As students across the nation return to the classroom this fall, Florida is among the first states to adopt a K-12 artificial intelligence, or AI, education program designed to prepare its youth for the growing global demand for an AI-enabled workforce. Tapping into the expertise of the University of Florida and its AI initiative, the Florida Department of Education recently added a three-year program of study called AI Foundations to its Career and Technical Education Program, or CTE, with three Florida school districts launching it this fall after specialized AI training was available to teachers over the summer. Nearly everyone is accessing AI or being influenced by the technology every day, and that will only increase, said UF Associate Provost David Reed, who leads the university’s Artificial Intelligence Academic Initiative Center.

The program aims to equip students with the skills needed for the future workforce. ## Introduction to AI Curriculum in Florida The University of Florida (UF) is pioneering a groundbreaking initiative to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the educational framework of Florida’s public schools. This ambitious project is set to revolutionize the way students learn and prepare for the future job market. * Collaborative Development: The curriculum framework was meticulously crafted with the expertise of UF faculty, ensuring a robust and comprehensive educational experience.

The resulting curriculum includes a project-based approach and emphasizes a hands-on experience with AI, programming, and machine learning technologies. The state’s new high school program aims to equip students with a solid understanding of AI, programming, and machine learning. This curriculum is the result of extensive input gathered from private industry through focus groups. The program’s designers, faculty from the Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida, have incorporated a project-based approach to learning. This approach emphasizes hands-on experience with AI, programming, and machine learning technologies.

The college’s research team conducted a survey of 1,000 companies, revealing that 75% of employers are seeking candidates with strong problem-solving abilities. Additionally, 60% of companies are looking for candidates with experience in teamwork and collaboration.