The Independent Examinations Board (IEB) and TechWays inaugural Artificial Intelligence Hackathon competition, scheduled for 5 June 2024, has garnered a record 43 schools with over 700 learners participating. This event will culminate in the IEB TechWays AI Awards on 7 June 2024, where the top 10 winning teams will be announced. The high level of interest from schools reflects the strong enthusiasm among young people to develop and enhance their understanding of technology.
The 1-day hackathon aims to provide learners in grades 7-12 with a platform to explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how they can use it to develop real-world solutions. This event is intended to foster critical thinking and collaborative learning skills, enabling learners to harness the power of AI applications in new and innovative ways. The initiative aims to empower learners to become proactive and future-ready citizens.
According to Confidence Dikgole, IEB’s Chief Executive Officer, "Digital transformation is here to stay and growing rapidly. By proactively embracing Artificial Intelligence in schools, we have an opportunity to help our bright young minds harness and unlock the power of AI as a powerful tool in solving various societal challenges. This goes beyond classroom learning; it is about equipping learners with the skills they need for the future."
Joanne Brink, Founder at TechWays, added, "The only way learners can appreciate the power of AI is by using it and solving societal problems with it. This hackathon competition gives learners the chance to practice with AI in a fun, creative, low-stress environment." The event will also serve as an opportunity for learners to showcase their creativity by designing AI-powered solutions such as learning tools, environmental monitoring systems, or smart safety solutions.
The AI Hackathon will take place on 5 June 2024 from 8 am until 3:45 pm. Participating schools will be working both face-to-face and virtually. All entries will be judged for both process and product using a standardized rubric. The event will culminate in an online awards ceremony streamed live on YouTube on 7 June 2024 from 8:00 to 8:20am where all participants as well as the top 10 teams will be recognized at the IEB TechWays AI awards ceremony.
On the day of the hackathon, learners will be required to design their solution and explain what problem it will solve in society. They are not required to code on the day but to come up with a concept and how it will work as a technology solution. The entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges from Microsoft, Ozow Payments, e4, Melio AI, Lenovo and Devson. Winning teams stand a chance to win amazing prizes ranging from laptops, JBL noise cancelling earbuds and google home nest, all kindly sponsored by Lenovo and Procircuit.
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Media Contacts:
For IEB : Zama Luthuli, Everest Strategic Communications : zama@everestcommunications.co.za
About Independent Examinations Board (IEB)
With its roots firmly etched in Africa, the IEB is a proudly South African assessment body of choice for schools and adult education. The mission of the IEB is to advance quality teaching and learning through the design, delivery, and promotion of innovative and relevant assessments and services. To learn more about IEB visit the website www.ieb.co.za
For TechWays
Joanne Brink - CEO - joanne@techways.online – 072 728 5877
About TechWays
TechWays is committed to fostering innovation and equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive in the digital age. The IEB-TechWays AI Hackathon is just one of the many initiatives we undertake to empower the next generation of tech leaders. TechWays online e-learning courses give high school learners a window to the world of technology in a way that is accessible, affordable and gives students relevant skills for what the market needs. www.techways.online