Uses of AI and What You Can Do as a High Schooler To Learn AI

Written by Emrie Loh

AI. You’ve no doubt heard the phrase before. Whether in research papers, dystopian movies, or newspaper articles. But what is AI and what does it mean for the world we live in?

Image courtesy of Pixabay

What is AI?

AI stands for Artificial Intelligence. It is most commonly recognized as a field of study within Computer Science. AI is a form of intelligence displayed by machines based on natural human intelligence. Like human intelligence, AI is able to make decisions, perform human-like tasks, and learn from experience.

Here are some uses of AI with brief descriptions:

AI IN HEALTHCARE

Healthcare is possibly AI’s most relevant use in 2021. In current times, AI is being used to optimize DNA sequences and carry out simulated clinical trials to develop Covid-19 vaccines in record time with proper WHO approval.

AI has also helped governments track and trace the spread of Covid-19 to identify hotspots and minimize its spread. Outside of Covid-19, AI is also used for diagnosing patients. Studies have shown that AI models have been able to diagnose cancer and dementia from x-rays and patient data.

AI IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

AI and criminal justice is very controversial. Racial and gender bias has been a recurring issue with uses of AI to identify criminals or judge cases. Until the biases are removed, AI should not be used in these areas of criminal justice. However, AI has shown to be very successful in predicting crimes. Studies have found that AI is able to find patterns in criminal activity to predict criminal hotspots or future targets. Police departments use this technology to help catch criminals in the act.

AI IN FINANCE

In the past few years, banks have gone through a digital transformation. Many digital banks have emerged and traditional banks are trying to expand their digital platforms. Through these digital platforms, banks use AI models for fraud detection, risk management, and credit scoring.

This allows for faster and easier financial activities. AI models have also allowed for better financial inclusion. By using AI models for credit scoring, many unbanked individuals can now obtain a credit score allowing them to be eligible for financing.

AI IN TRANSPORTATION

Self-driving Cars have multiple benefits: increased safety, faster travel time, and no time wasted on the road. However, most people aren’t aware of the levels of automation in driving: Level 0 is fully manual (no automation), Level 5 is fully automated (no human interaction), and the other levels fall in-between.

Whilst Elon Musk and Tesla strive for level 5 automation, most cars already use AI. Almost all modern cars have at least level 2 AI abilities. This includes monitoring speed, acceleration, and environment and also being able to control the steering wheel and brake if necessary.

AI IN EDUCATION

With covid-19 forcing online learning, the notion of combining technology and education has never been more topical. One such organization, EdTech, helps empower childrens’ lives through technology-led education. EdTech is able to provide instant responses through AI-based chatbots and uses data on the children to personalize and optimize their learning experience.

Overall, AI in EdTech has helped many poor regions around the world gain access to better education.

AI IN ART

Most people would not believe that AI could ever be creative, but that is not true at all. From music and art to journalism, uses of AI is now able to generate creative pieces. An AI research laboratory known as Open AI has created an AI that can write its own op-ed. Another AI model known as ‘AIVA’ can compose its own music.

Finally, an AI artist known as “ALAgrApHY '' was one of the first AI artists to have sold an artwork. There are countless other companies and organizations that have built AI models for creative purposes.

Why Learn AI?

These 6 examples barely even scratch the surface of the uses of AI. AI already impacts almost every field in the world and in the future its capabilities will stretch even further. Understanding AI is critical in the modern and future world.

So what can you do as a High Schooler?

There really is no rush to begin your AI journey. Some people don’t even realize they want to learn about AI until much later into their lives. But for those of you who are interested, here are some ways to learn more about AI:

Keep up-to-date with AI news

There is always something new in the realm of AI. Keeping up to date with research journals and newspaper articles will allow you to catch recent developments in AI.

Intern at a Company

Almost all companies have an AI or Data Science department. If you’re interested in contributing to a company, email them a copy of your CV and a cover letter explaining why you would like to work there. If you are lucky, you may be allowed to join the company for a high school internship.

Participate in Research

Hands-on research is one of the best ways to learn. You could write your own research paper on AI or even better you could join an existing research project. Once again, the best option is to email them research group a copy of your CV and a cover letter explaining why you would like to join.

Completing Courses

There are countless online courses to learn about AI and its applications. Following a course will help you gain a structured learning to AI and having these qualifications can also help increase your chances of joining an internship or research group. ‘Kaggle’, ‘Coursera’, and ‘edX’ are good places to start.

Join Inspirit AI’s Courses

Inspirit AI provides a wide range of courses for varying skills levels. These courses are dedicated to providing a strong AI curriculum for high school students. Inspirit AI is the perfect place to try something new or learn more about your passion.

Try new things and be yourself

AI truly touches almost every single aspect of human life. If you try new things and find what you love - whether it is playing the trombone or competing in a basketball team - you will most likely find that AI has some application in it.

AI really is everywhere in today’s world. Everywhere you look, AI is being used to help your livelihood, whether you realise it or not. As high school students, the world you inherit will be dominated by uses of AI. Understanding and learning about AI is important in remaining relevant in today's world.