The rise of artificial intelligence – or AI – has been labelled the fourth industrial revolution, a transformative technology that’s set to have an impact on virtually everything we do.
But … what is it?
If that’s a question you’ve been too shy to ask, don’t despair because you’re not alone.
That’s why the state government is launching a free short course - through TAFE SA – to help build the essential knowledge and skills people will need as AI becomes more relevant to their lives.
The AI Essentials: Getting Started with Artificial Intelligence course is among the first of its kind in Australia and includes an introduction to how the technology works as well as a focus on privacy, safety and ethical considerations.
Developed by TAFE SA, the course is free and available online, offering flexibility and accessibility for people wherever they live across South Australia to learn about the new technology.
As well as offering general information the course is designed to support South Australian workers to upskill, ensuring they have access to the skills development and training they deserve.
It follows the recent announcement that EdChat – an AI tool developed by the Department for Education and Microsoft – is set to be rolled out to all public secondary students from next term.
South Australia was the only jurisdiction in Australia not to ban AI in schools – instead taking t
he opportunity to prepare students for the world in which they live.
The AI TAFE course requires between five and 10 hours of self-paced study and participants will receive a certificate of completion once they have finished.
The fully online course provides engaging and easy-to-follow content exploring what AI is, how it works and how it is being applied at work and home.
SA Unions secretary Dale Beasley said SA Unions was "optimistic about a future where AI helps make jobs safer, more productive, and more fulfilling", but that working people "want to know that their job security is not going to be left unprotected".
"Artificial intelligence is a powerful new tool, and like any other major technological shift," Mr Beasley said.
"It has the potential to transform our workplaces and improve our lives, if people know how to use it and trust its implementation."
However, he said he didn’t want to see a "let it rip" approach where workers missed out the benefits of AI.
"It's not just about preventing job losses," he said.
"It's about ensuring that workers, whose productivity and creativity can be amplified by this technology, get to share in the prosperity and benefits that it brings.
"This course is a great first step, empowering workers with the knowledge to understand and harness AI, and shows the value and responsiveness of publicly owned training."
The course will be available from Monday 29 September and people can register their interest now via the TAFE SA website.
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