Microsoft launches new AI skills initiative and grant

Microsoft announces free generative AI skill training course to empower learners

Generative AI is a branch of artificial intelligence that can create new content such as text, images, music, and code from existing data. It has the potential to transform various industries and domains by enhancing creativity, productivity, and innovation. However, generative AI also poses new challenges and risks, such as ethical, social, and technical issues. Therefore, it is important for learners and workers to acquire the skills and knowledge to use generative AI responsibly and effectively.

To help people and communities around the world learn to harness the power of generative AI, Microsoft has launched a new AI Skills Initiative as part of its Skills for Jobs program. The initiative includes three main components:

- A new learning pathway on LinkedIn that provides free introductory generative AI learning content. Through this pathway, learners will gain a basic understanding of generative AI concepts, such as responsible AI frameworks, generative models, and applications. Upon completion of the pathway, learners will receive a Professional Certificate on Generative AI, which is the first of its kind in the online learning market. The pathway is available in six languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, and Simplified Chinese.

- A new open grant challenge with data.org for organizations to create new ways of training, upskilling, and reskilling workers in generative AI. The challenge is open to nonprofit, social enterprise, and research or academic institutions that aim to use generative AI for social good, especially for historically marginalized populations. The challenge will award up to $1 million in grants to the selected proposals, as well as provide access to cloud computing resources, data training, and technical guidance from Microsoft and GitHub experts.

- A new toolkit for teachers, trainers, and facilitators who want to explore artificial intelligence with their students or audiences. The toolkit contains resources such as lesson plans, activities, videos, quizzes, and worksheets that cover topics such as what is AI, how does AI work, what are the benefits and challenges of AI, and how can we use AI ethically and creatively.

The AI Skills Initiative is part of Microsoft's broader commitment to democratize access to AI education and empower everyone to thrive in the digital economy. According to Microsoft's recent Work Trend Index report, AI is uniquely poised to create a whole new way of working just as the pace of information work is outpacing our ability to keep up. However, there is also a gap between the demand and supply of AI skills in the workforce. According to a survey by LinkedIn Learning, AI skills represent the third-highest priority for companies' training strategies.

By providing free and accessible generative AI learning opportunities for learners of all backgrounds and levels, Microsoft hopes to close this gap and help organizations and individuals leverage the power of generative AI for positive impact.

To learn more about the AI Skills Initiative and enroll in the learning pathway or apply for the grant challenge, visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/ai-skills-initiative.

How generative AI can transform your work and life

Generative AI is not just a theoretical concept or a futuristic vision. It is already here and it is changing the way we work and live in many ways. Here are some examples of how generative AI can transform your work and life:

- Generative AI can help you create new content and products. Whether you are a writer, a designer, a musician, or an entrepreneur, generative AI can help you generate new ideas, content, and products that are original, diverse, and personalized. For instance, you can use generative AI to write catchy headlines, design logos, compose music, or invent new products.

- Generative AI can help you improve your communication and collaboration. Whether you are a student, a teacher, a manager, or a team member, generative AI can help you communicate and collaborate more effectively and efficiently. For instance, you can use generative AI to translate languages, summarize texts, generate captions, or create chatbots.

- Generative AI can help you learn new skills and knowledge. Whether you are a learner, a teacher, a mentor, or a coach, generative AI can help you learn new skills and knowledge that are relevant, engaging, and personalized. For instance, you can use generative AI to create quizzes, games, simulations, or feedback.

- Generative AI can help you solve problems and make decisions. Whether you are a researcher, an analyst, a planner, or a leader, generative AI can help you solve problems and make decisions that are complex, uncertain, and dynamic. For instance, you can use generative AI to generate hypotheses, scenarios, recommendations, or strategies.

These are just some of the examples of how generative AI can transform your work and life. However, generative AI also comes with some challenges and risks that need to be addressed and managed. For instance, generative AI can raise ethical issues such as privacy, fairness, accountability, and transparency. Generative AI can also pose technical issues such as quality, reliability, security, and scalability.

Therefore, it is important for everyone to learn how to use generative AI responsibly and effectively. By enrolling in the AI Skills Initiative learning pathway or applying for the grant challenge, you can start your journey of becoming a generative AI learner and leader today. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock your creativity and potential with generative AI!

Source: 

(1) Microsoft launches new AI skills initiative and grant. https://news.microsoft.com/en-in/microsoft-launches-new-ai-skills-initiative-and-grant/.

(2) Microsoft's First Generative AI Certificate Is Available for Free. https://www.techrepublic.com/article/microsofts-first-generative-ai-certificate-is-available-for-free/.

(3) Microsoft launches a new free course for honing generative AI skills .... https://www.onmsft.com/news/microsoft-launches-a-new-free-course-for-honing-generative-ai-skills/.

(4) Microsoft launches free generative AI skill training course: All you .... https://www.techlusive.in/artificial-intelligence/microsoft-launches-free-generative-ai-skill-training-course-all-you-need-to-know-1386903/.

(5) Microsoft launches generative AI skill training course for free. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/microsoft-launches-generative-ai-skill-training-course-for-free/article67022634.ece.