Hi Kinga
@Kinga Szekessy Parrott , That was really a great thought. Thanks for starting this series and introducing
@Lauren Thomas - a PhD, crafter, people-centric. It''s definitely inspiring to know about passionate people with such a diverse portfolio of qualifications, skills and interests.
@Christina Howell, One thing I want to mention here, is that there are too many links to follow and keep track of, I mean, I suggest that you bring all the different learning sources offered across different yet IBM's own links, and the community together and combine those two into 'ONE' beautiful and useful platform. IBM Skills Gateway looks wonderful in terms of both the feel and the content. I'd love to see a 'start page' with all those tabs, buttons and links using which I can seamlessly browse, learn, share, I mean a smooth transitioning experience. It should basically look like ONE place. :-)
Dr. Lauren
@Lauren Thomas , I'd love to see a course on AI / Data Science specific mathematical prerequisite for aspiring data scientists / AI professionals. Because I think that's a kinda hitch for those who are interested in switching to this fast evolving field. So, if people could just overcome that with the help of an exclusive course on that as the first thing in this journey, they would be able to progress further with a great confidence.
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Vijay Tatineni
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Original Message:
Sent: Tue November 19, 2019 08:31 AM
From: Kinga Szekessy Parrott
Subject: Meet the incredible folks who develop AI Courses - Dr. Lauren Thomas
I have had the opportunity recently to work with some amazing people at IBM. People who put all their passion into developing the courses that you and I and organizations everywhere take in order to increase their knowledge in AI.
These folks are experts in the field; they have PhD and masters degrees in technology AND they have degrees in education.
If you have ever developed a 1 hour session, you know how much work is put into a 4 hour, day long, or 40 hour course. But what most of us don't know, is how much work is put into outlining a course, creating all the materials, finding the data sets, setting up the infrastructure and even developing the tests.
So I thought I would start a series to introduce these fantastic folks.
It is a great opportunity to engage in conversations about what they are developing and what your needs are.
Today I would like to introduce Dr. Lauren Thomas - AI Skills Curriculum Lead at IBM
Lauren has a degree in Optical Engineering and a PhD in Engineering Education.
Her other professional interests include nonprofit organizations, STEM education policy and the role of corporations in public education.
Tell us a little about your job at IBM?
I develop curriculum for AI Business education. Recently I developed a course to help AI make sense to business leaders and make business make sense to AI leaders and practitioners. My focus helping businesses develop organizational capabilities to implement successful AI projects.
What makes you get up in the morning?
I believe the purpose of my life is to change STEM education, so anyone can choose to be an engineer and everyone can develop the required technical literacy to work in this society... that is what I was born to do.
What do you bring to the community?
I like technology but I care about people. I call myself a "technical sociologist". I help build bridges between technology and people for social good. My favorite conversation is around ethics.
How can the community help you?
Let me know what are the most difficult or scary questions you have about technology, specially AI technology and it's implementation. I want to learn what is on your mind, what gets you excited when you think about AI in your organization, what are you most afraid of.
Fun fact?
I am a crafter. I find ways to be creative every day.. I make a t-shirt one day, a Christmas ornament the next, I add fun elements to my calendar.. you will always find me making something.
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Kinga Parrott
Chief Tech Ed Evangelist
IBM
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