AI Avatars, STEM Careers and the Future of Technology: Are We Ready?

ByRebecca Franks

Season 1 • Episode 4
42 min
Published April 2024
AI Avatars • STEM Careers • Future of Work

Episode summary

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we create content, but what happens when AI can replicate your appearance and voice? Rebecca Franks and Beverly Clarke MBE discuss AI avatar platforms such as Synthesia, exploring the legal, ethical and professional questions surrounding digital identity, ownership and authenticity. They consider how these technologies could change education while highlighting the importance of protecting creators and maintaining trust.

The conversation also celebrates the launch of the Technology Books for Children charity and explores how initiatives such as TikTok’s dedicated STEM feed can inspire more young people to pursue careers in science and technology. Rebecca and Beverly discuss the rapid emergence of new technology careers, including prompt engineering and AI ethics, and why real-world examples are essential when teaching computing and digital skills.

Finally, they examine screen time, sustainable technology and the environmental impact of AI-powered data centres, before discussing why coding, debugging and problem-solving remain valuable skills in an increasingly AI-assisted world.

Journey insights

  • AI avatars raise important questions about ownership, consent and digital identity.
  • Technology should enhance human creativity rather than replace authentic voices.
  • New careers are emerging rapidly, making lifelong learning more important than ever.
  • Sustainable technology includes thinking carefully about data storage and digital waste.
  • Coding remains valuable because understanding, testing and debugging technology are essential skills.

Is this episode for you?

This episode is for you if you are:

  • Educators teaching computing, AI or digital literacy.
  • Technology professionals interested in AI and future careers.
  • Parents supporting young people with STEM opportunities.
  • Business owners exploring AI tools and digital content creation.
  • Anyone curious about the ethical and environmental impact of emerging technologies.

About this episode

Rebecca Franks and Beverly Clarke MBE explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping content creation, education and the workplace. From AI-generated avatars and prompt engineering to STEM careers, sustainable technology and digital wellbeing, they discuss the opportunities and challenges of living and working in an increasingly AI-driven world.

About the speakers

Rebecca Franks

Rebecca Franks is an award-winning technology educator, entrepreneur and Co-founder of Flip Computing. With more than 20 years of experience in education, she has authored national computing curricula, developed AI education programmes and speaks internationally about technology, inclusion and innovation. Rebecca is passionate about helping people build confidence, develop digital skills and discover rewarding careers in technology.

Beverly Clarke MBE

Beverly Clarke MBE is a technology leader, educator, coach and author with over 20 years of experience in education and digital skills. She is the author of the Ava and Chip children’s book series and is passionate about digital inclusion, artificial intelligence, coaching and empowering people to achieve their potential. Beverly was awarded an MBE for services to computing and digital education.

Together, Rebecca and Beverly share honest conversations about technology, careers, entrepreneurship and the lessons they are learning along the way.

Resources mentioned

  • Synthesia
  • Technology Books for Children
  • TikTok STEM Feed
  • Flip Computing
  • ChatGPT
  • Amazon AWS
  • NVIDIA
  • Elementor AI
  • Prompt Engineering
  • Sky News report on AI data centres
  • Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN)

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