Illinois State University is launching an AI Brown Bag Series beginning November 15, designed for faculty and staff to engage with AI’s impact on teaching and research. The initiative will explore ethical considerations and share experiences regarding AI implementation, featuring presentations by experts. The inaugural meeting will be held from noon to 1 p.m. in Williams Room 307, with options for in-person and Zoom attendance.
The Committee on the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Illinois State University is set to launch an intriguing AI Brown Bag Series starting November 15. This initiative will create an environment where faculty and staff can delve into the applications and implications of AI across various disciplines on campus. As generative AI becomes woven into the fabric of our daily lives, the series strives to unveil the successes and challenges encountered in teaching and research.
The discussions will draw upon the wisdom of specialists like Dr. Emily Bender, who warns of the misconceptions surrounding large datasets, stating that these do not guarantee diversity. Moreover, the series will address pressing concerns relating to equity, accessibility, and the environmental ramifications of AI technologies—echoing sentiments from Drs. Abeda Birhane and Vinay Uday Prabhu: “Feeding AI systems on the world’s beauty, ugliness, and cruelty, but expecting it to reflect only the beauty is a fantasy.” By nurturing a “human in the loop” approach, participants will explore how to integrate these technologies into workflows without losing the essential human touch.
The inaugural session features key insights from Dr. Nariman Ammar, a health informatics expert, and Dr. Mikyung Shin, specializing in technology within special education. Their insights will pave the way for lively discussions on practical AI applications in both research and pedagogical contexts. The first gathering is scheduled for noon to 1 p.m. in Williams Room 307, inviting attendees to bring their lunches and join a broader Zoom discussion. With the promise of engaging and fruitful conversations, the AI Brown Bag Series is shaping up to be a vital resource for navigating the complexities of AI at ISU.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, artificial intelligence represents both a remarkable boon and a considerable challenge. Universities, as hubs of innovation and inquiry, grapple with the implications of AI systems that pervade their teaching and research methodologies. This series not only aims to foster a responsible understanding of AI’s potential but also addresses ethical concerns tied to its use—such as equity and diversity issues that arise when deploying AI, as well as the need for human oversight. By facilitating open exchanges among educators, the series is set to enlighten and inspire future applications of AI in academia.
In summary, the AI Brown Bag Series at Illinois State University beckons faculty and staff to embark on a journey into the world of artificial intelligence. By fostering discussions on its applications and ethical considerations, the series aims to equip participants with the necessary insights to responsibly harness AI in both research and teaching. The inaugural session sets the stage for an enriching experience as ISU navigates the intersection of technology and human-centric education.
Original Source: news.illinoisstate.edu
