WLOX reported that MGCCC AI workforce courses, developed with the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN), give Mississippians free, online AI training. The self-paced courses run on the Canvas platform and require no prerequisites.
Source attribution: This MAIN post summarizes and links to the WLOX article, “MGCCC partners with MAIN for workforce AI courses”, published by WLOX on June 24, 2024.
Key Details
- What: Free, online AI courses built on Intel’s Digital Readiness “AI for Workforce” program and delivered through Canvas.
- Who: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) and MAIN, led by Dr. Kollin Napier.
- When: Reported by WLOX on June 24, 2024; broader access began July 1, 2024.
- Where: Across Mississippi, with MAIN partnering with all 15 community colleges and several universities.
- Why it matters: The training builds practical AI skills for educators and workers at no cost.
Why MGCCC AI Workforce Courses Matter
As a result of this partnership, Mississippians can learn AI without a programming or computer science background. In addition, each course offers about 64 hours of open-ended content, with discussions, assignments, and quizzes. Importantly, the modules cover AI history, current trends, and ethical and societal impacts. Furthermore, MAIN plans to add more courses on Canvas throughout the year. Moreover, teachers can enroll as students with MGCCC at no charge, and the open-ended format lets them learn at their own pace.
“…enhance our skills, but not replace our judgment or our creativity.”
Dr. Kollin Napier, Director of MAIN, as quoted by WLOX
MAIN’s Role
Through MAIN, Mississippi connects its colleges, universities, and workforce around practical AI skills. Specifically, MGCCC employees and the broader workforce gained access to the training beginning July 1, 2024.
Explore MAIN’s free AI courses, learn more about MAIN, or read the source article from WLOX. WLOX also covered the partnership on video; in addition, you can watch the WLOX video coverage for more.