AI Everywhere: Amii and the University of Alberta launch trailblazing AI course for undergraduate students

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force around the world — revolutionizing the way we learn, work, and create. For over two decades, Alberta has demonstrated global AI leadership in research and education and that legacy continues as Amii and the University of Alberta (U of A) proudly announce the launch of “Artificial Intelligence Everywhere”, a three-credit introductory course that aims to provide fundamental AI literacy skills to all U of A undergraduates.

Set to launch in January 2024, the course is the cornerstone activity for an in-development AI certification — one of the first of its kind to be offered by a Canadian university.

“Amii is thrilled to leverage our world-leading expertise in AI for the benefit of even more students at the University of Alberta,” said Cam Linke, CEO at Amii. “By equipping both technical and non-technical undergraduates with AI literacy skills, we are laying a strong foundation for a talented and versatile workforce that can collaborate seamlessly with AI experts, driving transformative breakthroughs and solidifying Canada's position as a global leader in AI advancement.”

The AI Everywhere initiative is a proactive approach taken by Amii and the U of A to bridge the AI skills gap and empower U of A students with a competitive edge an evolving job market. According to a recent survey, 52% of recent graduates say the growth of AI makes them question how prepared they are for the workforce. There is a direct corelation between the evolution of the modern workforce and the growing prevalence of AI — increasing the demand for AI expertise and AI-literate professionals across all sectors from healthcare to marketing, finance to education, and beyond.

“As AI continues to reshape industries and societies, AI literacy is no longer an option but a necessity,” says Bill Flanagan, President and Vice-Chancellor of the U of A. “With the launch of ‘AI Everywhere’, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-driven world, thereby reinforcing Canada's position as a global leader in AI education and innovation.”

The AI Everywhere course leverages more than 20 years of global leadership in fundamental AI research from Amii and will immerse students in an optimistic and humanistic approach to the field, including ethical approaches to AI adoption. Designed and led by Alona Fyshe and Adam White, both Canada CIFAR AI Chairs, Amii Fellows, and Assistant Professors at the U of A, the course will have students participate in real-world AI projects, delve into the multidisciplinary origins of AI, and gain practical insights that can be directly applied to their future careers.

To help parents understand the importance of AI literacy education, Amii is presenting a free 45-minute webinar session, Parenting in the Era of AI, on November 2, 2023. Hosted by Cam Linke, the interactive, online session aims to empower parents with the information they need to ensure their kids will thrive in a tech-driven world. Learn more about parenting in the age of AI and register for the session here.

Missed the livestream? Watch the announcement here.