ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field that presents significant opportunities for young and adult people in Africa and Zimbabwe.

To help guide them, there are several key courses and training programmes they should consider.

Last week’s article contained an important announcement by James Manyika of Google about a Google Essentials Course that provides a bird’s eye view of the AI wave. Manyika advised of a US$75 million rollout support fund for anyone interested in the Google Essentials Course, available for just US$38. This has prompted me to address the important issue of assisting those, who wish to undertake study in Artificial Intelligence.

Manyika highlights the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence literacy. As AI continues to revolutionise various aspects of our lives, understanding this technology becomes crucial. This guide delves into the exciting world of AI studies, equipping readers with the knowledge to chart their path in this dynamic field.

As a brief recap, AI refers to the field of computer science dedicated to creating intelligent systems capable of mimicking human cognitive functions like learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. AI systems are programmed to analyse data, identify patterns, and adapt their behaviour accordingly.

From self-driving cars to virtual assistants and medical diagnosis tools, AI applications are rapidly transforming our world. Why Study Artificial Intelligence?

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There are several compelling reasons to pursue AI studies:

High demand: The demand for AI professionals is skyrocketing across industries. Studying AI positions you for a promising and lucrative career with ample job opportunities.

Impactful work: AI has the potential to solve some of humanity's most pressing challenges. Contributing to this field allows you to make a real difference.

Intellectual challenge: AI is a rapidly evolving field with ongoing research and discovery. Studying AI offers a stimulating intellectual journey.

Versatility: AI skills are valuable across various domains, from healthcare and finance to robotics and game development.

Approaches to studying AI

Depending on your station in life, here are several ways to embark on your AI learning journey, catering to diverse needs and academic backgrounds:

University Degrees: Universities offer a range of AI-focused programmes, including Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science with specialisation in AI. These programmes provide a comprehensive foundation in theoretical and practical aspects of AI.

Foundational AI and machine learning courses: For those new to AI, foundational courses in AI and machine learning are a great starting point. These cover topics like neural networks, supervised and unsupervised learning, and natural language processing. Many universities in Zimbabwe, such as the University of Zimbabwe, National University of Science and Technology, and Midlands State University, offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in these areas.

Specialised AI tracks: As students progress, they can explore more specialised AI tracks like computer vision, robotics, or reinforcement learning. These advanced courses delve deeper into applying AI to solve domain-specific problems.

Organisations like IndabaX Zimbabwe also provide workshops and mentorship programs to build practical AI skills.

Data Science and Analytics: This is an important career path that offers roles such as data engineer and data analyst. Given the data-intensive nature of AI, courses in data science, statistics, and analytics are highly valuable. These teach skills in data collection, cleaning, analysis, and visualisation - all essential for building effective AI systems.

Ethical and responsible AI: With the growing influence of AI, it is crucial for students to understand the ethical implications and challenges. Courses on AI ethics, bias, and explainability can help ensure AI is developed and deployed responsibly.

Entrepreneurship and commercialisation: For those interested in bringing AI solutions to the market, entrepreneurship and commercialisation courses provide vital business and product development skills. IndabaX Zimbabwe facilitates connections between researchers and businesses. Deep Learning Indaba is a voluntary community that seeks to strengthen African machine learning, with IndabaX Zimbabwe bridging that gap in Zimbabwe.

Other routes that provide good learning opportunities and resources include:

Bootcamps: Intensive bootcamps offer a more focused and accelerated approach to learning AI. They typically cover core topics like machine learning, deep learning, and data science.

Online courses: Online platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity offer a vast array of AI courses, ranging from introductory to advanced levels. These courses provide flexibility in learning schedules and are often self-paced.

Self-directed learning: With the abundance of online resources, including tutorials, blogs, and research papers, you can embark on a self-directed learning journey. This approach requires discipline and initiative but allows you to customise your learning path.

Areas of focus

Regardless of the chosen approach, your AI studies should encompass some key areas:

Machine learning: This subfield focuses on algorithms that enable machines to learn from data without explicit programming.

Deep learning: A subset of machine learning inspired by the structure and function of the human brain, utilising artificial neural networks.

Data science: The art of extracting knowledge and insights from data, crucial for training and optimising AI models.

Computer science: A strong foundation in computer science concepts like algorithms, data structures, and programming languages is essential for implementing AI models.

Mathematics: Understanding linear algebra, calculus, and probability theory is vital for grasping the underlying mathematical principles of AI algorithms.

Beyond technical skills

While technical expertise is crucial, a successful AI professional should possess additional skills:

Critical thinking: Analysing problems, identifying relevant data, and drawing sound conclusions are essential for applying AI effectively.

Problem-solving: AI practitioners need to identify and address challenges that arise when developing and deploying AI systems.

Communication: Clearly explaining technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences is a valuable skill.

Ethics and responsibility: Understanding the ethical implications of AI and developing responsible AI solutions is critical in this field.

Getting started with your AI studies

Here are some initial steps to launch your AI learning journey:

Identify your goals: Determine what you aim to achieve with  your AI knowledge. Do you seek a career switch, up-skill in your current role, or simply gain a deeper understanding of the technology?

Assess your background: Consider your existing knowledge in computer science, math, and programming. This helps choose a suitable starting point.

Explore learning options: Research the available educational programmes, online courses, and self-directed learning resources. Choose an approach that aligns with your learning style and goals.

Start small and build momentum: Begin with introductory courses or tutorials to gain a foundational understanding of AI concepts. Gradually progress towards more advanced topics.

Practice and experiment: Complement your theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. Participate in online coding challenges, work on personal AI projects, or contribute to open-source AI projects.

 Stay updated: The field of AI is constantly evolving. Commit to continuous learning by following industry publications, attending conferences, and networking with other AI professionals. Here are some specific ways to stay ahead of the curve:

Follow industry publications: Subscribe to reputable online publications and blogs focused on AI research and development. These publications will keep you informed about the latest breakthroughs, trends, and applications of AI.

Attend conferences: Attend conferences and workshops related to AI. These events offer opportunities to learn from leading experts, network with other professionals, and discover new technologies.

Network with other AI professionals: Connect with other AI professionals online or in person. Join online communities, attend meet-ups, or participate in forums to exchange ideas, learn from each other's experiences, and stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in the field. By pursuing this range of AI-focused education and training, young people in Africa and Zimbabwe can position themselves at the forefront of this transformative technology and drive innovation in their communities.

  • Bangure is a filmmaker with extensive experience in print and electronic media production and management. He has had considerable exposure to IT networks and Cloud. AI enthusiast and scholar. — naison.bangure@hub-edutech.com