Santander Foundation Portugal is inviting university professors to enhance their expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) through a free online training course. The banking foundation has announced the availability of 2,000 scholarships granting access to this educational program in the swiftly evolving field of technology.
Applications for these scholarships are open until May 3rd. The education company Miles in the Sky is responsible for selecting the beneficiaries within three days following the application deadline and will also oversee the delivery of the training. Scheduled to run for seven weeks, from May 16th to July 4th, 2024, the course will be instructed in Portuguese.
The primary goal of this initiative is to boost the proficiency of educators in AI, enhancing their skills to employ generative AI in various educational contexts, including research and lesson preparation. The program is outlined to include three distinct “missions” and a conclusive session.
Participants will first immerse themselves in the principles of generative AI, focusing on practical applications within the education sector. The program then advances through missions centered on research, alongside designing and presenting classes.
The Santander Foundation Portugal asserts that educators will learn how to leverage AI to make their teaching methodologies more effective and innovative, thus increasing student achievement. In parallel, educators will familiarize themselves with both the potential risks and the tools that students are increasingly utilizing—a move that is expected to help close the gap between teaching practices and student interactions with technology.
Important Questions and Answers:
1. Who can apply for the AI training program scholarships?
The program is designed for university professors. Specific eligibility requirements such as the level of current familiarity with AI, academic fields, and institutional affiliations may be detailed in the application process.
2. What is the significance of the AI training program for educators?
The significance is twofold: It enhances educators’ understanding and ability to use AI in the academic setting, and it prepares them to teach students who are increasingly using AI tools, thereby aligning teaching methods with technological advancements.
Key Challenges or Controversies:
1. Accessibility and Inclusion:
Ensuring that the program is accessible to professors from a diverse range of backgrounds and institutions is essential. The selection criteria and process need to be transparent to prevent bias or exclusion of potentially qualified applicants.
2. Curriculum Relevance and Quality:
The challenge is to create a curriculum that remains up-to-date given the rapid advancement in AI technologies. Additionally, ensuring that the training is relevant and can be practically applied in different academic disciplines is crucial.
3. Long-Term Impact and Support:
Measuring the long-term impact of such training programs on teaching practices and student outcomes is a challenge. Professors may require ongoing support to integrate AI into their curricula effectively after the training is completed.
Advantages:
– Improves educators’ AI literacy, enabling them to integrate new technologies into their teaching.
– Prepares educators to better connect with students who are digital natives and likely familiar with AI tools.
– Fosters innovative research and teaching methods through the use of AI.
Disadvantages:
– Limited scholarships may restrict the number of educators who can benefit.
– The online format may be less effective for some teaching styles or educators not accustomed to virtual learning environments.
– The exclusivity to Portuguese language instruction may limit access for non-Portuguese speaking professors.
For related information, you may visit the following link: Banco Santander. This will take you to the main website of Banco Santander, where you can explore their global initiatives, including those related to education through the Santander Foundation Portugal or other regional branches. Please ensure to search for their educational programs or corporate social responsibility commitments for more relevant information.
The source of the article is from the blog maestropasta.cz