Google Launches New AI Course to Foster Fundamental Skills for Everyone
On Friday morning, Google announced the launch of a new agnostic course on the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, accessible to everyone. The course is designed to cover basic skills and best practices in AI and is part of a $75 million grant initiative called the AI Opportunity Fund. This fund, distributed through Google.org, aims to make AI training more accessible around the world, especially in underserved communities and among those working in nonprofit organizations or small businesses.
In a press release, James Manyika, senior vice president of Research, Technology and Society at Google, emphasized the significance of AI in accelerating economic growth and the importance of providing access to AI training for everyone. The AI Essentials course is set to provide skills applicable to various industries and expand job opportunities.
Lisa Gevelber, founder of Grow with Google, highlighted the need for generative AI skills in today’s workforce and the importance of upskilling to remain competitive in the job market. Noting the success of the Grow with Google initiative, which has already benefited over 11 million Americans, Gevelber emphasized the value of skills-based hiring and training programs like Google’s in democratizing access to in-demand skills.
The Opportunity Fund will provide grants to organizations to offer free AI courses to their workers. The AI Essentials course, which lasts just under 10 hours, focuses on basic AI skills that can be applied to various industries without specific product requirements. The goal is to equip trainees with the skills to use any AI product available now or in the future.
Manyika emphasized the importance of ensuring that workers who may have been excluded from advances in AI can benefit from training opportunities. He also highlighted the responsibility that comes with AI technology and the need to ensure that it truly benefits workers.
Overall, Google’s new AI course and the AI Opportunity Fund aim to democratize access to AI training, empower individuals with valuable skills, and contribute to economic growth and job opportunities for all.