The town of Amherst recently took a proactive step towards enhancing the understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) among local residents. On 16 October, Amanda Sears, a technology innovation specialist, conducted an enlightening session titled "AI Uncovered: A Community Introduction" at Marion L. Steele High School, located at 450 Washington St., Amherst. This session was primarily aimed at equipping parents of students and other community members with foundational knowledge about AI—highlighting its current usage, potential applications, and associated risks.
Amanda Sears, who has been at the forefront of technology education in the area, emphasised the growing integration of AI in educational settings. She expressed the importance of community awareness, noting that students are already actively using AI technologies in schools. This makes it imperative for parents and community members to understand what AI entails. "I really feel like this was an important topic because I think it’s more of understanding the knowledge behind AI, and what AI can do for you and what it can do for your kids," Sears articulated.
In line with this educational endeavour, the Amherst Exempted Village Schools Board of Education has instituted a policy governing the use of AI by students. This policy permits students to employ AI for a variety of educational purposes, such as research assistance, data analysis, language translation, writing support, and accessibility enhancements. However, these activities require the oversight and permission of a teacher. The policy's primary goal is to encourage the beneficial and proper utilisation of AI technologies within the educational framework.
Sears pointed out that while AI technology is often discussed, what people commonly interact with is a form of machine learning rather than true AI. She explained, "We truly are not at artificial intelligence, yet, we just use those terms very interchangeably; machine learning and AI." In essence, machine learning involves computers acquiring data and identifying patterns without being explicitly programmed for each task.
The informational session covered various facets of AI, including ethical considerations in sectors like healthcare, governance, and law enforcement. Sears also highlighted the inherent risks of AI, such as potential biases and the danger of scams that utilise AI technology to replicate familiar voices or images for deceptive purposes.
"It’s crucial for community members to recognise how AI can affect their lives," Sears remarked, stressing the necessity of demystifying AI technology. She advocated for the dissemination of AI knowledge beyond a select few, emphasising the need for a broad understanding of AI’s implications and capabilities.
This initiative was not the first of its kind; Sears had previously delivered a similar AI orientation to students across grade levels within Amherst Schools. She underscored the importance of using accessible language to convey technological concepts, which can support young students in adapting to technological advancements as they mature.
Amanda Sears concluded her session with a call for a more relatable communication approach regarding AI, stating, "I feel like it’s also important to find a human level of being able to then articulate it to other people … finding that human voice that can share it with other people." This human-centric approach aims to bridge the gap between complex AI concepts and the everyday understanding of community members, fostering an informed and prepared society.
Source: Noah Wire Services