Artificial intelligence (AI) permeates every aspect of modern society, with that effect only becoming more pronounced as we move deeper into the 21st century. That’s a statement supported by the Brookings Institute, which asserts that whoever rules AI by 2030 (be it a country or corporation) will rule the global roost until at least 2100.
The point is that AI is already everywhere, even if in limited capacities, and you need to be ready for an AI-centric world to unfold ahead of you in the future. The right AI courses ensure you’re ready, so let’s look at four that you can complete today.
What Is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
As humans, our brains give us the ability to learn and adapt to everything around us. For computers, AI achieves the same thing, equipping machines with the ability to take in datasets, learn from the data, and apply what it learns to real-world scenarios. There are many types of AI, with the following three being among the most prominent:
- Narrow AI – An AI system that’s dedicated to performing a single task, like a chatbot that delivers stock responses based on user queries. Think of these AI as the “manual labor” machines that exist to do the same thing over and over again.
- General AI – With general AI, we move closer to AI that has the same capacities to learn and apply that humans have. Multi-functional is the keyword here, as these AIs will be capable of completing multiple tasks at a human level.
- Superintelligent AI – Though not in existence yet, superintelligent AI is the pinnacle of AI research, or the peak on the Mount Everest of AI. In addition to bringing the multi-functional talents that humans have to the table, these AI will have an unlimited capacity for learning.
We’re nowhere near the superintelligent AI level yet (some even say that this type of AI will be more of a threat than a help to humanity), but we can see AI in so many industries already. Self-driving cars, automated stock checkers, and even email spam filters are all examples of narrow AI in action, with each having specific functions. As the technology evolves, and it’s already doing so at a rapid pace, we’ll see more multi-function AI come to the fore.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an AI Course
When choosing a course, the key question is always what is artificial intelligence course criteria that actually matters? Here are five things to look for in an artificial intelligence course:
- Quality course content – In this context, “quality” doesn’t solely mean “good” (though that’s a part of it). Your course also needs to deliver an educational experience that furthers whatever goals you’ve set for yourself in your career.
- Course flexibility – Some people can commit themselves fully to an AI course. Others need to fit their learning around work, family, and other commitments. Figure out which category you slot into and search for courses that offer the flexibility (or lack thereof) that you need.
- Instructor expertise – Good instructors bring a combination of theoretical mastery and industry experience to their courses. That’s why the best AI courses are usually created, and run, by people who currently work in the field.
- Course reviews and ratings – Online reviews and ratings are the modern “word of mouth,” with global courses benefitting (or otherwise) from what their students have to say online. A few minutes of research can tell you if other students consider your chosen course to be a dud or an AI masterclass.
- Pricing – As attractive as a full Master’s degree may be, the five-figure pricing may feel prohibitive. Other courses, such as a short-term artificial intelligence online course, may offer snippets of what you need to know at a much lower price. Balance your needs against your budget to make your choice.
Top AI Online Courses
There is no such thing as the “best” artificial intelligence course because every course offers something different that may or may not align with your needs. But these four run the gamut, from full-blown Master’s degrees (with accreditation) to crash courses designed to get you up to speed as fast as possible.
Course 1 – CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence With Python (Harvard)
There are few educational institutions as prestigious as Harvard University, and its CS50 course is perfect for those who already have a grasp of the Python programming language. Offered completely online, it’s a self-paced course that comes with a verified certificate (assuming you’re willing to pay an extra $199/€180).
Key Topics Covered
- Reinforcement learning as it applies to machine learning
- The core principles of artificial intelligence
- Creating Python programs that use AI
- An in-depth study into graph search algorithms
Course Duration and Pricing
Harvard advertises the course as a seven-week-long self-paced online program and recommends between 10 and 30 hours of study per week. How much time you actually spend on your studies depends on how quickly you pick up the concepts. It’s free to enroll (though a certificate costs money, as mentioned) and enrollment is open between May and December of each year.
Course 2 – Expand Your Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (Udacity)
Marketed as a “nanodegree” program, which basically means it packs a lot of information into a short timeframe. Expand Your Knowledge gives you access to a digital classroom. It comes with some prerequisites, such as an understanding of Python and statistics, but it’s a course designed for those taking their first steps into applied AI.
Key Topics Covered
- Foundational AI algorithms that power things like NASA’s Mars Rover
- An introduction to AI concepts using Python as your base programming language
- Classical graph search algorithms
- Project reviews and feedback from over 1,400 people in the AI field
Course Duration and Pricing
This is a three-month course, with estimated study hours of between 12 and 15 per week, making it ideal for part-time learners who want to grasp the fundamentals of AI. Pricing is flexible, too. You can subscribe to the monthly version of the course via Udacity at a cost of £329 (approx. €377) per month or buy the whole thing upfront for £837 (approx. €959).
Course 3 – Master in Applied Data Science & AI (OPIT)
Those who’ve already completed a Bachelor’s degree in a computing or statistical subject may want to continue their full-time studies. OPIT’s Master’s program offers that opportunity, with its 100% online course being supported by experienced tutors who are available literally whenever you need them. The course contains both live and prerecorded content and the degree you receive carries European Qualification Framework accreditation.
Key Topics Covered
- Real-life business problems (and solutions) that use both AI and data science
- Python programming in the context of AI and data science
- Business-related topics, such as the ethics surrounding AI usage and project management
- Applied machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques
Course Duration and Pricing
OPIT’s Master’s program is a full-time postgraduate course. The regular version takes 18 months of self-timed study to complete. A fast-track version is available, lasting for 12 months, for those who want a more intensive educational experience. The cost varies depending on when you enroll. Intakes occur in October of each year, with early birds paying a discounted price of €4,950, to save almost €1,500 on the usual €6,500 price.
Course 4 – AI Engineering Professional Certificate (IBM via Coursera)
For those looking for direct tutelage from professionals who already work in the AI field, IBM’s offering is one of the best AI courses online. It’s also ideal for beginners, with no experience in computing needed and a flexible schedule allows you to learn as and how you want. Those studying for formal degrees aren’t left out. The certificate you earn through this course counts toward your degree credit.
Key Topics Covered
- The foundations of machine learning and neural networks
- Machine learning algorithm deployment
- Neural network development using PyTorch, Keras, and TensorFlow
- Implementation of both supervised and unsupervised machine learning models
Course Duration and Pricing
Flexibility is the name of the game with this course. It lasts for eight months, with three hours of learning per week, though fast and full-time learners may be able to complete it much quicker. Enrollment begins in May of each year, and the first seven days of the course act as a free trial so you can get a taste of what it has to offer. It’s also fairly cheap, with the course costing around €125 if you go for the full eight-month option.
Benefits of Taking AI Courses
There’s no use looking for the best artificial intelligence course if you don’t understand how that course will help you in the future. These are four benefits of studying AI:
- Develop a skillset that will not only be important as we move toward an AI-driven future, but will serve as a foundation for the skills you’ll need to develop as AI evolves.
- Combine theoretical and practical knowledge of AI to make your CV sparkle when it’s in front of employers.
- Create the problem-solving skills that are essential in the tech industry, with those skills often being transferable to other sectors.
- Follow whatever path you want in the constantly branching AI field.
Take Your Next Career Step With an Artificial Intelligence Online Course
Each of the four courses highlighted here offers something different. Some are short-term introductory courses while others allow full-time students to continue in-depth formal education. Whichever you choose serves as an investment into your future. AI is already causing ripples in the industrial ocean, and those ripples will grow into a tidal wave of opportunity for those who are prepared for the explosive growth of the industry. By investing in yourself today, through education and career foresight, you set yourself up for an amazing future tomorrow.
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From the same author
Read the articleSource:
- The Yuan, Published on October 25th, 2024.
By Zorina Alliata
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA – In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has grown and developed into something much bigger than most people could have ever expected. Jokes about robots living among humans no longer seem so harmless, and the average person began to develop a new awareness of AI and all its uses. Unfortunately, however – as is often a human tendency – people became hyper-fixated on the negative aspects of AI, often forgetting about all the good it can do. One should therefore take a step back and remember that humanity is still only in the very early stages of developing real intelligence outside of the human brain, and so at this point AI is almost like a small child that humans are raising.
AI is still developing, growing, and adapting, and like any new tech it has its drawbacks. At one point, people had fears and doubts about electricity, calculators, and mobile phones – but now these have become ubiquitous aspects of everyday life, and it is not difficult to imagine a future in which this is the case for AI as well.
The development of AI certainly comes with relevant and real concerns that must be addressed – such as its controversial role in education, the potential job losses it might lead to, and its bias and inaccuracies. For every fear, however, there is also a ray of hope, and that is largely thanks to people and their ingenuity.
Looking at education, many educators around the world are worried about recent developments in AI. The frequently discussed ChatGPT – which is now on its fourth version – is a major red flag for many, causing concerns around plagiarism and creating fears that it will lead to the end of writing as people know it. This is one of the main factors that has increased the pessimistic reporting about AI that one so often sees in the media.
However, when one actually considers ChatGPT in its current state, it is safe to say that these fears are probably overblown. Can ChatGPT really replace the human mind, which is capable of so much that AI cannot replicate? As for educators, instead of assuming that all their students will want to cheat, they should instead consider the options for taking advantage of new tech to enhance the learning experience. Most people now know the tell-tale signs for identifying something that ChatGPT has written. Excessive use of numbered lists, repetitive language and poor comparison skills are just three ways to tell if a piece of writing is legitimate or if a bot is behind it. This author personally encourages the use of AI in the classes I teach. This is because it is better for students to understand what AI can do and how to use it as a tool in their learning instead of avoiding and fearing it, or being discouraged from using it no matter the circumstances.
Educators should therefore reframe the idea of ChatGPT in their minds, have open discussions with students about its uses, and help them understand that it is actually just another tool to help them learn more efficiently – and not a replacement for their own thoughts and words. Such frank discussions help students develop their critical thinking skills and start understanding their own influence on ChatGPT and other AI-powered tools.
By developing one’s understanding of AI’s actual capabilities, one can begin to understand its uses in everyday life. Some would have people believe that this means countless jobs will inevitably become obsolete, but that is not entirely true. Even if AI does replace some jobs, it will still need industry experts to guide it, meaning that entirely new jobs are being created at the same time as some older jobs are disappearing.
Adapting to AI is a new challenge for most industries, and it is certainly daunting at times. The reality, however, is that AI is not here to steal people’s jobs. If anything, it will change the nature of some jobs and may even improve them by making human workers more efficient and productive. If AI is to be a truly useful tool, it will still need humans. One should remember that humans working alongside AI and using it as a tool is key, because in most cases AI cannot do the job of a person by itself.
Is AI biased?
Why should one view AI as a tool and not a replacement? The main reason is because AI itself is still learning, and AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT do not understand bias. As a result, whenever ChatGPT is asked a question it will pull information from anywhere, and so it can easily repeat old biases. AI is learning from previous data, much of which is biased or out of date. Data about home ownership and mortgages, e.g., are often biased because non-white people in the United States could not get a mortgage until after the 1960s. The effect on data due to this lending discrimination is only now being fully understood.
AI is certainly biased at times, but that stems from human bias. Again, this just reinforces the need for humans to be in control of AI. AI is like a young child in that it is still absorbing what is happening around it. People must therefore not fear it, but instead guide it in the right direction.
For AI to be used as a tool, it must be treated as such. If one wanted to build a house, one would not expect one’s tools to be able to do the job alone – and AI must be viewed through a similar lens. By acknowledging this aspect of AI and taking control of humans’ role in its development, the world would be better placed to reap the benefits and quash the fears associated with AI. One should therefore not assume that all the doom and gloom one reads about AI is exactly as it seems. Instead, people should try experimenting with it and learning from it, and maybe soon they will realize that it was the best thing that could have happened to humanity.
Read the full article below:
Read the articleSource:
- The European Business Review, Published on October 27th, 2024.
By Lokesh Vij
Lokesh Vij is a Professor of BSc in Modern Computer Science & MSc in Applied Data Science & AI at Open Institute of Technology. With over 20 years of experience in cloud computing infrastructure, cybersecurity and cloud development, Professor Vij is an expert in all things related to data and modern computer science.
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the fields of blockchain and cloud computing are transforming industries, from finance to healthcare, and creating new opportunities for innovation. Integrating these technologies into education is not merely a trend but a necessity to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in the future workforce. Though both technologies are independently powerful, their potential for innovation and disruption is amplified when combined. This article explores the pressing questions surrounding the inclusion of blockchain and cloud computing in education, providing a comprehensive overview of their significance, benefits, and challenges.
The Technological Edge and Future Outlook
Cloud computing has revolutionized how businesses and individuals’ access and manage data and applications. Benefits like scalability, cost efficiency (including eliminating capital expenditure – CapEx), rapid innovation, and experimentation enable businesses to develop and deploy new applications and services quickly without the constraints of traditional on-premises infrastructure – thanks to managed services where cloud providers manage the operating system, runtime, and middleware, allowing businesses to focus on development and innovation. According to Statista, the cloud computing market is projected to reach a significant size of Euro 250 billion or even higher by 2028 (from Euro 110 billion in 2024), with a substantial Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 22.78%. The widespread adoption of cloud computing by businesses of all sizes, coupled with the increasing demand for cloud-based services and applications, fuels the need for cloud computing professionals.
Blockchain, a distributed ledger technology, has paved the way by providing a secure, transparent, and tamper-proof way to record transactions (highly resistant to hacking and fraud). In 2021, European blockchain startups raised $1.5 billion in funding, indicating strong interest and growth potential. Reports suggest the European blockchain market could reach $39 billion by 2026, with a significant CAGR of over 47%. This growth is fueled by increasing adoption in sectors like finance, supply chain, and healthcare.
Addressing the Skills Gap
Reports from the World Economic Forum indicate that 85 million jobs may be displaced by a shift in the division of labor between humans and machines by 2025. However, 97 million new roles may emerge that are more adapted to the new division of labor between humans, machines, and algorithms, many of which will require proficiency in cloud computing and blockchain.
Furthermore, the World Economic Forum predicts that by 2027, 10% of the global GDP will be tokenized and stored on the blockchain. This massive shift means a surge in demand for blockchain professionals across various industries. Consider the implications of 10% of the global GDP being on the blockchain: it translates to a massive need for people who can build, secure, and manage these systems. We’re talking about potentially millions of jobs worldwide.
The European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI), an EU initiative, aims to deploy cross-border blockchain services across Europe, focusing on areas like digital identity, trusted data sharing, and diploma management. The EU’s MiCA (Crypto-Asset Regulation) regulation, expected to be fully implemented by 2025, will provide a clear legal framework for crypto-assets, fostering innovation and investment in the blockchain space. The projected growth and supportive regulatory environment point to a rising demand for blockchain professionals in Europe. Developing skills related to EBSI and its applications could be highly advantageous, given its potential impact on public sector blockchain adoption. Understanding the MiCA regulation will be crucial for blockchain roles related to crypto-assets and decentralized finance (DeFi).
Furthermore, European businesses are rapidly adopting digital technologies, with cloud computing as a core component of this transformation. GDPR (Data Protection Regulations) and other data protection laws push businesses to adopt secure and compliant cloud solutions. Many European countries invest heavily in cloud infrastructure and promote cloud adoption across various sectors. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will be deeply integrated into cloud platforms, enabling smarter automation, advanced analytics, and more efficient operations. This allows developers to focus on building applications without managing servers, leading to faster development cycles and increased scalability. Processing data closer to the source (like on devices or local servers) will become crucial for applications requiring real-time responses, such as IoT and autonomous vehicles.
The projected growth indicates a strong and continuous demand for blockchain and cloud professionals in Europe and worldwide. As we stand at the “crossroads of infinity,” there is a significant skill shortage, which will likely increase with the rapid adoption of these technologies. A 2023 study by SoftwareOne found that 95% of businesses globally face a cloud skills gap. Specific skills in high demand include cloud security, cloud-native development, and expertise in leading cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. The European Commission’s Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) highlights a need for improved digital skills in areas like blockchain to support the EU’s digital transformation goals. A 2023 report by CasperLabs found that 90% of businesses in the US, UK, and China adopt blockchain, but knowledge gaps and interoperability challenges persist.
The Role of Educational Institutions
This surge in demand necessitates a corresponding increase in qualified individuals who can design, implement, and manage cloud-based and blockchain solutions. Educational institutions have a critical role to play in bridging this widening skills gap and ensuring a pipeline of talent ready to meet the demands of this burgeoning industry.
To effectively prepare the next generation of cloud computing and blockchain experts, educational institutions need to adopt a multi-pronged approach. This includes enhancing curricula with specialized programs, integrating cloud and blockchain concepts into existing courses, and providing hands-on experience with leading technology platforms.
Furthermore, investing in faculty development to ensure they possess up-to-date knowledge and expertise is crucial. Collaboration with industry partners through internships, co-teach programs, joint research projects, and mentorship programs can provide students with invaluable real-world experience and insights.
Beyond formal education, fostering a culture of lifelong learning is essential. Offering continuing education courses, boot camps, and online resources enables professionals to upskill or reskill and stay abreast of the latest advancements in cloud computing. Actively promoting awareness of career paths and opportunities in this field and facilitating connections with potential employers can empower students to thrive in the dynamic and evolving landscape of cloud computing and blockchain technologies.
By taking these steps, educational institutions can effectively prepare the young generation to fill the skills gap and thrive in the rapidly evolving world of cloud computing and blockchain.
Read the full article below:
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Related posts
Source:
- The Yuan, Published on October 25th, 2024.
By Zorina Alliata
Artificial intelligence is a classic example of a mismatch between perceptions and reality, as people tend to overlook its positive aspects and fear it far more than what is warranted by its actual capabilities, argues AI strategist and professor Zorina Alliata.
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA – In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has grown and developed into something much bigger than most people could have ever expected. Jokes about robots living among humans no longer seem so harmless, and the average person began to develop a new awareness of AI and all its uses. Unfortunately, however – as is often a human tendency – people became hyper-fixated on the negative aspects of AI, often forgetting about all the good it can do. One should therefore take a step back and remember that humanity is still only in the very early stages of developing real intelligence outside of the human brain, and so at this point AI is almost like a small child that humans are raising.
AI is still developing, growing, and adapting, and like any new tech it has its drawbacks. At one point, people had fears and doubts about electricity, calculators, and mobile phones – but now these have become ubiquitous aspects of everyday life, and it is not difficult to imagine a future in which this is the case for AI as well.
The development of AI certainly comes with relevant and real concerns that must be addressed – such as its controversial role in education, the potential job losses it might lead to, and its bias and inaccuracies. For every fear, however, there is also a ray of hope, and that is largely thanks to people and their ingenuity.
Looking at education, many educators around the world are worried about recent developments in AI. The frequently discussed ChatGPT – which is now on its fourth version – is a major red flag for many, causing concerns around plagiarism and creating fears that it will lead to the end of writing as people know it. This is one of the main factors that has increased the pessimistic reporting about AI that one so often sees in the media.
However, when one actually considers ChatGPT in its current state, it is safe to say that these fears are probably overblown. Can ChatGPT really replace the human mind, which is capable of so much that AI cannot replicate? As for educators, instead of assuming that all their students will want to cheat, they should instead consider the options for taking advantage of new tech to enhance the learning experience. Most people now know the tell-tale signs for identifying something that ChatGPT has written. Excessive use of numbered lists, repetitive language and poor comparison skills are just three ways to tell if a piece of writing is legitimate or if a bot is behind it. This author personally encourages the use of AI in the classes I teach. This is because it is better for students to understand what AI can do and how to use it as a tool in their learning instead of avoiding and fearing it, or being discouraged from using it no matter the circumstances.
Educators should therefore reframe the idea of ChatGPT in their minds, have open discussions with students about its uses, and help them understand that it is actually just another tool to help them learn more efficiently – and not a replacement for their own thoughts and words. Such frank discussions help students develop their critical thinking skills and start understanding their own influence on ChatGPT and other AI-powered tools.
By developing one’s understanding of AI’s actual capabilities, one can begin to understand its uses in everyday life. Some would have people believe that this means countless jobs will inevitably become obsolete, but that is not entirely true. Even if AI does replace some jobs, it will still need industry experts to guide it, meaning that entirely new jobs are being created at the same time as some older jobs are disappearing.
Adapting to AI is a new challenge for most industries, and it is certainly daunting at times. The reality, however, is that AI is not here to steal people’s jobs. If anything, it will change the nature of some jobs and may even improve them by making human workers more efficient and productive. If AI is to be a truly useful tool, it will still need humans. One should remember that humans working alongside AI and using it as a tool is key, because in most cases AI cannot do the job of a person by itself.
Is AI biased?
Why should one view AI as a tool and not a replacement? The main reason is because AI itself is still learning, and AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT do not understand bias. As a result, whenever ChatGPT is asked a question it will pull information from anywhere, and so it can easily repeat old biases. AI is learning from previous data, much of which is biased or out of date. Data about home ownership and mortgages, e.g., are often biased because non-white people in the United States could not get a mortgage until after the 1960s. The effect on data due to this lending discrimination is only now being fully understood.
AI is certainly biased at times, but that stems from human bias. Again, this just reinforces the need for humans to be in control of AI. AI is like a young child in that it is still absorbing what is happening around it. People must therefore not fear it, but instead guide it in the right direction.
For AI to be used as a tool, it must be treated as such. If one wanted to build a house, one would not expect one’s tools to be able to do the job alone – and AI must be viewed through a similar lens. By acknowledging this aspect of AI and taking control of humans’ role in its development, the world would be better placed to reap the benefits and quash the fears associated with AI. One should therefore not assume that all the doom and gloom one reads about AI is exactly as it seems. Instead, people should try experimenting with it and learning from it, and maybe soon they will realize that it was the best thing that could have happened to humanity.
Read the full article below:
Source:
- The European Business Review, Published on October 27th, 2024.
By Lokesh Vij
Lokesh Vij is a Professor of BSc in Modern Computer Science & MSc in Applied Data Science & AI at Open Institute of Technology. With over 20 years of experience in cloud computing infrastructure, cybersecurity and cloud development, Professor Vij is an expert in all things related to data and modern computer science.
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the fields of blockchain and cloud computing are transforming industries, from finance to healthcare, and creating new opportunities for innovation. Integrating these technologies into education is not merely a trend but a necessity to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in the future workforce. Though both technologies are independently powerful, their potential for innovation and disruption is amplified when combined. This article explores the pressing questions surrounding the inclusion of blockchain and cloud computing in education, providing a comprehensive overview of their significance, benefits, and challenges.
The Technological Edge and Future Outlook
Cloud computing has revolutionized how businesses and individuals’ access and manage data and applications. Benefits like scalability, cost efficiency (including eliminating capital expenditure – CapEx), rapid innovation, and experimentation enable businesses to develop and deploy new applications and services quickly without the constraints of traditional on-premises infrastructure – thanks to managed services where cloud providers manage the operating system, runtime, and middleware, allowing businesses to focus on development and innovation. According to Statista, the cloud computing market is projected to reach a significant size of Euro 250 billion or even higher by 2028 (from Euro 110 billion in 2024), with a substantial Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 22.78%. The widespread adoption of cloud computing by businesses of all sizes, coupled with the increasing demand for cloud-based services and applications, fuels the need for cloud computing professionals.
Blockchain, a distributed ledger technology, has paved the way by providing a secure, transparent, and tamper-proof way to record transactions (highly resistant to hacking and fraud). In 2021, European blockchain startups raised $1.5 billion in funding, indicating strong interest and growth potential. Reports suggest the European blockchain market could reach $39 billion by 2026, with a significant CAGR of over 47%. This growth is fueled by increasing adoption in sectors like finance, supply chain, and healthcare.
Addressing the Skills Gap
Reports from the World Economic Forum indicate that 85 million jobs may be displaced by a shift in the division of labor between humans and machines by 2025. However, 97 million new roles may emerge that are more adapted to the new division of labor between humans, machines, and algorithms, many of which will require proficiency in cloud computing and blockchain.
Furthermore, the World Economic Forum predicts that by 2027, 10% of the global GDP will be tokenized and stored on the blockchain. This massive shift means a surge in demand for blockchain professionals across various industries. Consider the implications of 10% of the global GDP being on the blockchain: it translates to a massive need for people who can build, secure, and manage these systems. We’re talking about potentially millions of jobs worldwide.
The European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI), an EU initiative, aims to deploy cross-border blockchain services across Europe, focusing on areas like digital identity, trusted data sharing, and diploma management. The EU’s MiCA (Crypto-Asset Regulation) regulation, expected to be fully implemented by 2025, will provide a clear legal framework for crypto-assets, fostering innovation and investment in the blockchain space. The projected growth and supportive regulatory environment point to a rising demand for blockchain professionals in Europe. Developing skills related to EBSI and its applications could be highly advantageous, given its potential impact on public sector blockchain adoption. Understanding the MiCA regulation will be crucial for blockchain roles related to crypto-assets and decentralized finance (DeFi).
Furthermore, European businesses are rapidly adopting digital technologies, with cloud computing as a core component of this transformation. GDPR (Data Protection Regulations) and other data protection laws push businesses to adopt secure and compliant cloud solutions. Many European countries invest heavily in cloud infrastructure and promote cloud adoption across various sectors. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will be deeply integrated into cloud platforms, enabling smarter automation, advanced analytics, and more efficient operations. This allows developers to focus on building applications without managing servers, leading to faster development cycles and increased scalability. Processing data closer to the source (like on devices or local servers) will become crucial for applications requiring real-time responses, such as IoT and autonomous vehicles.
The projected growth indicates a strong and continuous demand for blockchain and cloud professionals in Europe and worldwide. As we stand at the “crossroads of infinity,” there is a significant skill shortage, which will likely increase with the rapid adoption of these technologies. A 2023 study by SoftwareOne found that 95% of businesses globally face a cloud skills gap. Specific skills in high demand include cloud security, cloud-native development, and expertise in leading cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. The European Commission’s Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) highlights a need for improved digital skills in areas like blockchain to support the EU’s digital transformation goals. A 2023 report by CasperLabs found that 90% of businesses in the US, UK, and China adopt blockchain, but knowledge gaps and interoperability challenges persist.
The Role of Educational Institutions
This surge in demand necessitates a corresponding increase in qualified individuals who can design, implement, and manage cloud-based and blockchain solutions. Educational institutions have a critical role to play in bridging this widening skills gap and ensuring a pipeline of talent ready to meet the demands of this burgeoning industry.
To effectively prepare the next generation of cloud computing and blockchain experts, educational institutions need to adopt a multi-pronged approach. This includes enhancing curricula with specialized programs, integrating cloud and blockchain concepts into existing courses, and providing hands-on experience with leading technology platforms.
Furthermore, investing in faculty development to ensure they possess up-to-date knowledge and expertise is crucial. Collaboration with industry partners through internships, co-teach programs, joint research projects, and mentorship programs can provide students with invaluable real-world experience and insights.
Beyond formal education, fostering a culture of lifelong learning is essential. Offering continuing education courses, boot camps, and online resources enables professionals to upskill or reskill and stay abreast of the latest advancements in cloud computing. Actively promoting awareness of career paths and opportunities in this field and facilitating connections with potential employers can empower students to thrive in the dynamic and evolving landscape of cloud computing and blockchain technologies.
By taking these steps, educational institutions can effectively prepare the young generation to fill the skills gap and thrive in the rapidly evolving world of cloud computing and blockchain.
Read the full article below:
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