AI Revolutionizing Careers & Education: STEM Director Emphasizes the Need for Seriousness
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not set to completely take over all jobs, but it will undoubtedly compel individuals to approach education and career choices with greater seriousness. This viewpoint comes from Petrus Gumbs, the founder and director of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Educational Institute.
According to Gumbs, AI will force society to reassess existing careers, urging individuals to take their work more seriously, particularly in terms of their education. He expressed this sentiment during the closing ceremony of a three-and-a-half-week summer program hosted by his institute.
Gumbs drew attention to organizations that have already incorporated AI, such as those employing kiosks for transactions. These implementations improve efficiency and reduce the need for customers to wait in long lines to see a teller.
The rise of AI is expected to motivate individuals to pursue higher-end jobs, thus driving the pursuit of higher education. Gumbs specifically mentioned that individuals will no longer opt to drop out of school in favor of becoming a teller. As an example, he highlighted the possibility of VINLEC, a local electricity utility, installing multiple payment booths outside their building, further diminishing the need for teller roles.
With advancements like ChatGPT and other AI tools, students worldwide have started to utilize these technologies to assist them in writing assignments. Rather than conducting extensive research and writing their assignments themselves, students employ AI tools to generate content. Gumbs emphasized that the focus should not be on plagiarizing, but rather on using AI tools effectively to enhance the quality of their work.
Gumbs explained that by using AI tools efficiently, students can gain more knowledge and avoid situations where they perform well on coursework assignments but struggle with tests. The summer program organized by the STEM Educational Institute aimed to educate students on how to leverage AI software for research purposes, enabling them to harness the benefits associated with these tools.
Gumbs also revealed that the STEM Educational Institute has received sponsorship from FLOW for three years. This partnership has enabled the institute to establish a stable and robust e-learning platform, facilitating the teaching of STEM subjects to both students and adults. In addition, the institute donated several devices and a projector to students in Bequia, a testament to their commitment to promoting education.
Aside from their annual summer program, STEM provides online sessions for students preparing for the CPEA, CSEC, and CAPE exams, as well as working adults. This year alone, the institute delivered courses to over 100 students, including 48 from Bequia who were able to participate through the e-learning platform.
In conclusion, while AI revolutionizes various aspects of society, including career paths and education, it is imperative that individuals approach these changes with a serious mindset. As Petrus Gumbs highlighted, AI should not be feared but embraced as a tool to enhance learning and productivity, ultimately leading individuals to pursue higher education and seek higher-end jobs.
