Hitting the Books: AI Education for Lifelong Learners

Just when I thought it might be time to relax and coast a little as I moved to California, I chose to dive deeper into AI, enrolling in some Stanford classes that promise to stretch my understanding beyond its limits. This is despite the fact that I've been speaking about the subject and preaching about “AI vs AI” for almost a decade. What would prompt me to, once again, grab a backpack, sack lunch, and hit the classrooms?

The decision wasn't just about adding another credential; it was about embracing the future and ensuring my skills remain sharp and relevant. As one of my most respected mentors taught me a few moons ago, "If you keep up, you'll be fine. If you pause for even three months, you'll be obsolete."

The State of AI in Education

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the education sector, bringing a wave of innovation that enhances student engagement and improves educational outcomes. The integration of AI tools in educational contexts is becoming more widespread, with schools and institutions adopting AI-powered solutions to support both teaching and learning. Generative AI, in particular, has garnered significant attention for its ability to create customized learning materials and personalized learning experiences. This technology is not just a futuristic concept; it’s actively shaping the way educators approach their craft, making learning more interactive and tailored to individual student needs.

Current Challenges

Despite the promising potential of AI in education, several challenges need to be addressed to fully harness its benefits. One of the primary concerns is the lack of professional learning opportunities for educators. Many teachers need the necessary skills to effectively integrate AI tools into their teaching practices, which can hinder the adoption of these technologies. Additionally, there are significant concerns about student data privacy. The use of AI systems in education raises questions about how student data is collected, stored, and used, with the potential for these systems to exacerbate existing biases and inequalities. Furthermore, the high cost of developing and implementing AI-powered solutions can be a barrier for many schools and institutions, making it difficult to access these advanced tools.

Obsolescence Avoidance through Generative AI Education

While technology-focused education has always been a passion, I feel it has never been more important than this particular moment in time, as we are witnessing the advent of mass use of AI and its exciting, ever-evolving spheres of associated knowledge. It’s not enough to simply be aware of AI when its associated vectors, like Machine Learning, large language models, and even neural networks, blossom into new discoveries at a never-before-seen pace.

As founders, board members, and CEOs, we set the tone for our entire organization. Our approach to learning and adapting to AI cascades throughout the company, influencing how our teams perceive and embrace change. It’s crucial that we demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning, not just in words but in actions, which includes prioritizing AI training to ensure our teams are well-prepared to navigate its challenges and opportunities.

I know that in order to continue creating a safer online environment for people and businesses, we must have current, practical knowledge to bolster what decades of experience have already taught us.

Of course, we have all witnessed other technological breakthroughs during our lifetimes… the personal computer, mobile phones, internet connectivity, the cloud, advances in healthcare, and surgical methods.

➡️ The best technologists and innovators in any sector are those who never stop learning. They know technology doesn’t wait for them to have time to “catch up.” Instead, the most impactful and successful technologists have perpetually run alongside the ever-ticking secondhand of advancement and innovation.

Learning is a dynamic and fluid process in which sometimes, yes, an academic whitepaper is read, but other times, this may look like simply taking the time to learn from a colleague in conversation. Many wouldn’t necessarily think of themselves as lifelong learners but simply people who follow a natural curiosity that is often focused on their passions and interests.

Many Paths to Learn More About AI

One of the best things about our connected age is that it has made knowledge in many formats generally accessible, including insights into the latest AI technologies.

Though I am currently enrolled in college courses (some online and others in-person), there are many ways to stay abreast of the latest uses, innovations, and discoveries of AI and its various applications. Educational technology plays a transformative role in enhancing learning outcomes through adaptive programs and data analysis. Whether an employee upskilling to leverage new AI-based tools in the workplace or a C-suite level innovator, this vastly expanding knowledge base is now accessible to all.

In addition to formal Stanford courses, I’ve found the following educational resources to be helpful in my quest to further my AI knowledge.

AI Education via Formal Workforce Training and Professional Learning

Formal training is making up a large part of AI education at the moment, as we are witnessing the rapid evolution of entire swaths of the workforce. Collaboration with school leaders is essential to ensure safe AI practices and enhance the learning environment for teachers and students. From customer service representatives to entire accounting, sales, and marketing floors of multinational corporations, organizations and individuals are realizing the necessity of continuing education AI.

If you’re interested in formal education in AI for your teams, I suggest you look into Correlation One‘s training programs. Their platforms are easy to navigate, and they have programs for workforce development, enterprise upskilling, or individual learners. Training is approached from a foundational level that gives context to the information provided. Their Generative AI readiness toolkit is a prime example of this.

Self-Guided or Independent Learning for AI Knowledge and Student Progress

Opportunities to learn about the AI ecosystem and its less-technical aspects—such as its potential societal impact or possible future applications—abound in the thousands of AI books that were released seemingly overnight. 

Finding an engaging read (or listen, if you prefer audiobooks) by a credible source can be a daunting prospect. This curated list is a good place to start. Some books explore the technical and scientific aspects of AI, like Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI by Anil Ananthaswamy. Others offer guidance to business leaders, like The AI-Savvy Leader: Nine Ways to Take Back Control and Make AI Work by David De Cremer. Still, other recent books examine and question the potential socioeconomic impact of this transformative technology as Parmy Olsen does in Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race that Will Change the World

Finally, professional and social networks can be an invaluable guide to finding useful information about whatever specific facet of AI education you're looking to pursue. In addition to knowledgeable recommendations, sometimes social media posts from respected industry leaders can be tremendously helpful. An excellent example of this includes this LinkedIn post and a helpful infographic from Denis Panjuta. 

Transforming the Learning Experience

AI has the potential to transform the learning experience in profound ways. By creating customized learning materials and providing personalized feedback, AI-powered tools can help teachers identify areas where students need additional support. This enables educators to provide targeted interventions, significantly improving student progress. Moreover, AI can increase student engagement by offering interactive and immersive learning experiences that cater to different learning styles and abilities. Imagine a classroom where each student receives a tailored educational experience, keeping them motivated and engaged. This is the future that AI technology promises.

Generative AI in Education

Generative AI stands at the forefront of educational innovation, offering the potential to revolutionize how we create and deliver learning materials. This technology can help teachers develop tailored lesson plans and educational resources that meet the specific needs of their students. By automating tasks such as grading and feedback, generative AI can also reduce the workload of teachers, allowing them to focus more on direct student interaction and support. The ability to generate customized content on demand means that educational resources can be more dynamic and responsive to the needs of the classroom.

Creating Customized Learning Materials

Generative AI can be a game-changer in creating customized learning materials, such as textbooks, worksheets, and educational games. This technology allows for the development of personalized learning experiences that cater to the individual needs and abilities of each student. By reducing the cost of developing and implementing educational resources, generative AI makes high-quality education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds. Imagine a world where every student has access to materials that are perfectly suited to their learning style and pace. This is the promise of generative AI in education, making learning more inclusive and effective for all.

Leverage the Experience and Lifelong Learning Knowledge at CyVent

As a security professional, I am driven by intellectual curiosity and a deep, ongoing interest in advanced technology. I am equally passionate about leveraging my knowledge and experience to create safer online environments for business owners. 

That's why I founded and why we've built our offerings to focus on a holistic approach to cybersecurity. This is the philosophy that guides our entire team of cybersecurity technologists, former CISOs, senior line executives, and academic thought leaders. 

Our team has skillfully assessed cybersecurity solutions with what fits best for each unique client because, as a crew of lifelong learners, we all hold each other to the same standard of being current in the latest science, research, and technological knowledge. Contact CyVent today for a free consultation, and let us put that knowledge and experience into action to better protect your organization.

Looking Ahead: Our Responsibility as School Leaders

As we navigate this journey together, let's ask ourselves:   - How can we better integrate AI learning into our board and executive development programs? - What steps can we take to ensure our organizations are prepared for AI-driven disruptions in our industry? - How can we leverage our growing AI knowledge to create sustainable competitive advantages?   By embracing lifelong learning in AI, we set a powerful example for our entire organization and pave the way for innovation and growth in the years to come.