New advancements in AI present unlimited possibilities for learning and development in the classroom. As a result, Google.org recently announced an investment of over $25 million as a part of the AI Opportunity Fund.
This announcement builds on the impact of Google.org’s $75 million AI Opportunity Fund, which will help over one million Americans learn essential AI skills by providing funding to best-in-class workforce development and education organisations across the country.
The focus on edtech sector
This initiative aims to reach over half a million K-12 and college students, as well as educators. It will give them the skills they need to use AI responsibly in the classroom and the workplace. This initiative from Google commitment will benefit over 500,000 educators and students, helping them navigate these challenges and opportunities brought by AI in the classroom.
Google’s initiative comes at a timely moment. Currently, over 30% of educators are experimenting with or using AI tools in the classroom, and 72% of students are eager to receive guidance on how to responsibly use generative AI. The educational sector’s demand and expectations for AI are evident.
Matthew Jones, a special education teacher who has been participating in AI training with the International Society for Technology in Education, is seeing this firsthand. He teaches four subjects across three different grade levels, and while finding appropriate resources for his students was once a challenge, AI is helping him to complete that task in a fraction of the time. “AI has transformed my experience,” Matthew said. “I now have more time to focus on other tasks, and I’m more prepared for my students than ever before.”
Organisations receiving the investment
The funds from Google.org will be allocated to five key educational organisations for developing AI curricula, training teachers, and providing inclusive AI learning experiences.
- International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) will launch the GenerationAI initiative, partnering with multiple educational institutions to offer high-quality AI professional learning nationwide.
- The 4-H will focus on students and educators in rural areas, implementing local projects across several states.
- aiEDU will take efforts concentrated on enhancing AI literacy among disadvantaged students, particularly those in rural and indigenous communities.
- CodePath will provide industry-certified AI courses for underrepresented university computer science students.
- STEM from Dance combines AI with dance choreography to attract girls of colour to STEM learning, aiming to narrow the gender gap in the field.
In addition to direct financial support, ISTE and 4-H will incorporate Google AI learning resources into their training. These organisations will offer Generative AI for Educators, a two-hour, self-paced course designed to help educators save time and enhance student learning with generative AI tools. As AI education expands, resources like this guide on all you need to know to get started can provide educators and learners with foundational knowledge to navigate and succeed in the AI-driven landscape, including in terms of making a website.
This is one of many resources available from Google to help people learn AI skills across all sectors, including the Google AI Essentials course and the addition of AI training within the Google Career Certificates program.
