Cheongju Heungdeok Library has announced an educational initiative that includes artificial intelligence and coding programs aimed at both adults and younger learners.
For adults, the library has introduced a program designed to explore the capabilities of ChatGPT, an advanced language model. This program is scheduled to operate for four sessions, every Saturday from May 11 to June 1, specifically crafted for 15 participants. It will focus on practical sessions such as experimenting with generative AI for music and creating videos using AI and images.
The youth program revolves around game coding education, utilizing a curriculum that has been selected for an initiative supported by the Game Culture Foundation. Divided into two stages, the first catering to 3rd and 4th-grade elementary students and the second for 5th-grade elementary to 1st-year middle school students, each class accommodates 15 students. These sessions are set to run on Saturdays from May 18 to June 8, a total of four classes.
Those interested in joining these coding adventures can apply starting from 10 a.m. on April 23 through the Cheongju City Library website. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the library directly.
As a library specialized in future sciences, Heungdeok Library is actively operating children’s coding and robotics education, as well as exploration programs for promising future careers for adolescents. Plans to offer drone education for teens and artificial intelligence experience education for families are also underway.
Key Questions and Answers:
Q: What is the significance of offering AI and coding classes at a library?
A: Offering AI and coding classes at a library is significant as it promotes lifelong learning and digital literacy, which are increasingly important in today’s technology-driven world. Libraries serve as community hubs providing access to knowledge and education for all age groups. By hosting such classes, the library becomes a center for innovation and personal development.
Q: Who is eligible to participate in the AI and coding programs at Cheongju Heungdeok Library?
A: The AI program is tailored for adults, while the coding program is designed for younger learners, specifically 3rd and 4th-grade elementary students in the first stage, and 5th-grade elementary to 1st-year middle school students in the second stage.
Key Challenges or Controversies:
Implementing AI and coding education can face challenges such as ensuring quality and updated content, catering to various skill levels, and keeping the programs accessible and inclusive. Additionally, language barriers might exist for non-Korean-speaking participants. Some controversies might revolve around the effectiveness of short-term classes in imparting substantive skills and the debate over the best age to start learning coding and AI concepts.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
– Encourages community engagement and development.
– Enhances digital literacy among participants.
– Prepares individuals for future job markets that increasingly demand AI and coding skills.
– Fosters creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Disadvantages:
– Limited slots may restrict access for interested individuals.
– Short duration programs may offer only introductory knowledge rather than in-depth skill mastery.
– Resource constraints can affect the quality of education due to participant-to-instructor ratio, hardware, and software availability.
If you’re interested in the broader context of AI, coding education, and library services, you can visit the following main domains:
– UNESCO for information about education and literacy initiatives.
– Code.org for resources and advocacy on coding education.
– International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) for insights on global library services and innovation.
It is important to note that application for the programs at Cheongju Heungdeok Library must be made through the Cheongju City Library website, and additional program information is available by contacting the library directly.