BMCC’s Artificial Intelligence Literacy Day on March 28 brought together students, faculty, and staff for a collaborative exploration of AI. Sponsored by Blackstone LaunchPad, the event featured speaker Siya Raj Purohit, engaging sessions, and team-led projects aimed at solving local challenges using AI. Team Table 9 won for their mental health initiative, while participants discussed AI’s transformative impact on society.
On March 28, Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) hosted an engaging AI Literacy Day event titled “Solving Local Challenges with People-First AI.” This dynamic gathering attracted students, faculty, and staff from various academic disciplines, all eager to deepen their understanding of artificial intelligence, without requiring prior experience.
With sponsorship from BMCC Blackstone LaunchPad, AI Literacy Day featured a captivating keynote presentation by Siya Raj Purohit, Education GTM Leader at OpenAI. Purohit inspired attendees with insights on how AI is transforming industries and addressing real-world problems. Following her presentation, students participated in lively, hands-on sessions, working in teams with faculty mentors to devise AI-driven solutions to local challenges.
Professor Shane Snipes, Chair of Small Business Entrepreneurship, described the event as a valuable opportunity for participants to explore AI collaboratively. “Think about today as a chance to come up with the coolest, most fun ideas with your team and then use AI to build them,” he remarked, framing the day as an exciting learning experience rather than an assignment.
Students were encouraged to engage Purohit with questions, and one inquired about changing public perception of AI’s burgeoning role in society. Purohit discussed the common misconception that AI merely simplifies information retrieval, stressing its potential to enhance critical thinking and creativity. She urged users to pose thoughtful questions to AI, promoting a deeper understanding of its capabilities.
Reflecting on AI’s integration into everyday life, a student voiced concerns over dependency on technology. Purohit iterated that society has previously adapted to technological advancements, citing calculators’ evolution in education as a prime example. “Now I use my phone’s calculator, which allows me to do more advanced math than I could by hand,” she explained.
Professor Monika Mitchell noted the significance of AI Literacy Day in keeping pace with technological advances. “If we don’t stay up to date with technology—and AI is the latest trend in business technology—we’ll be left behind,” she stated. She underscored that both faculty and students share the learning curve of understanding AI effectively.
Dr. Nashon Woods, another mentor, highlighted the event’s transformative nature in sparking curiosity about AI’s benefits in academia. “AI Literacy Day opened a portal of curiosity,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between students and mentors in generating impactful ideas.
Attendees embraced AI Literacy Day as an enlightening experience. Kaylee Guembes explained how the event improved her AI skills, while Nadi “Didi” Theint Zaw appreciated the collaborative effort required to present team-based solutions under time constraints. Kevin Franco acknowledged AI’s transformative potential, calling it pivotal for a future industrial revolution.
Team Table 9, mentored by Professor Mitchell, won first place for their creation of MindConnect, a mental health support resource for NYC college students. Dr. Woods’ Team Table 6 secured second with SmartBite AI, a meal planning tool. Winners received prizes, including gift cards and medals, recognizing their innovative solutions in utilizing AI for real-world benefits.
BMCC’s AI Literacy Day showcased the burgeoning importance of artificial intelligence in education and business. Through engaging presentations and hands-on teamwork, students explored how AI can be harnessed for real-world solutions, cultivating skills for the future. The event not only fostered curiosity and collaboration but also emphasized the significance of staying abreast of technological advancements to thrive in modern society.
Original Source: www.bmcc.cuny.edu
