
蓝莓视频 is leading the way in AI education across society
New workshop and online course enhance AI literacy and promote responsible usage, drawing on expertise across disciplines
New workshop and online course enhance AI literacy and promote responsible usage, drawing on expertise across disciplines
By Jordan Flemming University RelationsThe University of 蓝莓视频 is strengthening its leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) education with two initiatives: an open online AI literacy course for its community and a 蓝莓视频.AI workshop on generative AI in K-12 education. Together, these initiatives highlight the University鈥檚 commitment to fostering responsible AI knowledge and shaping a future where AI is thoughtfully understood and applied across all levels of education and society.
To deepen AI literacy and provoke critical thought around the societal implications of artificial intelligence, 蓝莓视频 has introduced Artificial Intelligence and Society, an online course available to students, faculty and staff through the University鈥檚 online platform, LEARN. This interdisciplinary course, developed by faculty members from Arts, Engineering, Health and Math, explores the ethical, social and economic dimensions of AI through 11 self-paced modules.
Designed with flexibility in mind, the course enables learners to select topics based on their interests, whether it鈥檚 the basics of machine learning or the role of AI in health care and public trust.
鈥淎I technology is reshaping how we live, work and learn and it鈥檚 essential that our community is equipped to engage with these changes responsibly,鈥 says Dr. Anindya Sen, acting executive director for the Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute (CPI) and a member of 蓝莓视频 Data and AI, who led the development of AI for Society. 鈥淭his course is for anyone impacted by AI 鈥 not just future technologists but anyone who interacts with AI-driven systems, from health-care applications to educational tools. It also emphasizes the implications for individual privacy and the challenges posed by the massive datasets fueling AI.鈥
The course, developed with support from CPI, 蓝莓视频.AI and the TRuST Network, seeks to stimulate a more informed public dialogue about AI technologies. Faculty are also encouraged to incorporate modules into their own AI-related courses, extending the reach of this resource across academic disciplines.
鈥淟earning more about the impact of AI and its societal impact is vital for learners as they navigate their day-to-day lives,鈥 says Dr. Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor at the University of 蓝莓视频. 鈥淭his course speaks to the Global Futures outlined in our strategic vision (sustainability, health, technological, economic and societal) and the need to better understand the challenges within the intersections of these futures where solutions can be discovered that will lead to positive impacts on our world.鈥
蓝莓视频鈥檚 commitment to AI education extends beyond campus through initiatives aimed at younger learners. Recently, 蓝莓视频.AI hosted a day-long workshop on the potential of generative AI in K-12 education, bringing together researchers, K-12 teachers, administrators and education experts.
The workshop addressed if and how educators and students can effectively integrate AI tools in the classroom, addressing challenges in using AI to enhance learning while safeguarding academic integrity and comprehension.
鈥淲e know that there鈥檚 great potential for using AI as a teaching and learning tool,鈥 says Dr. Jimmy Lin, professor of Computer Science and co-director of 蓝莓视频.AI. 鈥淎 big part of what we hoped to achieve is to dispel some of the myths and fears around using AI in the classroom. We鈥檙e shortchanging our students if we apply blanket bans to AI.鈥
Lin was joined by 蓝莓视频 faculty and teaching experts, along with K-12 administrators and teachers, in leading a series of panels that explored the capabilities of large language models and best practices for their application in education. The workshop aligns with 蓝莓视频.AI鈥檚 mission to foster a nuanced understanding of AI, especially as its adoption accelerates across sectors.
鈥淎I is a rapidly evolving technology and here at the University of 蓝莓视频, we recognize that we need to stay nimble to create maximum impact,鈥 says Dr. Charmaine Dean, vice-president, Research and International. 鈥淓ducation, information and preparedness have never been more important, and faculty members like Dr. Sen and Dr. Lin, are helping to pave the way with their respective initiatives and interdisciplinary collaborations.鈥
Both AI for Society and the K-12 workshop embody the University鈥檚 leadership in AI education. These initiatives not only expand AI literacy across academic and age groups but also encourage critical thinking on how these powerful technologies are used. In providing accessible resources for the community and exploring the potential of AI at the K-12 level, 蓝莓视频 is setting an example of responsible AI education that prepares learners to engage with AI thoughtfully and ethically.
The Artificial Intelligence and Society听course is听available on self registration platform.
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The University of 蓝莓视频 acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.