Google and the Rashi Foundation have joined forces to introduce the Hello Tech initiative in Israel, aimed at enhancing AI literacy among students in grades 8-9. The program is designed for students with no prior knowledge of the subject and is commencing as a pilot in three cities: Umm al-Fahm, Harish, and Ofakim. The ultimate goal is to expand the initiative to other areas and introduce tens of thousands of students to the world of AI, equipping them with the necessary skills for the future.
To kickstart the program, Google’s offices in Tel Aviv recently hosted a group of students from Ofakim for an immersive visit. The visit included hands-on demonstrations showcasing the diverse applications of AI in everyday life, as well as an opportunity for the students to engage with Google professionals.
Operating under the Cyber Education Center, in collaboration with the Moona Association, the Education Ministry, and participating municipalities, Hello Tech offers a curriculum based on semester-long courses. In grade 8, students engage in general technology subjects, while grade 9 introduces them to the fundamental concepts of AI. Through the use of Generative AI software, students will gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of the real-world applications of AI, emphasizing responsible and safe usage. Additionally, the program emphasizes critical thinking, self-learning, and teamwork skills.
To extend and maximize the program’s impact, workshops in AI and technology will be offered to school principals, teachers, and parents. Furthermore, Google has established an AI education lab, where its engineers will collaborate with the Cyber Education Center team to develop additional educational material for children and youth in this field.
Professor Yossi Matias, VP of Engineering and Research at Google and Head of Google’s R&D Center in Israel, expressed his pride in launching Hello Tech, envisioning it as a means to expose youth to advanced technology and the vast potential of AI. Meanwhile, Michal Cohen, General Director of the Rashi Foundation, believes the initiative will create transformative opportunities for young people, particularly those in the periphery, equipping them with the necessary tools and skills to thrive in a technology-driven world.
Hello Tech forms part of Google’s $25 million investment aimed at promoting inclusivity in the Israeli high-tech industry, specifically targeting underrepresented populations. The partnership with the Rashi Foundation, a renowned philanthropic organization focusing on social-economic mobility and equal opportunity, underscores a commitment to promoting AI literacy and creating equal access to opportunities in Israel. With the Hello Tech initiative, Google and the Rashi Foundation are opening doors and paving the way for a new generation to embrace the potential of AI.
An FAQ section based on the article:
1. What is the Hello Tech initiative?
The Hello Tech initiative is a program introduced by Google and the Rashi Foundation in Israel. It aims to enhance AI (Artificial Intelligence) literacy among students in grades 8-9 who have no prior knowledge of the subject.
2. Where is the Hello Tech initiative being piloted?
The Hello Tech initiative is commencing as a pilot in three cities in Israel: Umm al-Fahm, Harish, and Ofakim.
3. What is the goal of the Hello Tech initiative?
The ultimate goal of the Hello Tech initiative is to expand the program to other areas and introduce tens of thousands of students to the world of AI, equipping them with the necessary skills for the future.
4. How does the Hello Tech program work?
The program offers a curriculum based on semester-long courses, with grade 8 focusing on general technology subjects and grade 9 introducing students to the fundamental concepts of AI. Students will gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of AI through the use of Generative AI software.
5. What skills does the Hello Tech program emphasize?
The Hello Tech program emphasizes critical thinking, self-learning, and teamwork skills alongside teaching the technical aspects of AI.
6. How does Hello Tech maximize its impact?
Workshops in AI and technology will be offered to school principals, teachers, and parents to extend and maximize the program’s impact. Google’s AI education lab will also develop additional educational material for children and youth in this field.
7. Who is involved in the Hello Tech initiative?
The Hello Tech initiative is a collaboration between Google, the Rashi Foundation, the Cyber Education Center, the Moona Association, the Education Ministry, and participating municipalities.
8. What is the commitment of Google and the Rashi Foundation?
Google and the Rashi Foundation have committed to promoting AI literacy and creating equal access to opportunities in Israel, particularly targeting underrepresented populations. The initiative forms part of Google’s $25 million investment in promoting inclusivity in the Israeli high-tech industry.
9. Who are the key people supporting the Hello Tech initiative?
Professor Yossi Matias, VP of Engineering and Research at Google and Head of Google’s R&D Center in Israel, is leading the Hello Tech initiative. Michal Cohen, General Director of the Rashi Foundation, also supports the program.
Definitions:
1. AI (Artificial Intelligence) – the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans.
Suggested related links:
– Google
– Rashi Foundation
The source of the article is from the blog publicsectortravel.org.uk