From Coding to Coaching: A Father's AI Perspective

We need a shift from traditional coding to nurturing human-AI collaboration and ethical training.

Article link: https://open.substack.com/pub/johanosteyn/p/from-coding-to-coaching-a-fathers?r=73gqa&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Audio summary: https://youtu.be/P4jIF_7i1CY

I write about various issues of interest to me that I want to bring to the reader’s attention. While my main work is in Artificial Intelligence and technology, I also cover areas around politics, education, and the future of our children. This article explores the profound transformation in the AI space, particularly the shift from traditional coding to the critical role of AI training, a development that deeply impacts our country’s future workforce and the educational pathways for our children.

For decades, the bedrock of technology was coding—the intricate craft of writing instructions that commanded machines. My own career journey began in this very space, a world defined by syntax, logic, and the meticulous construction of software. However, the advent of sophisticated Artificial Intelligence has ushered in a seismic shift, fundamentally altering the skills landscape and redefining what it means to work with technology.

As a father, this transformation is not merely an academic observation; it is a deeply personal concern as I contemplate the future my children will inherit. The emphasis is no longer solely on writing code, but increasingly on “training AI”—a nuanced process that requires a different set of human skills, blending technical understanding with critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and a profound appreciation for human-AI collaboration.

CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND

The rapid evolution of AI, particularly with the rise of generative AI, is reshaping industries and job roles at an unprecedented pace. Tasks once performed by human coders are now being automated or assisted by AI, leading to a re-evaluation of essential skills. The World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs Report 2023” highlights that while some roles will be displaced, many more will be augmented or created, demanding new competencies.

The focus is moving from purely technical coding to roles that involve interacting with, guiding, and refining AI systems.

This includes prompt engineering, data curation, model evaluation, and ensuring ethical alignment—all forms of “training AI.” This shift is creating an “AI skills gap,” where the demand for professionals capable of working effectively with AI far outstrips the current supply.

This new paradigm necessitates a fundamental rethink of education and workforce development. Traditional computer science curricula, while foundational, must evolve to incorporate the nuances of human-AI interaction, ethical AI development, and the principles of responsible AI governance. The goal is no longer just to build intelligent systems, but to build trustworthy and beneficial intelligent systems.

This requires individuals who can understand both the technical capabilities of AI and its broader societal implications. The future of our country’s economic competitiveness and social equity hinges on our ability to adapt to this evolving skills landscape, ensuring that our workforce is prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.

INSIGHT AND ANALYSIS

The transition from writing explicit code to the more iterative and often less deterministic process of training AI presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. While coding involves precise instructions, training AI often means curating data, defining objectives, and refining models through feedback loops—a process that is inherently more human-centric. This is where a father’s perspective becomes particularly salient.

I worry that if we fail to adapt our educational systems and professional development, our children might be left ill-equipped for a world where their value lies not just in their ability to code, but in their capacity to “coach” intelligent machines.

The core of this shift lies in understanding that AI, particularly advanced models, learns from data and human interaction. Therefore, the skills required are less about low-level programming and more about high-level conceptualisation, problem-solving, and ethical oversight. Professionals need to understand how to frame problems for AI, how to interpret its outputs, and how to ensure its decisions align with human values and organisational goals.

This requires critical thinking, adaptability, and a strong ethical compass—skills that machines cannot replicate. The “human element” in AI development is becoming increasingly crucial, focusing on human-centred AI design that augments, rather than replaces, human capabilities. This is vital for the future of our country, as it ensures that technology serves our collective progress rather than creating new forms of exclusion.

The ethical dimensions of AI training are paramount. Biases embedded in training data can lead to discriminatory AI systems, with far-reaching societal consequences. Therefore, individuals involved in training AI must possess a deep understanding of AI ethics, privacy, and governance. They must be able to identify potential biases, implement fairness metrics, and advocate for responsible AI development.

This shift elevates the role of human judgment and ethical reasoning to the forefront of technological innovation.

For my children, this means that their education must extend beyond technical proficiency to encompass a robust understanding of ethical frameworks and societal impact, preparing them not just to use AI, but to guide it responsibly.

IMPLICATIONS

For organisations, embracing this shift means investing in comprehensive reskilling and upskilling programmes that focus on human-AI collaboration, data literacy, and ethical AI principles. It requires fostering a culture where interdisciplinary teams—comprising technologists, ethicists, and business strategists—work hand-in-hand to design and deploy AI solutions. This approach not only enhances competitive advantage but also builds greater trust in AI outcomes and ensures stronger alignment with human values.

Educational institutions must respond by re-evaluating curricula, integrating AI literacy, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning from an early age. Our children need to be exposed to AI not just as users, but as informed participants who understand its mechanisms, limitations, and societal implications. Governments, too, have a crucial role in developing policy frameworks that support this transition, incentivising skills development and promoting responsible AI innovation.

These concerted efforts are essential to ensure that the AI revolution creates opportunities for all, rather than exacerbating existing inequalities, thereby safeguarding the future of our children.

CLOSING TAKEAWAY

The future of work lies in human-AI collaboration, demanding a shift from pure coding to effectively training and ethically guiding AI. This evolution is vital for our country’s progress and for equipping our children with the essential skills to thrive in an AI-driven world.

Author Bio: Johan Steyn is a prominent AI thought leader, speaker, and author with a deep understanding of artificial intelligence’s impact on business and society. He is passionate about ethical AI development and its role in shaping a better future. Find out more about Johan’s work at https://www.aiforbusiness.net