Edmonds University’s STEM department plans to launch an AI incubator lab in fall 2023. This lab helps students gain hands-on experience applying artificial intelligence (AI) in various professions such as banking, healthcare, marketing, and manufacturing.
“The ability to go back to work and apply this technology to solve problems and create value is at the core of this new technology,” says Dr. Carrie Shroyer, Dean of STEM at Edmonds University. “Edmonds is building the capacity for our students to master these skills. courses and programs in
Last year, the university received a $40,000 grant from the Association of American Community Colleges (AACC), Dell, and Intel, as well as support from Amazon. Edmonds University is the only university in Washington State to receive this funding as part of the Artificial Intelligence Incubator Network initiative.
The lab will launch an Intel-based platform worth about $70,000, including workstations and open-source AI software tools. “Incubator Labs builds on the Intel AI for Workforce program launched in 2020, supporting university courses such as Introduction to Machine Learning, AI for Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, and AI for Everyone. ”he said Schroyer. “We support new and existing programs that offer more than a living wage, enabling students to not just survive but thrive.”
Despite the seemingly influx of news about AI in the last six months, the concept can be traced back to ancient times. For example, Hephaestus, the Greek god of fire and blacksmiths, created Talos, a giant bronze automaton, to protect Europa on Crete from her pirates and those who would try to kidnap her. Adrian Mayer, a historian at Stanford University, said ancient India and Burma also had myths about artificial intelligence in the form of automated machines. Flying chariots, robotic servants and swans feature in various Indian epics such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.
British historian Joseph Needham described 4th-century BC Chinese texts about “robots” that could sing and move like real humans.in his book Chinese Science and Civilization, Vol. 2‘, he recounted how the robot sang before the emperor and ‘flirted’ with the women in attendance.
The latter infuriated the Emperor, who cut the robot into pieces “to ascertain its true identity.”
AI today is not a world dominated by robots as it was in the past. terminator and matrix In the film, it comes in the form of data algorithms such as chatbots (ChatGPT, etc.), AI art (Midjourney), virtual assistants (“Hey, Alexa!”), and search engines. Schroyer believes these AI tools will support his STEM students as “thinkers,” helping them develop critical thinking, introspection, and creativity.
“But we believe this has to be done intentionally, thoughtfully and inclusively. That’s the challenge of education,” she said.
As with any new technology, many fear that someone will abuse AI. Students can use chatbots to write essays or plagiarize someone’s work in seconds. People can use an artist’s work, promote it on Midjourney, and claim the artwork as their own original work.
“But the risks extend well beyond education and extend to other issues such as consumer privacy, biased programming, unethical use, social engineering and opaque legislation,” Schroyer said. said. “We (society) need to recognize, understand and debate the benefits, dangers and myths of AI. Improving AI literacy will address these concerns and raise awareness of AI. It is one way to promote the responsible use of AI within society.”
Edmonds University is currently developing several programs that incorporate AI. For example, getting a new Bachelor of Science degree.
It includes computer science, data analytics, robotics and artificial intelligence, and is scheduled to start in fall 2024.
“AI is already pervasive in many areas and will continue to grow and be embedded,” Schroyer said. “Fostering interdisciplinary learning is essential to developing a well-rounded workforce that can harness the power of AI in their respective fields, both within and beyond STEM.”
— Nick Ng
