UNC Greensboro Hosts AI Showcase for Faculty and Staff
Faculty and staff at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) gathered on October 20 for the inaugural AI Showcase, an event organized by the university’s Information Technology Services (ITS) to explore the integration of artificial intelligence tools in their work. The showcase took place in the Cone Ballroom of Elliott University Center, where employees with varying levels of AI familiarity engaged with experts and learned about new technologies.
Engagement and Exploration
Attendees, numbering over 200, had the opportunity to interact with ITS staff and representatives from Cloudforce, a Microsoft partner involved in the SpartanAI initiative. The event featured live demonstrations of various AI tools, including SpartanAI, ChatGPT Edu, and Microsoft Copilot, which are currently under evaluation during the university’s pilot program. Participants moved between stations every half hour to compare the different AI models available.
Wade Maki, Senior Advisor to the Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives, noted the enthusiasm among attendees, emphasizing the event’s focus on enhancing student education and improving operational efficiency within North Carolina. “The energy at the AI Showcase came from our people,” he remarked, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the event.
Addressing Questions and Concerns
As participants explored AI’s potential applications in teaching and research, many brought questions regarding its use. Inquiries ranged from differentiating AI agents from chatbots to understanding how to formulate effective prompts. Concerns about accessibility, data security, and the environmental implications of AI were also raised.
RK Harris, senior director of revenue operations and data strategy, shared her experiences using AI for tasks such as coding and data analysis, expressing her surprise at the capabilities of SpartanAI and Copilot. She noted the tools could assist in time management and educational resource creation, among other applications.
Human-Centric AI Implementation
The showcase featured a keynote address by Anna Harding, director of customer success at Cloudforce, who stressed the importance of maintaining the human element in AI applications. She explained that effective AI deployment should allow educators and researchers to focus more on their core responsibilities by automating routine tasks.
Addressing the audience’s concerns about academic integrity, Harding suggested that faculty could establish guidelines to restrict AI’s direct provision of answers to students while encouraging responsible use through structured assignments.
Future of AI at UNCG
During the pilot phase, ITS is collecting data on the utilization of AI tools among faculty and staff, aiming to understand their preferences and potential applications for future investments. Associate Vice Chancellor for Enterprise Technology Infrastructure and Chief Technology Officer Casey Forrest remarked that the showcase aimed to facilitate exploration and collaboration among colleagues regarding AI’s capabilities.
Feedback from participants, such as Dr. Nihal Raees, who found the event both engaging and informative, will be instrumental in shaping future AI initiatives at UNCG. Harding encouraged attendees to continue their education on AI and collaborate with peers to enhance its application within the university.
Overall, the AI Showcase provided a platform for UNCG faculty and staff to delve into the possibilities of artificial intelligence in their work environments, fostering a culture of innovation and exploration within the academic community.
Source: UNC Greensboro
