Professional Development & Continuing Education at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is not confined by geographic limits.
Thanks to the University’s robust technology infrastructure and experience with distance education, HU faculty and staff delivered the certificate program “AI for Government” virtually to the attendees in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This marks the first time Professional Development & Continuing Education have held programs in the UAE.
“This is a historic moment for Harrisburg University as it shows the reputation the University has as a world-class institution in STEM fields and our successful record in working with government entities with professional development. This is our first program being delivered in UAE, but there will be more to follow,” says Dr. Eric Darr, president of Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.
More than 20 senior representatives from various agencies and ministries including Health, Finance, Human Resources, Defense and more, joined the course remotely from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
This five module Artificial Intelligence Certificate Course provided a unique perspective on the prerequisite components required to establish a foundational AI culture within government organizations, says Paul Roos, Associate Vice President for Workforce Development at Harrisburg University. Roos facilitated the course, which took place March 21-25, 2022.
The course targeted candidates who want to develop the insight needed to explore and apply AI Technologies within their organizations. The participants formed teams where they also delivered a capstone project.
Dr. Siamak Aram, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Data Analytics, led the overall Artificial Intelligence curriculum with significant emphasis on Data Analytics concepts and applications. Andrew Hacker, Founder of ThoughtAI and Professor and Cybersecurity Expert in Residence at Harrisburg University, provided industry expertise on how AI was relevant in the Cybersecurity world. Salah Brahimi, Executive Advisor to the University, introduced additional real-world examples that seeded discussions surrounding the practical applications of AI.
“The Cohort was extremely engaged – you could feel the energy in the Virtual Room. It was very satisfying to see the students respond to the professors throughout the course – and it was obvious that the perspectives shared by the participants added notable value to the learning experience. I expect that AI will continue to be a topic of interest in the future,” says Roos.
Each member of the graduation Cohort received a Harrisburg University endorsed Certificate of Completion and there are already plans in place to deliver two more follow on courses that will provide learners with more advanced training in the field of AI. Harrisburg University’s Professional Development and Continuing Education
