Widener University got a conversation going about the implication of AI in higher education and the workplace with its first-ever AI Day on the Chester campus Friday, March 21.
The event included a keynote address, hands-on workshops, and panel discussions.
During the day-long event, a competition challenged students, faculty, and staff to submit innovative ways they use AI in their work, with prizes available for graduate and undergraduate student winners.
The focus of Friday’s event was on how AI can be used today and where it’s going in the future.
“What we really wanted to do is create an opportunity for faculty, staff, and students to come together to really start talking about AI and the effects it’s going to have on education and the workforce of the future,” said Thomas Wilk, assistant professor of philosophy and co-chair of the Widener AI Working Group.
Amanda Bickerstaff presented the keynote address. She is the co-founder and CEO of AI for Education.
Her visit to the campus was made possible through the Beideman Visiting Scholar Program funded by Widener Board of Trustees Chairman Paul Beideman and his wife, Caroline Beideman.
Bickerstaff looked at the history of machine learning and artificial intelligence, then talked about the many opportunities and challenges that generative AI technology presents.
She also hosted two hands-on workshops during the day, sharing her knowledge of generative AI tools, how to use them, and how they are shifting the future of education and industry around the world.
Attendees learned about effective prompt writing, data privacy, ethical usage, and more.
Panel discussions featured industry professionals and university alumni talking about the advantages of AI in business processes and public relations, and in the field of engineering.
The day also featured unique entertainment from magician Trigg Watson, who mixes AI technology and classic street magic for his Magic of the Future act, which he offered before and during the event.
Watson has previously appeared on “America’s Got Talent.”
