Since the November 2022 public release of Open AI’s ChatGPT, the constant stream of new Artificial Intelligence products, services, applications and concerns has sparked conversation and controversy. The meteoric adoption of ChatGPT – reaching 100 million users within two months, a milestone that took five years for Facebook – highlights the urgent need for dialogue in our region about AI’s impact.
Each of us, individually or organizationally, will continue to be affected by the proliferation of AI and its infusion in products, services, and the technology we already use and rely on in everyday life.
Fort Lewis College has a responsibility to engage not only our campus but the entire region around critical issues and topics. It is to this end that FLC and the Economic Development Alliance are partnering to host a free AI Conference on Dec. 6 to engage with Four Corners partners and the FLC community in dialogue around AI opportunities and challenges.
In campus listening sessions I have held with faculty and staff members, employees voiced opinions for and against the use of AI, whether that be plans to integrate AI into our operations or its role in student learning.
At the same time, employers are signaling to us an expectation that our graduates should possess digital and AI skills. Many faculty and staff members are rightly concerned, however, about the appropriate use of technology in learning and life preparation while others are excited about AI and are already in implementation mode.
In organizations and communities, there are undoubtedly also questions about AI. We read about it effectively assisting in writing code, diagnosing medical tests, and efficiently conducting analysis, but there are also significant issues surfacing daily, such as data privacy breaches and mindless chatbots spreading offensive content.
The AI Conference will be an opportunity to gain perspective on strategic and operational issues facing your organization: Are your competitors using AI? What strategic considerations should influence decisions about implementation? What are some AI basics that might help you explore pilots or potential applications? What are the benefits and drawbacks of AI?
By joining us at the AI Conference, you can contribute to the discussion around the current AI landscape and learn more about AI possibilities and pitfalls. You’ll hear from regional leaders and experts on the current and potential impact of AI in our region. The event will include sessions on applications of AI for all levels – beginner to advanced, and those who are simply curious.
The conference will offer insights into AI, whether your organization is in full implementation mode or taking necessary precautions before integrating AI technologies into your workplace. The gathering will provide an avenue for us to convene and engage as a community in meaningful learning and conversation.
You will be challenged to think about areas where AI and humans might work together, where AI might provide solutions that are better than an individual or team, or lastly, where AI is no substitute for a living person. It is only by asking questions, engaging with colleagues, and exploring possibilities that we will purposefully and proactively move toward the future.
The Four Corners AI Conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at FLC. RSVPs are strongly encouraged and can be made at bit.ly/4CornersAI.
We hope to see you there!
Mario Martinez is the provost and vice president of academic affairs at Fort Lewis College. He has been in leadership positions in public and private institutions of higher education since 2014 and previously served as a professor and national consultant to foundations, states and institutions.
