AI Summit Takeaways

November 2023

I am pleased to share with you an overview of the key insights and reflections from the recent Artificial Intelligence Teaching and Learning Summit held at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. This summit, a gathering of community college representatives from 28 states, served as a vibrant platform for discussing the various stages of AI integration in education, from initial exploration to the implementation of comprehensive AI degree programs.

Esteemed speakers, including Anshul Sonak, Principal Engineer and Global Director at Intel, and Chris Camacho, President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, provided valuable perspectives on the burgeoning field of AI. Our Instructional Designer, Andi De Bellis, and I attended this three-day event and enjoyed the parallel tracks for advocates (including administrators, staff, and industry partners) and faculty that covered a broad spectrum of topics. These topics ranged from ethical considerations in AI education to strategies for building effective industry partnerships and integrating AI techniques into curricula.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Dynamic Nature of AI: Eliezer Yudkowsky's quote, "By far, the greatest danger of Artificial Intelligence is that people conclude too early that they understand it," well captures the essence of our continuous learning journey with AI. In addition, it's crucial to recognize AI as a tool to augment the workforce rather than replace it.

2. Curriculum and Pedagogy: We discussed the importance of incorporating an AI syllabus statement addressing ethical usage for both students and faculty, alongside reevaluating assessment strategies in an AI-influenced educational landscape.

3. Community Engagement and College's Role: A significant point of contemplation was whether our educational endeavors aim at community betterment or merely at guiding students towards broader opportunities. This reflection leads to the imperative of establishing industry partnerships that not only align with community development but also support sustainable livelihoods for students.

For those interested in a deeper dive into the sessions and insights, or access to the presentation materials, please feel free to contact Andi or myself. Additionally, I would like to highlight the AI in Education Community, spearheaded by LaTonya Motley and the ITCS Department. This group meets virtually several times a month to explore AI applications in education. Your participation in these sessions can provide valuable contributions and access to new resources. See ITCS Event Calendar for future AI community opportunities.

I would like to extend my gratitude to faculty and staff for their commitment to educational advancement and staying abreast of innovation, and look forward to further discussions and collaborative efforts to enhance our educational practices here at NPC. 

Wei Ma, PhD
Dean of Instructional Innovation
Read other Messages from the Dean

Special thanks to Andi De Bellis for her valuable contributions to this message.