On the 15th March 2023, delegates attended a short debate on whether computers (particularly with Artificial Intelligence developments) are taking over (see introductory slides). A mix of onsite and remote participants heard from Lee Machado (Professor of Molecular Medicine) who argued with slides that computers are not taking over. Rob Howe (Head of Learning Technology) then presented the counter argument with slides prepared by Karl Downing (Digital Development Lead – IT Services). This was all beautifully summed up by Sue Attewell (Head of Edtech – Jisc National Centre for A.I.). Jatin Arora (President of the UON student AI society) spoke after the event on his reflections as his comments during the session were not captured.
AI is in a grey area at the moment – nothing is fully good or fully bad. It depends on the human on how it is used.
Jatin Arora (President of the UON student AI society)
The event concluded with a vote. The majority decided that computers were not taking over.
- 11 delegates agreed that they are taking over
- 43 delegates felt that they were not taking over
- 10 delegates abstained
Please feel free to listen to the recording (42 minutes) of the event and also contribute to the Padlet which was set up for the session.
If you are interested in discussions of this type then there are at least two further events of interest:
• 21st June 13:00 – 15:00 International debate and discussion around AI. Sign up TBA
• Implications and Ethical Dimensions of using Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education Teaching, Learning and Assessment.- https://reflect.ucl.ac.uk/aptconference/ on Friday 30th June.
Please contact Rob.Howe@northampton.ac.uk with any questions about the event or any follow-up.
