Blog Post #2// photos may not be available due to bloggers updated policy

Arianna Lacouture

AI Presentation Essay

Hi everyone! I am apart of group 3, and we were assigned to work on AI in careers and mental health. I will share my experience, opinions, and just an overall overview on what I have learned from not only my own presentation but the other two groups.  

To kick things off, I had the privilege of working with a fantastic group of individuals. We began by forming groups of seven, and our decision-making process revolved around everyone's preferences. We believed that working on topics we were genuinely interested in would infuse our presentations with enthusiasm, and I must say, the results were remarkable. The cohesion within my group was impressive, and witnessing how we rallied together to complete the project was truly fascinating. Not only did I learn new concepts, but I also had the opportunity to teach them, which added depth to my understanding. 

In this project, I chose to delve into the world of careers, an area that resonates deeply with my interests both professionally and in my day-to-day life. I took it upon myself to present the historical perspective and offer compelling examples of how AI is rapidly integrating into various careers today, with the promise of continued technological advancements. However, my personal highlight in the careers segment was a presentation delivered by my classmate, Thierry. He delved into the intriguing realm of AI's role in government careers, shedding light on the ethical considerations surrounding its use in the public sector. Thierry's insights were thought-provoking and added a valuable dimension to our exploration of AI's impact on the workforce.

As the presentation continued, it was time for group two to take the stage. Their choice of topics was intriguing – sports and the economy. To be honest, I had never really considered how artificial intelligence could seamlessly integrate itself into the world of sports. In my mind, sports have always been more about hands-on action and physical prowess than technological advancements. However, as the group delved into their research, my preconceptions were gone. The first topic, sports, turned out to be a fascinating revelation. I was astounded to discover just how deeply AI has infiltrated the sports industry, and I was particularly impressed by the extent of government support for these endeavors. It was eye-opening to learn that AI technology can analyze tendons and muscles to predict potential injuries. This means that every athlete, regardless of their skill level or the sport they play, can benefit from this cutting-edge technology. As someone who values the importance of personal health, this information resonated with me on a deeply personal level. But the influence of AI in sports doesn't stop with athletes alone. It extends to the safety and well-being of the fans. AI systems are now capable of scanning crowds at sporting events to detect signs of violence or potential dangers. This proactive approach to security ensures that not only athletes but also the spectators are safeguarded. The all-encompassing reach of AI in sports is genuinely remarkable. Shifting gears to the economic aspect, I found myself increasingly engrossed in the presentation. The economy has always held a special place in my heart, given its inherent connection to careers and livelihoods. What made this segment even more appealing was the opportunity to relate it to my personal experiences and aspirations. The group eloquently presented the current impacts of AI in the economy, emphasizing its role in boosting efficiency, driving innovation, and facilitating data-driven decision-making. These insights were not only insightful but also directly applicable to the real-world job market. It was heartening to learn about the transformative power of AI in various sectors. 

Looking forward, group two provided a glimpse into the future impacts of AI on the economy, including productivity enhancements, job creation, improvements in healthcare, sustainability, and the accompanying challenges. It was a comprehensive overview of AI's potential contributions to the global economic landscape. In retrospect, the presentation by group two was undeniably educational and enlightening. While the content was rich and informative, I do acknowledge that their slides may have been a tad too text-heavy, which made them slightly overwhelming. Nevertheless, the group's active engagement with the audience, including turning on their cameras, significantly enhanced the overall experience. Their presentation was a testament to the incredible possibilities AI holds for both sports and the economy, leaving me with a newfound appreciation for the limitless potential of this groundbreaking technology. 

Moving onto Group 1, they finally took their turn in the presentation, they focused on the topics of education and social life, which turned out to be an eye-opening experience for me. Starting with the education component, I was genuinely fascinated by the Department of Education's response to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the educational realm. This response, unveiled in May 2023, provided a comprehensive insight into the critical considerations for AI adoption in the education sector.

One of the key highlights that struck me was the concept of "Humans-in-the-Loop." This phrase underscored the crucial importance of maintaining the human element within educational AI. Instead of replacing educators, the focus is on using AI to enhance and support their efforts, preserving the irreplaceable human touch in education. This concept resonated deeply with me, as I've always believed in the unique role that teachers play in shaping the educational experience.The emphasis on aligning AI models with a shared vision for education was another significant revelation. This approach ensures that AI integration isn't done haphazardly but is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the overarching educational objectives. It's about making AI a meaningful part of the educational journey, rather than a disjointed addition. The idea of designing AI with modern learning principles truly struck a chord with me. It highlights the necessity of keeping up with evolving pedagogical methods, ensuring that AI aligns seamlessly with contemporary teaching and learning techniques. As education continually evolves, AI should be a dynamic and adaptive tool to maximize its effectiveness and relevance.

Shifting to the social aspect of Group 1's presentation, they shed light on how AI can be utilized for recreational and enriching purposes. They portrayed AI as a versatile tool for enhancing the 'fun' aspects of our lives. It can be employed in various domains, including gaming, education, art, and personal interests, providing a multifaceted approach to its applications. In this context, AI's potential in games intrigued me. The idea of AI-enhanced gaming experiences opens up a world of exciting possibilities, from smarter, more challenging opponents to personalized gaming adventures. AI can elevate the gaming world to new heights, making it not only more entertaining but also intellectually stimulating. Furthermore, the integration of AI in education, as highlighted by Group 1, brings about innovative learning opportunities. AI can adapt to individual learning styles and pace, making education more engaging and effective. It can offer personalized guidance, helping students reach their full potential. AI's role in art and personal interests is equally fascinating. It can assist in creating art, offering creative suggestions, or even curating content tailored to one's specific tastes and preferences. The ability of AI to understand and cater to personal interests reflects its potential in enhancing our day-to-day lives.

In conclusion, Group 1's presentation provided valuable insights into the dual aspects of AI in education and social life. It revealed the thoughtful approach of the Department of Education in embracing AI within the educational landscape, with an emphasis on preserving the human element and aligning AI with educational objectives. Additionally, their portrayal of AI as a versatile tool for enriching various facets of our social lives, from gaming to education and personal interests, showcases the endless possibilities AI offers. Overall, the presentation served as an enlightening exploration of the multifaceted potential of AI in shaping our future.

 

All in all, I am so happy Professor Sinkoff chose this as a topic to present. It was enjoyable and made learning interesting. Her teaching style goes to show she cares about our interests and making college not one we dread to attend. Thank you!