An Experience Report of Executive-Level Artificial Intelligence Education in the United Arab Emirates
Project Overview
The document explores the integration of generative AI in education, particularly through an executive-level AI program in the UAE developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford. It highlights the need to tailor curricula to suit adult learners and the specific cultural context of the region. The program is designed to offer a comprehensive understanding of AI, emphasizing its business applications while fostering active and project-based learning methodologies. Key applications of generative AI in this educational framework include enhancing engagement through interactive content, facilitating personalized learning experiences, and addressing ethical considerations surrounding AI usage. Findings indicate that when curricula are adapted to local contexts and focus on real-world applications, they significantly improve learner outcomes. Overall, the document underscores the potential of generative AI to enrich educational experiences and prepare executives for the complexities of AI in the business landscape.
Key Applications
AI Program for business executives
Context: Executive education for management-level professionals in the UAE, focusing on applying AI in business processes.
Implementation: An 8-week course with a mix of lectures, group exercises, and project work, culminating in a capstone project.
Outcomes: Participants gain a broad understanding of AI concepts, ethical implications, and practical skills to apply AI in their workplaces.
Challenges: Diverse backgrounds of students leading to varying levels of technical ability; the need to adapt teaching methods to suit adult learners.
Implementation Barriers
Technical Barriers
Varied levels of technical ability among students, some having backgrounds in computing while others do not.
Proposed Solutions: Use of differentiated instruction, providing materials in both visual and coding formats, and using tools like RapidMiner for non-programmers.
Cultural Barriers
Need for content and examples to be relevant to the local context of the UAE and the GCC.
Proposed Solutions: Incorporating local case studies, inviting regional experts, and allowing students to work on projects relevant to their organizations.
Project Team
David Johnson
Researcher
Mohammad Alsharid
Researcher
Rasheed El-Bouri
Researcher
Nigel Mehdi
Researcher
Farah Shamout
Researcher
Alexandre Szenicer
Researcher
David Toman
Researcher
Saqr Binghalib
Researcher
Contact Information
For information about the paper, please contact the authors.
Authors: David Johnson, Mohammad Alsharid, Rasheed El-Bouri, Nigel Mehdi, Farah Shamout, Alexandre Szenicer, David Toman, Saqr Binghalib
Source Publication: View Original PaperLink opens in a new window
Project Contact: Dr. Jianhua Yang
LLM Model Version: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18
Analysis Provider: Openai