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UM-Flint conference discusses challenges and potential of Artificial Intelligence and Education

Educators from across Michigan attended a conference on AI & Education in Flint
Steve Carmody
/
Michigan Public
Educators from across Michigan attended a conference on AI & Education in Flint

Educators from across Michigan were in Flint Thursday taking part in a conference on the future of artificial intelligence and education.

Sapna Thwaite is the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and a Professor of Education at the University of Michigan Flint. She says AI is a subject that divides educators.

“Some people are very excited about it. They embrace it. They see it as bringing a really dynamic future to education,” said Thwaite, “However, there might be others who are a little more concerned, maybe about the ethical considerations; some concerns about cheating and whatnot.”

Nick Gaspar is the director of Distance Learning at the University of Michigan-Flint. He says the impact of AI technology on all levels of education can’t be ignored.

“I’m an AI optimist,” said Gaspar, “And I really see it as a benefit for education. And I have never seen a technology advance this quickly.”

Thwaite and Gaspar are skeptical about suggestions that education and elected leaders coming with new rules for AI until they actually understand the technology better.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.