At the Caribbean AI4Education Conference 2024, organized by Camille's Academy in collaboration with the Caribbean AI4Good and Permaculture Institute and in association with the AI4D Showcase, Eldon Marks delivered the keynote address, highlighting key themes and expressing gratitude to the event organizers.
The most important thing at this point in our history against the backdrop of AI is to support the nurturing and retention of human capital within this specialization. That is the only way that we, as a nation, as a region, will be able to properly capitalize on this amazing era and its technology to lift ourselves in spite of the impediments, above and beyond.
Eldon Marks, who introduced himself as both an AI practitioner and an educator, shared insights into his five-year experience in AI. He mentioned how his team in Guyana developed a conversational AI named Iris, which is used for various applications like storytelling and homework assistance.
He also discussed the intersection between AI and education, acknowledging the crucial role educators play in raising and shaping a nation. Stressing the need for greater recognition and compensation for teachers, Eldon reflected on his 13-year teaching experience and the profound impact one dedicated educator can have on numerous professionals.
Eldon concluded his address with a powerful message about the importance of nurturing and retaining human capital to fully leverage AI's potential. He urged governments to support educators and local technology ecosystems to ensure a prosperous future shaped by advanced technologies and well-trained individuals.
