Computer Science is Hard. Fact or Myth?

Today we are highlighting Tracy Curry, a Technology Teacher at S&S Consolidated ISD in Sadler, TX, and her students. For background, check out this article we published a while back on how Tracy is using our Web Game Design curriculum with her students. This semester, her students are working on the CTeLearning AI for the Workplace course and earning an AI credential backed by Web Professionals Global that they can take with them in their careers, no matter what industries they enter. This past December, Tracy invited Steve to do a video Q&A with her students to talk about the importance of AI and answer student questions. Before beginning the AI for the Workplace course, many of the students believed that AI tools are only applicable for computer programmers. During his talk, Steve showed them how AI can be applied to a variety of industries and that it is a tool to be used by anyone in any career pathway. Those who know how to use AI can set themselves apart and build a competitive edge over others without AI knowledge and skills. In fact, 70% of employers will hire someone who has AI skills over someone who has more experience but does not have AI skills. The course features CTeLearning’s PromptScout tool, which helps students understand how various prompts can be used in a variety of professional settings for different objectives. The 5,360 prompts cover 63 different industries including construction, healthcare, agriculture, automotive mechanics, welding, cosmetology, business and more. These real-world prompts give students a tangible understanding of what it means to utilize AI tools for professional purposes. Let’s hear from Tracy and her students on their experience with the AI for the Workplace course and how they are enjoying it. Tracy Feedback What do you like about teaching AI for the Workplace microcredential? What I like most about teaching AI for the Workplace is that I am giving my students a headstart when it comes to AI and the workplace. How do you like that this course has a built in application (PromptScout in module 4 of the course) to help students explore and understand how AI can be a powerful tool regardless of their career pathway? PromptScout is extremely useful to students in finding different industries and companies to see how AI can be a powerful tool. The app is helpful because students may not think of all the industries that it lists, and that may lead them to look at industries they had not considered before. It saves teachers a lot of time finding the information for the students or directing them to the right place. It might also help them decide on another pathway or career path based on their findings. How does it feel to know that you’re providing your students with the opportunity to earn industry certifications in a new technology, where 66% of companies now consider AI skills a key requirement for all new hires? I feel privileged to be able to offer this course to my students. When many of my colleagues are pulling their hair out and fighting AI, I’m doing the opposite in that I’m encouraging my students to use AI. Your course provides the information students need to become familiar with AI and the different types of AI applicable to all different industries. Your course reinforced what I’ve been telling my students about AI and its importance to their future, and it provides evidence about how it’s being used currently in the workforce. This course also helps my students think about how it can be used in the future to make their lives easier. How has your experience been working with CTeLearning? My experience working with CTeLearning has been incredible. The course is very easy to set up and use. My students are at all different ability levels, so the fact that they can work at their own pace is extremely beneficial for my classes. The curriculum is straightforward yet challenging so that it keeps the students engaged. Also, the support that I get from the CTeLearning team is fantastic and most helpful. What would you tell other teachers who may be interested in teaching this course? I would tell them to jump into it‒they will not regret it! Student Feedback What do you like about the AI for the Workplace course? The course is the first course that I have taken that uses real-life scenarios in its curriculum. I enjoyed getting to better understand both the capabilities and coordination of AI programs. How does it make you feel that you have earned this credential? I feel like the credential will help me find a job in the future and it taught me how to correctly use AI. I feel accomplished in earning one of my first credentials. How has the course helped you realize the significant role AI will play as a tool in your future career? AI is going to be used in everything and now I am ready to use it. The course has shown me how artificial intelligence can streamline my career work, and being ethical in my career. What was the biggest surprise you had while learning AI? The biggest surprise to me while learning about artificial intelligence was the number of different industries and careers it can support. What would you say to other students who may be interested in earning their AI certificate? To other students that would like to try the AI course, I would tell them it's a simple and useful credential that would be worth their time if they tried it. Your School Could Be Next Reach out to us today to learn more about the AI for the Workplace course. With just a 20-minute demo, we can show you how you can equip your students for success in their futures.

A career in animation is one of the dream careers many people aspire to. It is a highly creative and in-demand career path. With attractive salaries and the personal freedom it offers, a career in animation could be the right choice for you. Movies, television shows, video games, and other forms of media use computer animation. Many people pursue careers in animation because it offers a mix of creativity and lucrative opportunities. Those who value freedom and self expression are especially drawn to this field. However, there's a misconception that only graphic artists can find jobs in this exciting and rapidly growing industry. That couldn't be further from the truth. Animation projects require not only animators but also a wide range of other creative professionals. These roles include sound effects artists, audio engineers, music composers, voice actors, storyboard artists, character designers, scriptwriters, project managers, producers and directors. And the business aspect plays an important role in ensuring the sustainability of any animation venture, which involves marketers, entrepreneurs and business administrators. It is obvious why someone who is artistically inclined would want to study animation, but why would someone interested in business, science or engineering be interested.? Studying animation benefits individuals in marketing, business and engineering in so many ways. It helps develop skills such as storytelling, creative content creation and the ability to explain complex ideas in a visually appealing way. These skills greatly enhance communication and problem solving abilities. Marketers can use animation to create engaging narratives that enrich their campaigns. Animation can transform presentations and assist in visualizing products effectively. Engineers can leverage animation tools for simulations and design processes. This interdisciplinary approach fosters creativity, technical expertise and strategic thinking across professions, ultimately making complex information more accessible and captivating for everyone involved. As we look to the near future, the animation industry will accelerate the integration of emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI). More than ever before, we will see a blurring of the lines between digital and physical worlds. Animators will be at the center of creating even more immersive and interactive experiences. We are on the edge of a new world of storytelling. Are you ready? Check out our Animation Course and contact us today for a free demo.