Creating Data Informed Campuses and Building AI for Higher Education
Nov 1, 2023
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Ravi Pendse and Bob Jones discuss the development of AI tools at the University of Michigan, promoting accessibility and privacy awareness in AI, reducing fear mongering around emerging technologies, and approaching gender-aware AI with an open mind.
The University of Michigan has developed an AI platform that provides accessible and private AI tools for its entire community, empowering the next generation of policymakers and removing barriers to AI's power.
The University of Michigan is actively addressing concerns around AI by promoting transparency, privacy, and responsible use, emphasizing the importance of human intervention and collaboration with AI, ensuring ethical and unbiased practices in higher education.
Deep dives
Development of University of Michigan's AI services
The University of Michigan has developed AI services that provide a custom AI platform for their entire community, making them the first university to do so. These services were created to address the questions and concerns around AI and its impact on education. The university aims to embrace and leverage generative AI, rather than banning it. They have created an AI platform with three different services: UGPT, a chat GPT alternative that is free, accessible, and private; MASI, which allows users to create contextual experiences without needing to know Python; and UMT toolkit, an API access to the back-end environment. These tools are currently available to their faculty, staff, and student community, totaling over 100,000 users. The university also emphasizes the importance of accessibility, ensuring that these tools are freely available to all members of their community, regardless of their financial means.
Addressing Concerns and Challenges
The University of Michigan acknowledges the concerns around AI, including issues of bias, privacy, and the fear of job displacement. They are committed to addressing these concerns thoughtfully and responsibly. They emphasize the need for transparency and open dialogue about the impact and implications of AI. The university is actively developing solutions to mitigate bias and promote privacy, ensuring that their AI tools are secure and respectful of individual privacy. They encourage users to be knowledgeable about AI and engage in critical thinking to distinguish between accurate and biased information. The university also emphasizes the importance of human intervention and the collaboration between humans and AI to ensure responsible and ethical use of the technology.
The Future Impact of General AI in Higher Education
The University of Michigan recognizes the potential impact of general AI in higher education. They aim to be at the forefront of understanding and exploring the appropriate uses and impacts of large language models. They believe that universities have a crucial role in leading the world in understanding and developing the best practices for AI utilization. The university envisions a future where a data-informed campus is empowered by contextual data accessible through natural language interfaces. The goal is to provide access to comprehensive information and resources, fostering innovation, research, and personalized learning experiences. The university also emphasizes the need for AI literacy among policymakers to ensure informed decision-making and responsible regulations.
Importance of Accessibility and Privacy in AI
The University of Michigan underscores the importance of accessibility and privacy in AI. They believe that access to AI tools and technologies should not be limited to those with means, but should be available to all members of society. They view equitable access as a core value and are committed to ensuring that everyone within their community can benefit from their AI services. They also prioritize privacy and have implemented measures to protect users' data and ensure that their AI tools operate in a private and secure environment. By focusing on accessibility and privacy, the university aims to make AI a force for positive change and enhance the learning and research experiences of their community.
What impact will Generative AI have on Higher Education? This week’s guests tackle this question head on.
Ravi Pendse and Bob Jones lead the development of ITS AI Services, a suite of AI tools that they believe makes the University of Michigan the first university anywhere to provide a custom AI platform for its entire community. In this episode of the Brave Technologist Podcast, they’ll discuss why they’re embracing GenAI (versus trying to ban it) with their students, and share some positive case studies they’ve already collected since their students have adopted U-M’s new AI tools.
Key Takeaways:
Empowering the next generation of policymakers (students!)
Making AI accessible to everyone, and the importance of removing any barriers to its power
The right to privacy in AI, and how they’re creating solutions with security and personal privacy in mind
How to reduce fear mongering around AI and emerging technologies
Creating a “data informed” campus where humans are always in the loop
Guest Bios:
Ravi Pendse is the Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at the University of Michigan. Bob Jones is the Executive Director of Support Services at University of Michigan. Together, they lead the development of ITS AI Services, a suite of AI tools that they believe makes the University of Michigan the first university anywhere to provide a custom AI platform for its entire community.
The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all!
Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together.
The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software— - makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API.
