Learning by doing and sharing knowledge through learning is the most rewarding experience for curious people.
As the course director for the online course at the University of Cambridge, Ethical AI: AI essentials for everyone, I took some time to reflect on the outcomes achieved by the recent business professional students cohort.
This course aimed to shed light on the ethical landscape surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and spark meaningful discussions on its societal impact.
Throughout the course, other then delivering reflections and inspiring content regarding the ethical approach to use and leverage AI tehnologies, the students inspired me with their insights, deepened understanding, and personal growth as ethical thinkers in the field of AI.
The course aims to provide students with a strong foundation in ethical AI principles and skills to navigate this rapidly evolving field.
However, what it became rewarding after just a few classes was the opportunity to see participants engage with complex topics through in depth conversatins in the forum and throgh their homeworks and see how they would apply what they learned in ways that will positively influence their careers and communities.
One of the most powerful insights: the student feedback
To be honest with you, I'd not expect such a depth and positive feedback for my first online course on Ethical AI.
I did run for multiple years courses, workshops and online courses at the University of Cambridge, such as the Uxer Experience Design class but for this first course on Ethical AI the student feedback highlighted a truly inspiring experience.
First highlight was that among the 24 participants (a record number!) 87.5% of them would highly recommend this course to other friends and co-workers.
Another astonishing number - 100% of participants - stated that the instructor was well prepared for the class.
These two numbers make me so proud of the passion I have for sharing knowledge, information, and inspiring curiosity in people, knowing that it has a meaningful impact on their learning journey and growth.
Many expressed how the course clarified their perspectives on ethical AI and its real-world implications.
Mashael found that the course broadened her view on transparency and accountability in AI, emphasizing diverse datasets to reduce bias:
I gained a clear understanding of the ethical challenges in AI development, which reinforced the need for balance between innovation and ethical responsibility.
Garrett, after visiting Cambridge, found the course online and instantly became part of his "bucket list";
I would like to thank you for the excellent intel that I learned from this course. Admittedly, I have not delved too much into the subject of AI until now. It instantly became part of my "bucket list" to either get a degree at the University or to at least enroll in a class(es).
Rao noted how the course sharpened his analytical abilities:
The course strengthened my critical thinking, enabling me to approach ethical dilemmas in AI with a structured perspective.
Maram discovered a newfound appreciation for the role of AI governance:
I now understand how historical insights in AI are essential to governance and ethical development, and I’m inspired to keep learning.
Valeria found the practical evaluation tools for AI systems invaluable:
Learning practical ways to assess AI for trustworthiness was one of the most important takeaways for me.
A Vision for the Future
Student reflections reinforce the importance of keeping our course relevant and responsive to their needs.
Moving forward, I’m excited to evolve the course further, incorporating real-world applications and more hands-on learning for a diverse group of participants.
The positive feedback and thoughtful suggestions fuel my commitment to creating an even richer learning experience for the next cohort.
Thank you to the University of Cambridge for the opportunity to inspire students and to each student for the enthusiasm and unique contributions!
I look forward to continuing this journey together, helping shape a future where AI innovation and ethical responsibility go hand in hand.
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