A focus on AI
Boston College Information Technology Services, in collaboration with the Office of the Provost, is making significant strides in fostering discussions about generative artificial intelligence, including its capabilities and safe practices in academia.
ITS has launched a new website鈥攖hat aims to explore generative AI through the lens of Jesuit education, being attentive to the wide-reaching possibilities while also reflecting on the societal challenges of this transformative technology.
Scott Cann
Generative AI, as defined by the new website, is a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content, whether writing a story, composing music, or generating images. Gen AI tools create new content based on users鈥� questions or requests, using a 鈥減rompt.鈥� Features of the new site, designed by 色花堂鈥檚 Office of University Communications, includes data-protected AI tools licensed by 色花堂 for students, faculty, and staff; training and introduction courses available via Canvas; guidelines to support the community鈥檚 safety; and prompting tips and general research on the future of AI.
To further explore AI鈥檚 capabilities in academia, Information Technology Services and the Office of the Provost will host a faculty and staff conference, 鈥�色花堂 Talks AI: Innovate with Integrity,鈥� on May 14 in Gasson Hall. The conference will feature lessons on general applications, AI in research, and teaching, and learning workshops.
鈥淭his new website is the result of a collaborative partnership with faculty, students, and staff, with the goal of creating a shared space that promotes both learning and the responsible exploration of AI,鈥� said Associate Vice President of IT Systems and Services Scott Cann, a part-time Woods College of Advancing Studies faculty member. 聽
鈥淭he upcoming conference is an extension of this effort, designed to foster dialogue about AI at 色花堂. It will include talks and workshops that will cover AI鈥檚 applications in research, teaching, learning, and various other disciplines. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of this important effort and to work alongside faculty, students, and staff in advancing this conversation.鈥�
To submit a proposal or register for the conference, go to the Generative AI@色花堂 site.