UB takes AI chat series to Grand Island Central School District

Educators will discuss how to best utilize artificial intelligence in the classroom

By the University at Buffalo

Artificial intelligence has the potential to drastically alter education systems.

It can provide students personalized learning experiences and instantaneous feedback, as well as deliver data to teachers on how to better engage students and improve curriculum.

But there are concerns, everything from students using AI to write essays, unintentional bias within AI programs, and job loss among teachers.

These topics and more will be discussed Thursday at Grand Island Central School District during the second installment of UB | AI Chat Series, “Advancing Education with Responsible AI.”

The panel discussion will feature:

•Rachel Hageman Blair, associate director for education in the UB Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, and professor of biostatistics in the UB School of Public Health and Health Professions.

•Mary Howard, author of “Artificial Intelligence to Streamline Your Teacher Life: The ChatGPT Guide for Educators,” and sixth grade English language arts and science teacher at Grand Island Central School District.

•Kenneth Joseph, assistant professor of computer science and engineering in the UB School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

•Jinjun Xioing, co-director of the National AI Institute for Exceptional Education at UB, and SUNY Empire Innovation Professor of computer science and engineering in the UB School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Suzanne Rosenblith, dean of the UB Graduate School of Education, will moderate the discussion. Brian Graham, superintendent of Grand Island Central School District, will deliver a welcome address. And Venu Govindaraju, SUNY Distinguished Professor and UB vice president for research and economic development, will provide opening remarks.

The two-year AI chat series will feature faculty-led and moderated discussions that explore how UB researchers from a wide variety of academic disciplines are harnessing artificial intelligence for the betterment of society.

It will spotlight significant new projects underway at UB such as the National AI Institute for Exceptional Education, which the National Science Foundation (NSF) funded with $20 million in January, as well as nearly $6 million in NSF-sponsored research to help older adults recognize and combat online scams and disinformation, among other endeavors.