E174 'Exploring AI in Education and Beyond' with Professor Alan Smeaton

Today’s guest is Alan Smeaton, Professor of Computing at Dublin City University. and a member of the government’s AI Advisory Council. In this episode, Alan chats with host Mark Kelly about the evolution of Artificial Intelligence, its current applications in education and energy, and its future potential.

Topics include:

0:00 His experience integrating AI research, teaching and applications

2:14 How Generative AI supports both traditional and self-directed learning

5:59 How Multiple LLMs address biases through collaboration and diversity

9:11 Being cautious about agentic AI systems; logic processing underdeveloped

12:09 Using smart meters to track energy use & enable personalized tariff comparisons

17:20 Why AI’s future may face a reckoning, favouring diversity over monopoly

20:10 The AI landscape is unpredictable, with new players and growing regulation.