My Adventure with Generative AI

Posted on April 14, 2024 by Kanwal Humayun

What is Generative AI? (animated video) - YouTube

Being a teacher to and Administrative and with my current role of being a facilitator for young-adults in the navigation of their university journey, my career has witnessed quite a ride! And all in past 1 decade I am sure of with the help of AI has come to a point where I drastically feel change in not only performance but alongside for the targets as well. I use AI in various ways but for me as funny it sounds but it also is much about asking just random emotional support questions as well on the go However, with details mentioned below there are some other day to day usages which do help me out like for many others as well..

My Generative AI Adventure: In my professional routine, generative AI has been a trusty companion, revolutionizing how I approach tasks and inspiring fresh ideas. From crafting compelling content effortlessly to sparking creativity in unexpected ways, generative AI has been a game-changer, opening doors to a world where imagination knows no bounds.

The Heartbeat of Generative AI: What makes generative AI truly remarkable is its ability to collaborate in the creative process. It’s not just about generating content; it’s about co-creating, infusing human-like intuition into digital creations. It’s like having a creative partner who’s always ready to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Navigating the Ups and Downs: Of course, no adventure is without its challenges. As we delve deeper into the realm of generative AI, we’re faced with questions about bias, privacy, and the ethical use of technology. How do we ensure that our digital creations reflect our values and respect the diversity of human experience?

A Glimpse into the Future: Looking ahead, the future of generative AI is bright with promise. In healthcare, it could revolutionize patient care, offering personalized treatment plans. In education, it could transform how we learn, adapting to each student’s unique needs. As we embrace this future, it’s essential to tread carefully, ensuring that our digital creations enrich our lives and empower us to create a better world. For me it helps me to explore about the trends for my job and also sorts communication for me too.

In conclusion, my adventure with generative AI has been nothing short of exhilarating. It’s a reminder that technology, when harnessed creatively and responsibly, has the power to transform our world. So, let’s continue to explore, innovate, and create with generative AI, shaping a future where imagination knows no bounds!

From Virtual Field Trips to Digital Doodles: Unleashing Fun and Learning in Online Education!

Posted on April 14, 2024 by Kanwal Humayun

Virtual field trips - esbezy

1) Most Useful/Relevant Tools and Why: In our fast-paced world, tools that promote collaboration, creativity, and engagement are key. Platforms like Google Workspace offer a range of tools such as Docs, Sheets, and Slides, perfect for group projects and presentations. These tools make teamwork a breeze, even when we’re miles apart!

When it comes to virtual meetings and classes, video conferencing tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams are game-changers. With features like breakout rooms and screen sharing, these tools make discussions and presentations interactive and exciting, just like a face-to-face classroom!

2) Bringing These Tools into Your Current Context: As a young professional working with young adults, integrating these tools into your teaching practices can greatly enhance the learning experience. For example, using collaborative tools like Google Docs for group projects can foster teamwork and creativity. Additionally, holding virtual office hours via video conferencing tools can provide personalized support to students, creating a more connected and engaging learning environment.

3) Impact of Online/Distance Format on Teaching Experience: Transitioning to online or distance education can be challenging, but it also presents exciting opportunities for growth and innovation. While the lack of face-to-face interaction may seem daunting, the flexibility and accessibility of online learning can benefit both educators and students. Embracing these digital tools can create new avenues for engagement and collaboration, enriching the learning experience for everyone involved.

In conclusion, the adoption of online and blended learning tools has become increasingly important in today’s educational landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting out, leveraging these tools can enhance your teaching and learning experience, making education more interactive, engaging, and fun for young adults like us. So, let’s embrace these tools and embark on a journey of learning and discovery in the virtual classroom together!

EC&I 833 Summary of Learning

Posted on April 14, 2024 by Cailen Tribier

Well I got inspired by an old coworkers, Logan Petlak’s, summary of learning on the exemplar page, so I decided to do a rap. WOW, did I bite off more than I could chew. Trying to get all the content and explain myself while rhyming felt impossible. Also to get 5 minutes when you are saying everything so fast was very difficult. Splicing music to make the song longer was also a new skill I had gained along the way. But what matters, is it is finished! I hope it comes across as clear to you, as it does in my own head. I put the names of all the dance moves I was doing from the 90s because I am weird and had to stay on trend with Prince of Belair song! Toby (my doggo) is obviously the star of the show. It is very embarrassing. So enjoy.

Summary: I start off by speaking about how I have learned about the different types of knowledge and how all are important not just Positivist view of one objective answer. Multiple realities and how students use said knowledge to create their own ideas is also valuable. Then I speak about the learning theories we learned! I demonstrate different technology that fits the different theories. The behaviorist technology that I have used to helps students learn objective knowledge in math and science. This including online learning technology that helped me create lesson videos! Next I talk about Cognitive learning theory and some technology that you could use to foster discussion and allow for that higher level of learning. Lastly for the theories I speak about constructive theory technology that students can use to create new items and ideas! Including, makerspaces and how they foster resilience and life long learning. I also take some time to talk about how I learned about some new assistive technology that I am using now in my classes! Lastly when I was diving into my AI blog I came across this video of machines taking over our lives. So I think it is important we still keep learning and have more knowledge than AI so it does not control our lives.

The next section is the negative side of technology and how there is good but there is also evil! I never knew I had to be weary of new technology! I always knew corporations top priority was making money but I was so unaware that had leaked into education and how this might affect our students. Web 2.0 was a great invention but because everyone can put their own realities and knowledge on the internet it has made it so people take some of this knowledge as objective knowledge when it is not. This has caused a political divide, even here in Canada. Social media has contributed to this as well. Machines are very efficient but not a lot of morality as well.

Not sure if I needed the summary or it was clear, would love any comments or questions, thanks!

AI Taking Over?

Posted on April 13, 2024 by kelseypotoma

How are you currently using generative AI in your employment context and in other areas of your life? What do you see as the principal benefits and drawbacks of AI? What do you imagine will be the future of AI in our lives? Let’s just get to the point – I do not use AI … Continue reading

Revolutions: Agriculture, Industrial then and now AI (Artificial Intelligence) Revolution

Posted on April 13, 2024 by Mandeep K

The last presentation during my EC&I 833 class was about Generative AI. The presenters’ content took the audience on a journey of mixed emotions. Some were dazed, others (like me) confused or scared and some were thrilled, others were inquisitive…. Woah…..what a subject!!

I have always found the name – “Faustian Bargain” so apt for the computer technology- so whether it is AI, WWW….. You gain some and you lose some. Ideally I look at AI as transformative and has the caliber to transport us into a “qualitatively different future”. Therefore the title- Agriculture, Industrial and then AI revolution.

How many of us can imagine living in a world without AI- how comfortable would it be to survive without Siri waking you up, the GPS system and maps helping navigate, the smart software and apps that are favs in the workplace or finding the best tickets for travel, ordering food, grocery, or for that matter shopping online? If we narrow down to education: it’s a whirlwind of AI in education? how many of us could have imagined the kind of learning platform that exist now; adjusting the lessons personally for every one!! That’s what DreamBox and Knewton are doing. They use AI to tweak learning materials in real-time, making sure each student gets the most out of their lessons. In my EC & I sessions my class mates introduced me to some outstanding educational tools like like Socrative, Mentimeter, Padlet, Quizlet, Kahoot etc that make assessment and student engagement effortless. Thus making the learning process more engaging, personalized and interactive. They give detailed feedback, letting teachers focus more on teaching and less on grading. So, AI isn’t just a buzzword; it surely has worthwhile substance and has made education more personalized, efficient, and interactive. How cool is that?

AI has entered everyone’s life; so be it; student, elders, professionals( all professions that you can think of) at all levels, industry etc: it looks difficult to subtract AI out of the whole system. However, the damage can also be potentially great. The systems can be corrupted, it can be trained to affect the physical, mental, emotional security at any level. The video that was shared in one of our classes on AI also mentioned Elon Musk calling it “Catastrophic” and worldwide people talking about regulating it so that it does not become a Faustian bargain.

Very recently I saw a bolly wood movie and here is the clip where the main character is a Robot and it is disturbing to see and imagine: if something like this will ever happen in the future.:

https://www.youtube.com/clip/UgkxLNiUs7TDM7M6YqK1jf90WDuu-3O_GUwp

It is disturbing to see and imagine: if something like this will ever happen in the future.

One famous quote on AI is by Stephen Hawking, a renowned theoretical physicist:

“Success in creating AI would be the biggest event in human history. Unfortunately, it might also be the last, unless we learn how to avoid the risks.” – Stephen Hawking

Cooking & Convo’s with Ilda and Erin!

Posted on April 12, 2024 by ildastoja

This blog is done in collaboration with Erin.

Attached is our (myself and Erin) summary of learning throughout this class. We chat about numerous different topics that we learned such as Web 2.0, coding, Assistive Technology, as we cook using a recipe we found on the web. We made a few little changes, but the results were still amazing…thank us later

Cheers to a great semester of learning!

Ilda & Erin

Artificial Intelligence…Yay, or Nay?

Posted on April 12, 2024 by erincfuchs

Before taking this course, I did not realize just how much AI impacts our day to day life. Initially, when I thought about AI, I assumed it was something that only “techies” knew about and knew how to use. However, after learning more and experimenting with it a little, I realized just how easy it is (kind of scary actually!) Let’s get into it…

I typed into the Google search bar, “What is AI?” and here is the definition it gave me from IBM.com…”Artificial intelligence, or AI, is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities.” To me, this sounds CREEPY…anyone else?! I never thought that we would get to a point where we have computers/AI that simulates human intelligence. I cannot imagine talking to my 97 year old grandma about this and having to explain what this means.

In the presentation about AI, we learned that it actually has more of an impact on our lives than we (or I) originally thought. An example used was flying an airplane. Yes, the pilot works…but what helps to control the plane? AI. Crazy! As far as generative AI goes, I have only really used Chat GPT. I use this when I have brain fog and need a little inspiration to get started with an assignment. I also find myself using Chat GPT when it comes to writing report cards. For example, sometimes I find it hard to find the correct/professional wording. All I have to do is type in a few key details (child’s name, some strengths and weaknesses, etc.,) and BOOM…there you have a well-written comment to use or to take certain points from.

We all know that there are benefits and drawbacks to everything, especially when it comes to technology and using it in the classroom. I think that one of the main benefits of using generative AI would be the fact that you get very quick answers/results and it is easy to use! Again, I am not “tech savvy” by any means, but using Chat GPT has been a life saver for me on many occasions, and so simple for me to use. It helps me make decisions, and provides me with new ideas and concepts to get my thoughts flowing. However, when it comes to the drawbacks, I think that the main one would be that not everyone uses AI as a “tool,” but as more of a cheat sheet. I do not teach high or middle school, but I can only imagine how hard it would be to mark an essay or tests to make sure that student’s are not completely copying and pasting answers from AI/ Chat GPT…I guess that is why there are sites that detect plagiarism. BUT, I still think that just adds in more pressure and steps for the instructor and teacher to handle. Another drawback would be the privacy issues. After taking this class, I realize how much the internet and websites take from us (our personal information, our interests, our searches, etc.,). What data is collected from us for AI purposes? What is safe and private, if anything? How can we keep ourselves and our students’ protected and private? I do not have these answers…

The future scares me a little bit. We were all raised knowing how to read, write, and think purposely, deeply and constructively. We were taught how to solve problems, do our own research and collaborate with others to do so. Will our kids and future generations have the same abilities? Will they be taught to think the same and problem solve? Again, I do not have these answers. But, from how things are looking… it does not seem like these skills will be valued in the same way we valued them. I feel like I am sounding old by talking like this!

In conclusion, generative AI has it’s benefits and drawbacks (as does everything else). I think that there needs to be a “happy medium” in how we use it and how we go about using it in our classrooms and with our students. I am all for using AI to benefit us and make our lives easier, but I also do not want a future where humans solely rely on it. Maybe I will ask Chat GPT what it thinks…

To Infinity and Beyond… AI Edition

Posted on April 11, 2024 by Graeme Gieni

When cell phones became mainstream technology, I remember always hearing… There’s an App for that. While still true, I feel you can insert into that phrase…. there’s AI for that. Generative AI has quickly changed the landscape of the internet and Web experience, but even more when it comes to educational settings. Fall and Early […]

EC&I 833 – Summary of Learning – Trivia

Posted on April 10, 2024 by Chris Brennan

Well, I hope everyone likes trivia!

And, I hope everyone has studied the concepts and theories of ECI 833 in depth.

We are about to embark on a rollercoaster of emotion that starts with testing your knowledge on the foundations and history of Educational Technology.

Look no further, and watch the video below to test your abilities and achievements in this course.

Please let me know how you faired in the comments below.

Thanks for your time, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Also, the video of my face somehow was quite small when it was uploaded to YouTube, but feel free to check out the link here for a more full-sized video.