In past articles I’ve talked about Artificial Intelligence and how its predictive and analytical power is changing security, healthcare, transportation, marketing… every industry, really. Throughout several Elevated Conversations I’ve learned that AI is here and it’s helping, and I’m starting to understand and embrace it more and more.
This was reinforced when I spoke with Anu Bidani, CEO of STEM Minds on yesterday’s podcast I’m a Millionaire! So Now What? EP 20 (listen & subscribe here).
Anu is a passionate innovator, leader and entrepreneur with solid experience in the corporate world leading the accelerated adoption of technology for various departments, including cyber security, project management, business analysis, development teams, and product pricing.
Rather than feel threatened by change, Anu has always loved it.
“My entire career had been about love for technology. I truly believe in technology being an enabler where we are. And through this journey of 20 years I’ve embraced what I call fearless learning -- because we need to be prepared for the unknown. And that means being able to learn.”
Anu launched STEM Minds to provide holistic learning experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) to youth between the ages of four to 14. STEM Minds applies gamification, virtual reality, and responsive technology in programs that also encourage critical thinking skills.
Recognizing that we all learn differently, there’s a role for Artificial Intelligence too.
“Some kids get really excited with YouTube videos for learning, or they may be a different type of visual learner, so they need more tangible text-based probes to go through the learning process. We look at AI as a way of changing content based on the learning styles of children.”
At STEM Minds, the platforms are responsive to a participant’s learning style. If a child selects videos, the AI learns that child likes videos. If they click on a game and play it to the end, it learns that gaming works for that child. If kids try text-based quizzes and don’t finish them or take too long to get through them, the AI learns that’s not the best tool for that child.
“We can absolutely do all this assessment manually, but it takes a very long time to do it. And kids are not patient. So by using AI as a powerful tool to change learning paths for kids and give them content that enables that continuous engagement, we have now made education fun.”
‘Fun’ makes it much easier to get children immersed in learning and sets kids up to succeed.
STEM Minds runs about 20 programmes from their Toronto location ranging from 3D design using 3D printers, to 2D design with laser cutters and CNC desktop machines, to robotics and coding, app development, game development, and entrepreneurship. Next year will introduce new programs covering topics like blockchain, big data, AI, machine learning, and IoT (Internet of Things).
The goal of every program is to introduce more fun into STEM learning – and all learning by extension -- and help kids start to understand the power of what they can do to create a positive society.
We need fearless learners today to ensure we have fearless leaders tomorrow, who are ready to apply the full power of technology to build a better world.
Fascinated by Artificial Intelligence? If you’d like to learn more, Erin Kelly, CEO of Advanced Symbolics is our special guest at the next LIVE Elevated Conversations dinner party. If you’ll be in the Ottawa area on November 21st, reach out to express your interest in attending to me at colleen.campbell@rbc.com. This event is by invite only, so please apply for your spot at the table through me.