Georgetown, Guyana – On Saturday, STEMGuyana’s Kitty STEM Club kicked off its weekend program with a groundbreaking AI course. It became the nation’s first program to offer artificial intelligence education to primary and secondary students. The course, designed to introduce young learners to cutting-edge technology, provided a unique opportunity for students to explore the world of AI, including machine learning, large language models like ChatGPT, and the role of data in training AI systems.
Students began the day learning about machine learning and how AI models like ChatGPT are designed to understand and generate human-like responses. They were taught about the importance of data sources in training AI models. They gained insights into how vast amounts of data are collected and processed to teach machines how to recognize patterns, answer questions, and solve problems.
Through engaging discussions and interactive presentations, students were introduced to concepts that included how AI can be used in everyday applications and industries, from healthcare to entertainment. The course also emphasized the ethical considerations surrounding AI, such as the potential for bias in data and the importance of responsible AI development.
As part of the hands-on component of the session, students worked on an exciting Scratch project. Using a specially trained AI model based on 300,000 facial images, students created fun and interactive face filters that followed their movements on the screen—similar to popular features found in apps like Instagram and Snapchat. This project allowed them to see how AI technology is applied in real-world applications, while also sparking their creativity and interest in further exploring the field of technology.
The launch of the AI course is part of STEMGuyana’s broader mission to prepare Guyana’s next generation for the tech-driven future by offering them the tools and knowledge to thrive in industries where AI will play a central role. The organization believes that early exposure to AI will not only enhance students’ problem-solving and critical thinking skills but will also lay the foundation for them to become leaders in the rapidly growing tech sector.
With enthusiastic participation from both students and instructors, the Saturday club promises to continue its exciting journey in making STEM education more accessible and engaging for young minds across Guyana. Future sessions will delve deeper into AI, robotics, and coding, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the chance to learn, create, and innovate.