Microsoft’s AI Skills Fest: A Festification of Gamification
I know you’ve heard of gamification, but have you ever heard of festification? That’s what Microsoft will be doing in April and May, with the Microsoft AI Skills Fest. It’s a little odd, but it also looks like it might be a heck of a lot of fun.
Going for a Guinness World Record
Microsoft is serious about this, too. It involved the actual Guinness World Records organization in its plans.
As it turns out, you can get a world record for almost anything. Sure, you can get a world record for the most spoons balanced on a body, the fastest 100-meter sprint on all fours, being the world’s tallest man, and having the most apples held in your own mouth and cut by a chainsaw.
But Microsoft is trying for a world record in (and I swear I did not make this up) "the most users to complete an online multi-level artificial intelligence lesson in 24 hours."
Free AI Training for Everyone
Microsoft’s attempt to win bragging rights benefits you and me because we get some free AI training out of the deal. The multi-level quest involves sequential stages, ranging from an introduction to AI, core concepts like machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing, to practical tools (Azure and Copilot, ‘natch), and building some apps on your own.
Prizes, Discounts, and Participation Awards
If you don’t want to pay for certifications, you may be in luck. If you enter the Microsoft AI Skills Fest Challenge Sweepstakes (another name I couldn’t make up), you may be able to win one of 50,000 free certification vouchers awarded during weekly drawings.
Register Now
I’m going to do it. I registered at the Microsoft AI Skills Fest registration page. I told them I’m over 18 (if not emotionally, at least physically). I checked the statement that made it all seem oh-so-real: "If I participate in the Al Skills Fest Event world record attempt, I hereby authorize Microsoft to act as my representative and to enter into the applicable agreement with Guinness World Records on my behalf and I acknowledge that I have reviewed the applicable terms of the Guinness World Records Terms and Conditions."
Conclusion
What about you? Have you ever spent time browsing the Guinness World Records just to see the wild, creative, or inspiring things people have accomplished? Were there any records that surprised you or made you curious to learn more?
FAQs
Q: What is the Microsoft AI Skills Fest?
A: The Microsoft AI Skills Fest is a free online training program that aims to teach users about artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications.
Q: What is the Guinness World Record attempt?
A: The Guinness World Record attempt is an event where Microsoft is attempting to set a new record for the most users to complete an online multi-level artificial intelligence lesson in 24 hours.
Q: What kind of AI training is offered?
A: The training program offers courses on topics such as machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing, as well as practical tools like Azure and Copilot.
Q: Are there any prizes or discounts available?
A: Yes, there are prizes and discounts available. Participants can win one of 50,000 free certification vouchers awarded during weekly drawings, and GitHub is offering a 50% discount code for GitHub’s newest certification exam.
Q: How do I register for the Microsoft AI Skills Fest?
A: You can register for the Microsoft AI Skills Fest by visiting the registration page and filling out the required information.
