The Elements of AI is a series of free online courses created by Reaktor and the University of Helsinki. We want to encourage as broad a group of people as possible to learn what AI is, what can (and can’t) be done with AI, and how to start creating AI methods. The courses combine theory with practical exercises and can be completed at your own pace.
- Finland created a course on AI for it’s citizens because the government believes that the technology is going to fundamentally change society.
- They made the course free and available to anyone in the world who wanted to take it.
- They’re in the process of translating the course into every EU language because they want to ensure that at least 1% of EU citizens have a basic understanding of AI. You can sign up here to be notified when the course is available in your home (EU) language.
Firstly, it’s amazing that Finland is doing this.
Secondly, if you’re even vaguely interested in AI then you should consider completing the course. I went through it earlier this year and found it interesting/useful just to read the notes (I skipped the exercises). I’m thinking that I might do it again in the new year but this time make an effort to also complete the exercises now that I’m a bit more comfortable with the topic.
You can find out more about the course here and here, and sign up here.