Back when Cognitive Science was an emerging field, I had a professor cite and talk about the officer, "Data" from Star Trek's Next Generation. In a sense, he represented of things to come.
Data represents future of possibilities, an artificial consciousness acting as a reflection of who we are. Back then, "hard AI" that was envisioned today was mostly theoretical and philosophical. Cognitive Science consisted of a combination of various disciplines, mainly Computer Science, Psychology, Linguistics, Philosophy, and Anthropology.
In the early 90s, things like ChatGPT and Generative Pre-Trained Transformer modeling where at best just a twinkle in a scientists eye.
With the immergence with ChatGPT, Bard, Bing, etc., news media portrays Artificial Intelligence as a distruptor mainly to the economics, entertainment, and service industry. The seems to be a growing mistrust; the feelings of curiosity and opportunity is being replaced with fear and bewilderment. My hope is even with this rapid pace of change, people will adapt and find more good than bad in AI. In less than three decades we have seen the emergence of the internet and mobile technology. Innovation is accelerating and as a society we have experienced rapid amount change comparatively small time frame.
Two thoughts come from this:
First thought. Change builds resilience.
Our students and workforce has experienced so much change already, and we have learn from it. We have learned with change, there are somethings we can control. For instance with the introduction to the internet, educators learned how they can use it for students to learning and research anywhere at anytime. We have learned how to control our use of time with the flipped classroom. We have learned how to use mobile devices to assist with executive functioning. Student's use the their phones for reminders, organize their calendars, create tasks, take pictures of notes, instant messages with others to work efficiently. Listening to the CIS Ontario's Webinar, students see AI as an opportunity to help them connect ideas and proof read their work. Students spoke to AI as an assistant or friend that helps them with tasks, the same way a friend would help them. The difference between asking a peer and an AI programs? It is more convenient and consistent in gaining feedback. The optimistist in me beleives with intentional use and understanding on how to AI use responsibly, it will be a transformative tool.
Second thought. "Resisting change is resisting life" - Sadhguru
Similar to the introduction of the internet and mobile technology, AI is inevitable. And when it comes, it will an ubiquitous presence in businesses and in our personal lives. There will be many aspects of AI that will be out of our control. As educators, we need to be engaged with the ongoing AI development because intern we need to develop successful practices that will prepare our students to use A.I. knowledgably and successfully. Like students born into the era of the internet, student boarn into the era of AI will be different and see things differently. Generation A (Gen Alpha) will be part of this movememt, where Gen Beta, will be dominated by AI. Things that we will think are miraculous such a AI used to hear the thoughts of non-verbal stroke victems or regain motor activity with spinal injuries will be common place for these generations.
Star trek in a sense captured resilence and embrassing change. In the case of AI, the character Data played out this narative and showed us the possibility of things to come. I think it is time <cue the Star Trek music> to seek out new forms of knowledge and intelligence.
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