Empowering the Next Generation: AI and Python Training for High School Students

Empowering high school students with AI and Python training, and exploring the basics of working with SQLite databases in Python.
Empowering the Next Generation: AI and Python Training for High School Students
Photo by Dmitriy K. on Unsplash

Empowering the Next Generation: AI and Python Training for High School Students

In the southeastern city of Diyarbakır, Turkey, a transformative program is equipping local high school students with sought-after skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and programming. This initiative, known as the “Diy-Ai Project,” was brought to life through a collaboration between the Diyarbakır Provincial Directorate of National Education, the Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK), and Dicle University (DÜ).

A group of 1,250 eager learners enrolled in the BTK Academy to participate in online courses between January 7th and February 23rd. Post-training, students underwent a rigorous examination process. Those who scored above 85 had the privilege of advancing to in-person classes taught by DÜ’s academics. Located in the Yenişehir district, Abdullah Tivnikli Science and Technology Anatolian Imam Hatip High School serves as the STEM center for these in-depth sessions on Python programming and artificial intelligence.

“Preparing students for a tech-driven era, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sıraç Özerdem, Dean of the DÜ Faculty of Engineering, expressed their faculty’s strength in AI education. Özerdem emphasized the importance of empowering the young minds with AI skills, necessary for navigating tomorrow’s tech landscape, and assured that the knowledge imparted would enable students to effortlessly blend into the future world.”

From machine learning to neural networks, students are expected to acquire the ability to craft AI-related projects following their training. Özerdem underlined the critical nature of expanding these educational offerings for long-term gain, as AI continues to permeate fields ranging from economics to law.

Youth revel in the privilege of advanced education, as the provincial National Education Directorate’s R&D Unit Coordinator, Kerim Dağ, lauded the measures taken to acquaint high schoolers with AI. Citing the essential role AI will play in the professions they choose, the coordination sees the current training as a definitive advantage.

Vocational dreams fueled by quality training, as Serhat Önül, an 11th-grader from a science high school in Ergani district, aspires to join ASELSAN’s engineering ranks and contribute to national defense – an ambition underscored by the invaluable AI and Python education he’s receiving now. Likewise, Meva Demir from Tepe Multi-Program High School, whose sights are set on a computer engineering career, regards the training as a rare and fruitful opportunity.

The push towards educating youths in emerging technologies is vital in a rapidly changing world where AI and Python are increasingly relevant across various industries. The commitment of 1,250 students to online education in these fields indicates a high level of interest and initiative among young people to prepare for future challenges.

Working with SQLite Database in Python

SQLite is a lightweight, disk-based database that doesn’t require a separate server process and allows accessing the database using a nonstandard variant of the SQL query language. Python provides an in-built library called SQLite3 to work with SQLite databases. This tutorial will guide you through the basics of working with SQLite databases in Python.

Installing SQLite

SQLite is built-in Python and as such, there is no need for the installation of anything in this case. You can immediately incorporate it after importing the sqlite3 module.

Creating a Connection

To connect or open to sqlite database, one has to use the connect() function. Its first and unique function is that if the database does not exist, SQLite will create it.

Creating a Cursor

It is to note that a cursor object is used to run SQL commands and to fetch data from the database. To create a cursor, you can use the cursor method on the connection Object.

Creating a Table

Perhaps, it becomes easier to create a table using the CREATE TABLE SQL statement. Pass it and execute this by making use of cursor’s execute() method.

Inserting Data

Data can be inserted into the table using the INSERT INTO SQL statement. Use the execute() method again to insert the data.

Querying Data

To retrieve data, use the SELECT statement. The results can be fetched using the fetchall() method, which returns a list of tuples.

Updating Data

You can also find the records present in any database table and modify them using the UPDATE SQL statement.

Deleting Data

If you want to remove all records from the table, use the DELETE statement.

Committing Changes

But any change should be committed to, one must ensure that they work on the change until completion. Its function is realized by the commit() method of the connection object.

Closing the Connection

Finally, close the connection using the close() method to free up resources.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage SQLite databases in your Python applications. SQLite is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized applications due to its simplicity and ease of use.