Daniel Acuna has always aspired to communicate with computers. Well before the era of extensive language models, prior to Python and GPUs, he was an inquisitive learner in Chile attempting to create a chatbot, without formally understanding programming. “I believed I could converse with the computer,” he reflects. “And somehow, I managed to get it to reply to several inquiries. It made me feel excited. It may sound trite, but I’ve always desired to converse with computers.”

That enthusiasm, combined with years of educational and scientific development, has propelled Acuna across various fields and countries, and presently he is a faculty member in the University of Colorado Boulder’s innovative online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence. From pursuing a degree in computer science as an undergraduate to obtaining a PhD in the same discipline at the University of Minnesota and finishing a postdoctoral fellowship in neuroscience, Acuna has dedicated his career to comprehending how humans and machines acquire knowledge. His conclusion: AI is not merely a fleeting phenomenon.

“I’ve experienced significant advancements in AI over the past two decades,” he notes. “But what is occurring at this moment is a genuine transformation. AI is evolving into the foundational layer of our society, influencing life, work, and education, and we must be ready for this. We cannot evade it. We need to embrace it.”

A Goal to Broaden Accessibility, Regardless of Previous AI Knowledge 

The CU Boulder online MS in Artificial Intelligence was crafted with that transformation in mind. Acuna confesses he was initially doubtful—“I was against the premise that individuals could earn the same degree online as they would on campus”—but his perspective rapidly shifted.

“This innovation is poised to influence every profession,” he asserts. “Limiting opportunity to those residing in Boulder, who can sacrifice a significant portion of their lives to engage in a conventional program, is inadequate. We need to instruct individuals everywhere.”

The virtual format enables students from diverse backgrounds and regions to acquire advanced AI expertise and apply it across areas such as healthcare, finance, education, and science. It also welcomes individuals with no previous exposure to machine learning.

“If you enjoy numbers and quantitative analysis, this is an excellent course,” Acuna states. “You don’t require a foundation in AI or machine learning. We’ll presume you’re beginning from scratch.”

When pressed to elaborate on “the basics,” Acuna explained, “Critical thinking, curiosity, mathematics—you can’t neglect math, including linear algebra, calculus, and probability.” He chuckled. “It also helps to comprehend how to conceptualize ML, how to make a machine learn without overtly directing it, and it’s essential to grasp the significance of data and how to assess a machine’s performance post-learning.”

Educating AI with Intention and a Pragmatic Perspective

Acuna instructs CU Boulder’s Machine Learning Specialization, a key pathway in the MS in AI curriculum, alongside the MS in Data Science and MS in Computer Science. His course is among a select few that constitute the performance-based admissions of the MS in AI degree.

In his classes, learners engage in a blend of conventional assessments, collaborative discussions, and practical projects. He emphasizes understanding the foundations while also recognizing the value of applying them across various fields. Students are even encouraged to utilize AI tools in their tasks, similar to how they would in actual situations.

“It’s going to be an enjoyable course. People will gain substantial knowledge, and they’ll genuinely be able to apply it to their own fields and lives.”

However, Acuna does not disguise the complexities of AI. He maintains a realistic approach toward the swift tempo of change, the cycles of hype, and the ethical dilemmas of the discipline.

“Trends come and go in this field. Initially, I was very doubtful of neural networks. But the resources we possess now—large language models, multi-modal AI—have transformed what’s achievable.”

Anticipating the Future: AI in Education and Beyond

In the forthcoming 10 to 20 years, Acuna forecasts, AI will evolve from being merely a tool used in specialized sectors—it will become a collaborator in our learning processes.

“Very soon, we’re going to employ AI to assist us in education. In my scientific discipline, we will consider it an aide or even a partner. Human entities working alongside AI entities. It’s challenging to halt this advancement. There will be obstacles, but we must confront them, voice our opinions, and contribute to shaping the future.”

That’s precisely what he hopes the students of the online MS in AI will achieve. His counsel for anyone pondering the program? Be receptive to setbacks and continue to learn through them.

“You’ll encounter errors. But then the following week, you won’t make them again. And that signifies something positive is occurring.”

Daniel Acuna’s enthusiasm for teaching is matched by his fervor for learning, something he acknowledges will be perpetual in the realm of AI. His mission? Disseminate this understanding of AI to as many individuals as possible while persistently learning to contemplate the future.

“Science is one of the most sophisticated endeavors we undertake as humans, and we are amidst a considerable technological transition. I aspire to impart a part of that perspective to my students.”

The Machine Learning Specialization offers an opportunity for learners to acquire credits towards three online Master’s degrees from CU Boulder. These degrees consist of The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence, The Master of Science in Data Science, and The Master of Science in Computer Science. The Specialization can also be utilized as elective credit for the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and the Master of Engineering in Engineering Management. To explore more about these programs, performance-based admissions, and credit for prior learning, visit https://www.coursera.org/collections/boulder. 

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