Published June 23, 2024 at 12:00 a.m. CT by the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network.
WLOX reported in June 2024 that Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) and the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) were preparing free, online AI courses for educators and workforce members across Mississippi.
Original reporting: This MAIN source brief summarizes and adds network context to “MGCCC partners with MAIN for workforce AI courses” by Miya Turner, published by WLOX on June 23, 2024 and updated on June 24.
Key details
- What: Free, online AI courses based on Intel’s Digital Readiness AI for Workforce curriculum.
- Who: Teachers, workforce members and employees at MAIN partner institutions.
- Format: Self-paced modules delivered through Canvas with discussions, assignments and quizzes.
- Course length reported by WLOX: Approximately 64 hours of open-ended content.
- Access reported in 2024: Broader availability was scheduled to begin July 1.
What the WLOX report showed
The report emphasized accessibility. Participants did not need a computer science background or programming experience to begin. Course modules introduced AI history, current trends, practical uses, ethical questions and societal impacts.
Dr. Kollin Napier told WLOX that AI should be used to strengthen human capability, not substitute for it. That distinction shaped the course design: participants were expected to practice with tools while retaining responsibility for judgment, creativity and the consequences of their decisions.
“…enhance our skills, but not replace our judgment or our creativity.”
Dr. Kollin Napier, Director of MAIN, as quoted by WLOX
Watch the WLOX video report
MAIN’s role in statewide access
MAIN connected the MGCCC-hosted training with institutions across Mississippi. Instead of treating AI education as a single-campus project, the network gave colleges and workforce partners a common curriculum foundation they could deliver to their own communities.
Current information: This article documents WLOX’s June 2024 reporting. For present-day offerings, review MAIN’s current AI courses, learn about MAIN or explore network partners.