News - USC Price professor launches initiative to teach AI

According to Google’s AI search function, which cribbed from a report by the World Economic Forum, Artificial Intelligence will create 100 million net new jobs globally this decade. USC Price Professor Glenn Melnick wants to make sure that USC prepares its students to not only hold some of those jobs but to lead the AI revolution. Melnick, working with a USC student team, launched the AI Knowledge Hub this week with a website chock-full of information about how faculty, students and staff can get up to speed on AI. The goal, Melnick said, is to “educate and energize” people to learn to use AI efficiently, effectively and safely. “Ignoring AI today is like ignoring the internet in the late 90s,” said Melnick, the Blue Cross of California Chair in Health Care Finance. “It’s not a niche trend; it’s a fundamental shift. At a minimum, every student should know how to use AI for their major and their profession. Our new website can help reach that goal. It’s an evolving knowledge and resource hub built to help translate the AI revolution for your discipline.” The site contains articles and videos about AI as well as a training module. There are also links to information about specific topics, such as “The Future of Jobs and Work in the Age of AI,” “AI in Medicine and Healthcare,” and “Educational Value of College and Degrees in the AI Era.” In addition to the Knowledge-hub website, Melnick said he will be offering a speakers series hosting leaders in the AI industry. The goal is not only to impart their knowledge about how AI is being applied in the real world but to recruit AI-literate students to their companies. While the AI Knowledge Hub is directed first and foremost at the USC community, Melnick said it will be open to students and faculty and others around the world. In fact, USC is already working with universities in Indonesia to ensure their students and faculty fully participate in the AI revolution. “Price wants to be a leader for not just USC but students all over the world,” Melnick said.