St. Louis-based company World Wide Technology held its 10th annual student forum in the St. Louis area last Saturday. High school students participated by submitting videos showing AI-driven applications designed to curb school cybersecurity breaches.
Pattonville High School received $10,000 for its app “Ducky,” a browser extension with three key features: phishing email detection, fact-checking social media posts and articles, and as an AI chatbot that helps students improve cybersecurity literacy.
“We all worked together as a team and everyone put in every effort they had,” said Matthew Cafeiro, a student at Pattonville High School. “It really feels good to win.”
Students at Bayless High School decided to use their computer science skills to create apps to help non-English-speaking immigrants. Their presentation included personal anecdotes from first generation students who had to help their fathers get out of the situation of the phishing scheme and translate their messages.
AI has been booming over the past few years, making it difficult for teachers to keep up with new technology. Stephanie Carsen, a computer science teacher at Pattonville, said students often struggle to find out they are up to date with the latest technology. Teaching computer science has become more complicated, according to Carsen.
“AI definitely changed the way people teach,” Carsen said. “We live more directly. These kids definitely know more than me. I use YouTube. I network with people in the industry, look at news releases, and respond to the latest trends in technology.”
Matt Hernando, president of World Wide Technology, said the topics in each forum vary. Within the last four years, Hernando said the forum has begun to focus on diversity and inclusion in the AI field.
“As we continue to grow within the industry, we see opportunities in how we can support our community,” he said. “This was a great opportunity to recruit communities and come up with practical solutions to support schools and communities.”
Students at Bayless High School decided to use their computer science skills to create apps to help non-English-speaking immigrants. Their presentation included personal anecdotes from first generation students who had to help their fathers get out of the situation of the phishing scheme and translate their messages. The project aims to create AI videos in multiple languages to raise awareness of cybersecurity threats. The high school won $2,500 for their project.
World Wide Technology is a company founded by Dave Steward, the country’s wealthiest black man. The company focuses on ensuring that everyone has the same opportunity when it comes to employment opportunities and entry into the workforce by partnering with NPOWER and other companies that search for diverse talent within the technology sector.
“By 2040, there will be a minority majority,” Steward told NBC’s Anchor Seanell Jones at the NPOWER Gala in 2019.
With the development of various technologies, the winners said they were optimistic and cautious about how AI will change its path as a future computer scientist. They said the forum provided a gateway to learning that responsibly uses AI to support the community.
“All we’re using now is to complete a flashy car (with the app),” said Elisha Dukes, a student at Pattonville. “The risk is when people start to abuse it. But people always abuse things. There are some precautions to take.”
Related
