Over 55 percent of the faculty and staff in USC’s College of Information and Communications have completed IBM SkillsBuild AI training. This cutting-edge program equips educators with essential knowledge and skills in AI, positioning them at the forefront of AI education and innovation in a rapidly evolving field.

“It’s crucial that our faculty and staff understand current trends in AI. It impacts how we teach, how we advise, and how we work with industry partners,” says Dean Tom Reichert. “The IBM SkillsBuild course provides a shared foundation for us to discuss AI and its influence on the work that we do.” 

The six-course training, titled "Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals," offered a comprehensive learning experience, guiding participants through the history of AI, its practical applications and the ethical considerations surrounding its use. Topics included:

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• Natural Language Processing and Computer Vision
• Machine Learning and Deep Learning
• Run AI Models with IBM Watson Studio
• AI Ethics
• Your Future in AI: The Job Landscape

Training modules explored how AI makes predictions, understands language and images and learns using circuits inspired by the human brain. The training also featured a hands-on simulation, allowing participants to build and test their own machine learning models using IBM Watson Studio.

Upon completion, CIC faculty and staff earned an industry-recognized digital credential from IBM, signifying their proficiency in AI fundamentals. The credential reflects a broad understanding of key AI concepts, including neural networks, data analysis and generative AI, how to minimize bias in AI systems, as well as insights into the AI job market.

Attaining SkillsBuild certification represents a personal milestone for CIC participants and a strategic step for the college. As AI continues to reshape industries, educators equipped with AI knowledge are better positioned to prepare students for the emerging workforce.  

“The most significant part of the course for me was learning about the capabilities of generative AI and how it will impact the visual arts industry,” says Rae Groover, an instructor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

According to a report by the IBM Institute of Business Value, 40 percent of the workforce will require reskilling in the next three years due to advancements in AI and automation, making this certification timely and critical.

This initiative not only enhances the faculty's expertise but also aligns with CIC's commitment to staying ahead of industry trends, ensuring that its educational offerings remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.

CIC faculty and staff members interested in advancing their AI knowledge can continue to explore additional learning opportunities provided by IBM SkillsBuild. With AI poised to revolutionize various sectors, including the fields of information and communications studies, this training represents a crucial investment in CIC’s future.