To know more about DICT SPARK: https://bit.ly/SPARKFAQ2024

A Dedication to Education Amid Adversity

As the storm raged outside, Dr. Gomez demonstrated remarkable adaptability, ensuring that our training sessions remained focused and impactful. Her presence as a recent UP Diliman Centennial Professor Chair awardee of 2024 added tremendous value to the program, as she shared her wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of AI.

She skillfully integrated new methods into the learning experience, utilizing tools that facilitated collaboration and interaction, which were essential given the circumstances, we were able to continue our exploration of AI and its applications without missing a beat.

Looking Ahead

Our recent experience during Typhoon Kristine serves as a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge knows no bounds. With the support of DICT and esteemed educators like Dr. Gomez, we look forward to more enriching learning experiences that inspire and empower our community for the future.

1. Canvas by Instructure
   A key platform used in the training was Canvas. This learning management system helped organize course materials, facilitate discussions, and track progress. With its intuitive interface, participants could easily navigate modules, access resources, and submit assignments. Canvas became a central hub for collaboration, encouraging a sense of community among learners, with multimedia resources enhancing comprehension of AI technologies.
   
2. Mentimeter
   Mentimeter kept sessions interactive with live polls, quizzes, and presentations, promoting real-time participant involvement. Attendees could share thoughts, answer questions, and provide feedback, making the sessions more responsive to their needs. This tool fostered an environment where learners felt encouraged to contribute, helping us adjust our approach based on feedback and ensuring all participants stayed engaged.
   
3. Poll Everywhere
   Similar to Mentimeter, Poll Everywhere offered interactive polls and surveys, which energized discussions and enabled participants to engage on their own devices. By allowing anonymous responses, it supported open dialogue, and real-time feedback helped us adapt the training to meet participants’ needs, fostering a more informed and inclusive learning atmosphere.
   
4. Quizizz
   Quizizz added a gamified aspect to the training. With fun quizzes and instant feedback, it kept sessions engaging while helping participants test their understanding of AI concepts. The game-like environment motivated learners, making it easy to learn from mistakes and retain information.
   
5. Zoom’s Whiteboard and Sticky Note
   Zoom’s Whiteboard and Sticky Note features provided a virtual collaboration space, enabling participants to brainstorm, organize ideas, and interact visually during discussions. The whiteboard allowed instructors to draw concepts and annotate in real-time, while sticky notes made it easy for participants to add thoughts, questions, and ideas on the fly, fostering a collaborative experience despite the virtual setting.

Creating a Dynamic Learning Experience

The integration of these tools—Canvas, Mentimeter, Poll Everywhere, Quizizz, and Zoom’s Whiteboard and Sticky Note—transformed our SPARK Technical Training in AI-Literacy into an engaging, collaborative experience. Participants not only gained foundational AI knowledge but also saw the importance of digital collaboration and communication. By promoting active learning and interaction, the Tech4ED Orion Center is fostering a future-ready, tech-savvy community prepared for the digital challenges ahead.

What You’ll Learn in “AI Fundamentals with IBM SkillsBuild”

The course, hosted on the Cisco Networking Academy platform, covers the essential topics of AI in a beginner-friendly format. It walks learners through the basics of machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), and computer vision. Participants will also get hands-on experience with IBM Watson Studio, allowing them to apply their learning and experiment with real AI tools. Through interactive modules and engaging exercises, students will gain a clear understanding of how these AI technologies work and how they are impacting various fields today.

Why We Created This Course

The demand for AI knowledge is growing rapidly across all industries, from healthcare and finance to education and government. However, many communities still lack accessible, high-quality resources for learning the fundamentals of AI. We recognized this need and wanted to create a course that would make AI concepts approachable and relevant for everyone in our community, regardless of their background. By partnering with Cisco Networking Academy and IBM SkillsBuild, we’ve been able to create a structured, self-paced course that learners can engage with at their convenience.

Who Can Join?

The “AI Fundamentals” course is open to anyone interested in exploring the world of AI. Whether you’re a student looking to expand your knowledge, a professional interested in upskilling, or simply curious about how AI technologies like machine learning and NLP work, this course provides an accessible entry point. All you need is a willingness to learn, as we start from the basics and build up gradually, ensuring that learners feel confident as they progress.

Why AI Literacy Matters to Tech4ED Orion

Our mission at Tech4ED Orion has always been to empower our community through digital literacy, making sure every individual has the skills they need to thrive in a technology-driven world. With AI playing an increasingly central role in the workplace and in everyday life, it’s essential for communities like ours to stay informed and prepared for these advancements. The “AI Fundamentals with IBM SkillsBuild” course reflects our commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind as technology evolves.

Getting Started

To enroll in “AI Fundamentals with IBM SkillsBuild,” interested participants can visit our website tech4edorion.com for details on how to sign up through Cisco Networking Academy. The course is entirely self-paced, allowing learners to progress on their own schedule, making it ideal for anyone balancing work, school, or other commitments.

Certificate of Completion

Upon successfully passing the course exam, participants will receive an official Certificate of Completion from Cisco Networking Academy. This certification not only validates their new skills but also serves as a valuable credential for educational and career advancement, showing employers and institutions a readiness to engage with AI technology.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of AI-Literacy!

With this course, we’re excited to bring AI education directly to our community, creating new opportunities for growth and exploration. “AI Fundamentals with IBM SkillsBuild” is more than just a course—it’s an investment in our community’s future, empowering people with the knowledge to navigate and thrive in the AI-powered world. Join us in this journey of learning and discovery, and let’s shape a future where technology serves and uplifts everyone in Orion.

Why This Upgrade Matters

With the internet increasingly woven into daily life, the importance of security cannot be overstated. Moving to WordPress, one of the world’s leading content management systems, offers flexibility, functionality, and robust security measures. The SSL upgrade now provides encryption for all data exchanged on the site, protecting visitors and adding credibility to Tech4ED Orion’s digital platform. This upgrade is vital as we continue to expand our online resources and support community members in their digital literacy journey.

Fun and Accessible Website Creation

The training wasn’t limited to theoretical concepts; participants were introduced to a variety of AI powerful tools that made the website upgrade process enjoyable and user-friendly. Tools like drag-and-drop page builders, design templates, and customizable plugins allowed us to transform the website with ease. This practical experience in website management equipped us with hands-on skills in designing, updating, and managing an engaging website—skills that we can now share with our community.

Empowering Community Through Digital Literacy

This upgrade exemplifies how the SPARK Technical Training goes beyond AI-literacy, encouraging participants to gain hands-on skills in other key areas of technology. With our improved website, Tech4ED Orion is better positioned to deliver on its mission: supporting and advancing digital literacy for all community members, from students to senior citizens.

The improved Tech4ED Orion website not only strengthens our online presence but also makes digital learning more accessible, secure, and enjoyable for everyone involved. We’re thrilled to roll out this fresh, secure, and user-friendly experience for our community, and we look forward to using our new skills to further enrich the digital resources we provide.

I’m beyond thrilled to share that I’ve passed the assessment for the SPARK Technical Training in AI-Literacy: The New Literacy in the 21st Century! From a competitive pool of talented applicants, I’ve been selected to dive into this next step in AI learning—and I couldn’t be more excited to start this journey!

Let the adventure begin!

But this isn’t just about me—this training means so much for Tech4ED Orion too! Bringing these new AI skills back to the center is a game-changer. By embracing AI, we can elevate our digital literacy programs to a whole new level, helping us empower more people in the community with the tools to succeed in today’s digital world.

With this AI-literacy knowledge, I’ll be able to contribute even more to Tech4ED Orion’s mission. Imagine the possibilities: we can create workshops on how AI impacts daily life, introduce AI to students and young learners, and help local professionals see how this technology can boost their work. It’s all about equipping our community with knowledge that truly prepares them for the future.

I want to say a huge thank you to DICT, who’s been part of my learnings so far—this wouldn’t have been possible their support. Now, I’m looking forward to making an even bigger impact at Tech4ED Orion. Here’s to new opportunities, exciting challenges, and helping Orion stay at the forefront of digital learning!