Orange County Public Schools

UHS business teacher Calvin McNeil helps a student work on an exercise in a new class, Artificial Intelligence in the World

Artificial pathway provides real opportunities for students

By Renee Burke

Whether it’s asking Siri the weather or who won last night’s game, the source of the information stems from artificial intelligence.
As the assistant director of Career and Technical Education, Mike Martucci continuously evaluates local and national job market needs. He noticed demand for a workforce that understands the role artificial intelligence plays in our daily lives. 

After learning of a $70 million University of Florida and NVIDIA partnership to build an AI supercomputer and a workforce training program, Martucci contacted UF to collaborate on creating a statewide Career and Technical Education curriculum framework related to Artificial Intelligence.

In March, the Florida Department of Education adopted the plan for Artificial Intelligence Foundations, providing an opportunity for school districts to offer it this school year. In addition, the FLDOE granted UF roughly $250,000 to use toward professional development opportunities for teachers.

When OCPS hosted training sessions for the AI curriculum in August, one of the AI instructors was a 2018 Olympia High School graduate. Ta’Neil Malcolm said she felt honored to teach educators who will share their knowledge with students in the district she attended. She credits OCPS for preparing her to be successful at the rigorous University of Florida.  

“This is an excellent example of how OCPS is reimagining our schools. Not only did we collaborate with UF to create the progression, but we are also one of the first school districts to train teachers in AI and offer it to students,” Martucci said. “The creation of this diverse pathway positions OCPS students to have access and opportunities to high paying careers.”

University High School is piloting the framework with the goal of expanding it to more campuses next year. With 19 students enrolled in the beginning course, Artificial Intelligence in the World, business educator Calvin McNeil is excited about the potential opportunities for students.