How AI Will Affect Education & Workforce

The plot of most sci-fi movies is no longer a distant concept. Artificial Intelligence is here, and  it's already reshaping how we live, work and learn. And it's not going anywhere.  

AI is already capable of doing things that were unimaginable just a few years ago. It can write a  1,000-word essay comparing the American and French revolutions, design a user interface for a  hotel-reservation app, or create a presentation on photosynthesis. The possibilities continue to  grow every day.  

I've spent time over the last few months meeting with workforce and commerce experts to  discuss how AI is intersecting with today's jobs and what we can do today to prepare Oklahoma  for the future of work. This is a conversation we must have now, because the future is arriving  faster than we may realize.  

What is the purpose of public education in this new age? And what should we be teaching to help  prepare our students for an AI-driven economy?  

Computer science may be the new AI literacy.  

AI literacy isn’t just about understanding what AI is. Rather, it’s about building a generation that  can work with and improve upon AI. That starts with the foundational principles of computer  science: critical thinking, creativity, logic and problem-solving. These are the very human traits  that machines lack, and they’ll become even more essential in a society shaped by AI.  

That’s why I believe it is crucial to update Oklahoma's computer science educational standards to  include AI literacy. Our curriculum must evolve to meet the moment.  

In April, President Trump signed an executive order establishing the Artificial Intelligence  Education Task Force. The group is charged with advancing AI training for K-12 students,  faculty and staff in public schools. By introducing young learners to foundational AI concepts  early, we can begin developing a workforce that's fluent in tomorrow's technology.  

Under the executive order, the task force will work to promote AI literacy among America’s  youth to ensure they’re equipped to engage with modern technology. Additionally, the group will  foster public-private partnerships to expand access to AI educational tools, as well as provide  opportunities for high school students to take AI courses. 

By investing in our children today, we position our kids and grandchildren to succeed in the jobs  of today and the jobs of tomorrow. Our young people deserve every opportunity to thrive,  compete and lead in the modern economy, and they deserve to have those opportunities available  right here in Oklahoma.  

Let’s work together to unleash Oklahoma’s full potential and move our great state forward boldly  and wisely.  

Rep. Brian Hill, a Republican, represents House District 47 in the Oklahoma House of  Representatives. His district includes portions of Mustang and Oklahoma City. He serves as  chair of the House Commerce & Economic Development Oversight Committee.

5/9/2024