By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • • 0 Comments

Happy Computer Science Education Week

This year's Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) will be held from December 5th to the 11th to continue inspiring students who have a passion for computer science while also piquing the interest of new students. The first CSWdWeek was created by the Association for Computing Machinery (AMC) in 2009 to raise awareness for and familiarize younger generations with the importance of computing in all careers.

CSWdWeek was inspired by the American computer scientist, United States Navy rear admiral, and mathematician Grace Brewster Murray Hopper. She worked on the development of many successful programs such as Harvard Mark I, which was an automatic protocomputer during World War II that could perform long computations. She was a visionary who succeeded in male-dominated fields and opened many doors for women. CSEdWeek month and days were selected in honor of Hopper’s birthday, December 9th, 1906.

As technology advances, most jobs require some level of understanding of computer science, so the primary goal of this program is to familiarize the younger population with programming and coding from an early age. Now, thanks to CSEdWeeks bringing awareness to computer science, there are multiple programs available for high schoolers and middle schoolers that give students the opportunity to participate in computer competitions. Students can compete in computer science categories such as coding, video game design, website design and/or webmaster, and software development. It’s proven that students involved in these types of competitions and programs from an early age can improve teamwork and communication skills as well as become more mature and focused, which is an advantage when choosing college majors or starting career paths.

If interested in more details on computer science competitions, please visit:

  • CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Program;
  • American Computer Science League;
  • USA Computing Olympiad (USACO); and
  • Technology Student Association (TSA).

Happy Computer Science Education Week!

 

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • • 0 Comments

What is Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning?

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are the two interconnected digital technologies that have been transforming engineering designs side by side. According to Britannica, AI is defined as “the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings.” While ML is defined by IBM.com as “a branch of AI and computer science which focuses on the use of data and algorithms to imitate the way that humans learn, gradually improving its accuracy.”

In 1964, John McCarthy, a professor at Stanford University teaching computer science, coined the term AI. AI is designed to simulate human intelligence based on behaviors such as reflexivity, memory, theory of mind, and self-awareness. These behaviors are controlled by triggers and commands and can be simulated. ML was created to assist software programs in making more accurate predictions from historical data. Reinforcement learning, supervised learning, and unsupervised learning are the three types of ML algorithms.

Some examples of digital technologies that use AI and ML in our daily lives include text editors, autocorrect, maps, and navigation systems. Additionally, because it enables more accurate engineering designs, AI and ML have developed into crucial identifying tools. Engineers can adapt each design using the software to the demands and preferences of the client. Also, the software can handle minor issues by itself, freeing up engineers to work on more difficult issues.

Due to their ability to speed up and boost the efficiency of work, AI and ML software will continue being the present and future of engineering designs.