills. Correspondingly, there is a strong demand for AI training, as 82% of surveyed learners expressed interest in AI-related higher education programs in the last six months. In tandem with this growing interest, edX experienced an 80% surge in searches for ‘artificial intelligence’ on the platform in the first half of 2023.
Michael J. Robertson, Assistant Provost for Global, Online & Continuing Education at SMU, expressed the university’s commitment to meet the evolving needs of learners and employers through their partnership with 2U and the edX platform. Robertson stated, “By broadening our partnership to include the Artificial Intelligence Boot Camp, we’re helping equip individuals in Dallas and beyond with the tools to navigate and shape this new era of AI innovation while creating meaningful and rewarding career pathways.“
Aside from the flagship Artificial Intelligence Boot Camp, edX and its partners have invested in an array of high-quality, cutting-edge AI content. Learners can explore a dozen Machine Learning and AI MicroBootCamps™ and five ChatGPT open courses on edX.org. These open courses, available for a free audit, cater to various applications of ChatGPT, including education, business, healthcare, and tech/coding/data.
The addition of the Artificial Intelligence Boot Camp further enriches edX’s portfolio of boot camp programs, which already include coding, data science, cybersecurity, UX/UI, and fintech. As a leading developer of technology talent worldwide, edX has propelled over 70,000 boot camp graduates to success by equipping them with the essential skills, knowledge, and career resources to achieve their goals. According to a 2U-Gallup survey, boot camp graduates reported being nearly four times happier with their jobs after graduation, with over 86% achieving a positive outcome.
Conclusion:
The launch of the Artificial Intelligence Boot Camp by edX in collaboration with leading universities signifies a significant step towards addressing the growing demand for AI skills in the job market. As AI becomes increasingly vital across various industries, this program’s comprehensive curriculum and support from industry practitioners will equip learners with in-demand skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. The strong interest in AI training, coupled with the shortage of AI-skilled candidates, highlights the importance of such initiatives in bridging the skill gap. EdX’s commitment to providing high-quality AI content further strengthens its position as a premier platform for developing technology talent, promising positive outcomes for learners and employers alike in the competitive market.
