Are high school students in Colorado pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence by designing their own AI models? In the vibrant classrooms of Longmont, Colorado, this is precisely what’s happening. At the St. Vrain Valley School District Innovation Center, a groundbreaking program has been introduced this fall, aiming to immerse students in the world of AI design and application.
Mai Vu, who leads the AI Program at the district, emphasizes the program’s core objective: equipping students with the knowledge to employ AI in tackling real-world issues. “AI influences many aspects of our lives, from the tunes on Spotify to the series we binge on Netflix, albeit subtly working its magic behind the scenes,” Vu explains.
She prides herself on guiding students through the intricacies of AI algorithms and their coding, making this advanced technology accessible to all interested learners.
The program is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing students to engage at their own pace until their projects reach fruition. Aiden Buchanan, a senior and an enthusiastic participant in the AI initiative, shares his journey: “The process, from understanding the basics, acquiring components, mastering soldering, to the final assembly, has been challenging yet rewarding.”
Buchanan is currently focused on integrating an AI-powered camera into a self-driving car model, illustrating the program’s hands-on approach to learning.
Read more: How to Create an AI App in Just 10 Minutes
But what exactly is AI?
At the heart of Buchanan’s self-driving car project is camera-based detection technology, crucial for recognizing stop signs and traffic lights. This application of AI in practical scenarios exemplifies the program’s aim to demystify AI for students and highlight its potential in solving complex problems.
Supporting the initiative is The AI Education Project, a five-year non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible AI use in education. Christian Pinedo, the project’s chief of staff, outlines their mission to assist schools nationwide, including those in states such as New York, Maryland, Florida, Texas, California, Colorado, and Ohio. “Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly evident in today’s world, prompting a deeper understanding of its transformative impact on education and the workforce,” says Pinedo.
Students embarking on this AI journey start with the basics before advancing to project creation and management. Projects range from practical applications, like Buchanan’s self-driving car, to innovative educational tools, such as a gaming app designed to teach French. These endeavors highlight the students’ excitement and optimism about AI’s capabilities.
“Working with AI is fascinating,” Buchanan remarks. “It accomplishes tasks in minutes that would otherwise take humans hours to complete, offering a unique opportunity for high schoolers like us to explore its potential.”