AI PCs Transforms Student Learning in Tech at UCL

Amidst a fast-moving skills and technology landscape, University College London (UCL) have developed a teaching and learning approach centered around problem-based learning. Furthering student workplace readiness by combining industry project work, mentoring and cutting-edge technology use. Solutions that often feature technology such as offline AI processing are developed towards tech for good outcomes, whilst deepening student skills development.

Challenge

UCL's quest to provide students with relevant skills and experience that supports readiness for a rapidly evolving tech-fueled world remains a priority for Professors Dean Mohamedally, Graham Roberts and team. But in the face of such rapid technological change, how was the UCL Computer Science faculty sought to continue to stay at the cutting edge of skills and solution development? What are the examples of technology featured within teaching and learning and how are partners like Intel helping support continued progress?

Solution

UCL developed the Industry eXchange Network (IXN). This group of industry, academic, and societal organizations collaborate in providing students with project briefs that help support student learning being "fictionless" by being both relevant and supported by industry. Solutions are developed for social good and societal progress, in areas such as healthcare and in using technology to support learners with special educational needs.

Many of the solutions developed by the students utilize AI technology that can run offline and where the AI compute happens locally on a device such as an AI PC, reducing reliance on internet connectivity and cloud-based solutions. Intel has developed a range of Intel® Core™ Ultra processors that are designed with these user requirements in mind. Intel team members also continue to work in deep partnership with the UCL team in wider aspects of technology, as well as in support for student mentoring.

Result

Students at UCL develop both skills and experience with cutting-edge tech development techniques and industry partnership. Furthermore, solutions developed by UCL learners are shared with organizations for deployment consideration in areas such as healthcare efficiency and effectiveness as well as in education.

The UCL IXN programme was launched in 2010. Aimed to increase student opportunity to complete research in real world industry defined projects and receive associated industry mentoring.

Much of this work takes place at the UCL Tech for Good lab in London. Purpose built to support student industry and community engagement in solution development. A wide range of technology is featured and explored, including AI project work.

This approach created further student opportunities by growing network and workplace visibility. Project work is focused on efforts to use AI for social good. The UCL IXN has grown extensive engagement with charity organizations which help students in both project development and potential future deployment.

Solution Summary

Many of the student project solutions worked on as part of the program utilize technology which supports offline AI and AI PC functionality. In its broadest sense, this means that solutions complete AI tasks using the compute power of a local system, such as a PC, reducing reliance on internet connectivity and cloud-based applications.

Technology Focus

Intel has developed a range of Intel Core Ultra processors with features such as a neural processing unit (NPU) aimed to support usage of this type.

These processors spread workload beyond the central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing units (GPU) making use of the NPU for sustained, heavily used AI workloads at low power for greater efficiency.¹

Student Project Example

ReadingStar is a solution developed by UCL students designed to support neurodivergent learners. A karaoke-based gamified speech development application which utilises AI to transcribe and match user voice input with song lyrics. The application features difficulty levels, a customizable UI, and provides real-time feedback.

In team development efforts to optimise application power efficiency, both CPU and NPU performance testing was carried out. Intel® OpenVINO™ toolkit was also used to help further refine solution performance.

The student team has demonstrated extensive partnership capability throughout the project. Intel and The National Autistic Society have been consulted in the solution development process. The team also attended a Bett event, showcasing the solution to a large audience.

Intel’s Costas Stylianou is a Technical Solution Specialist at Intel in the UK as well as being an Honorary Professor at UCL. His mentoring work with students has provided insight as to where and how technology is being put to impactful use.

Cigdem Ertem is the Senior Director for Commercial and Education segments at Intel globally.

Where to Get More Information

Intel has produced an ‘AI in Education Infrastructure E-book’² to assist the education community in AI implementation efforts.

The resource considers areas of infrastructure, hardware and security. Also featured are recommendations to help implement AI responsibly, as well as overviews of a range of AI literacy initiatives.

Download the PDF ›