Education

12 SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 2023 EDUCATION GUIDE Ponder the future of AI and lifelong learning A rtificial Intelligence is here and it continues to evolve at a rapid pace. You have probably heard some of the dis- cussion. Now get ready for some more. Learn all about AI and lifelong learning at AI Unleashed: Deciphering the Im- pact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Lifelong Learning, a series of free webinars offered by University of Mani- toba Extended Education as the Lifelong Learning Webinar Series 2023-2024. The first of four one-hour Friday sessions will also be held as part of UM Homecoming 2023 on Sept. 22 at 11 am CDT. Registra- tion is required. A webinar series and a micro-certificate And for anyone looking to add to their insight and their resume, UM Extended Education will also offer a three-course Micro-Certificate in Artificial Intelligence this winter. "AI is evolving much faster than we can anticipate," says Rod Lastra, Acting Dean, UM Extended Education. "It is nec- essary to be aware and identify the op- portunities and challenges, and how we will appropriately respond." Of course, because technology is mov- ing so quickly, there are always many unknowns and the situation is chang- ing from day to day. "That's the exciting part," says Lastra, noting two of the ex- perts who will join him in the course of the webinars: Kelly Shiohira, Executive Manager, Research and Data Ecosystems from The Education Hub in South Africa, and Ray Schroeder, UPCEA Senior Fellow. Each webinar in the series will tackle as- pects of the situation as it exists at that moment in time, and the series will wrap up with a panel discussion and share fur- ther resources and reading materials. Lastra is fascinated with AI's potential, including its ability to collect and com- pile custom content in a fraction of the time it would take to do it yourself. That's powerful, he says. "The tools currently augment the creation of academic work. They don't replace it. Instead, they as- sist in the creative process. Of course, any AI-generated output requires careful evaluation." ChatGPT Currently, the new tool everyone is talking about, ChatGPT, is less than a year old. Simply input some information and generative AI will use machine learning algorithms to attempt to provide you with the words, the image, or the solution you seek. But if a student uses it to draft their assignment, is that cheating? Who is the legitimate creator and voice of the words compiled in this way? Should universities ban these tools or incorporate them into teaching and assessment? "AI can augment our creative activities. AI can be our assistant, collating informa- tion and streaming ideas. We can input our own information and use specialized prompts. If it is collating your information and your ideas, I would argue you retain greater intellectual ownership of the con- tent compiled using AI. You will need to do some editing." Further, he says, "If it is AI generating content from the web, it will require expertise to vet the quali- ty and accuracy of that information, and again, some editing. Currently, it is most useful for the experts, those who can ver- ify information." If AI algorithms are able to customize ed- ucational content to meet an individual student's needs, and automate admin- istrative tasks freeing educators to focus their energies on more important things, that's good. But there are also ethical di- lemmas to consider. So, for learners and educators alike, it's complex, evolving terrain. Adopt and adapt But it is terrain we must cover, Lastra says. "We will have to adopt technology, whether we like it or not. With it, what are the implications for our work, our creative pursuits and our learners? We have a re- sponsibility to address these questions." Join the webinar Hear from the experts. Understand the transformative influence of AI, discover emerging AI tools for learners, and en- gage in critical discussions sharing the potential and challenges that generative AI presents to both learners and educa- tion professionals. Register now for the first webinar in the series. It's also a UM Homecoming 2023 event. Learn more about what is to come. UMextended.ca/online UM Extended Education presents a series of four free webinars (and a micro-certificate too) BUSINESS ANALYSIS Become a business analyst or apply busi- ness analysis in your profession. Offered in partnership with the International In- stitute of Business Analysis (IIBA). CHANGE MANAGEMENT Enroll in the only Change Management credential offered by an academic/post- secondary institution in Manitoba. FACILITATING OLDER ADULT LEARNING Enhance your understanding of how ag- ing affects learning, and how to design and provide learning experiences for older adults. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Become a leader in HR with innovative courses that correspond with the HR competency framework– providing eligi- bility for the CPHR designation. APPLIED COUNSELLING Explore the counselling process and learn to develop effective counselling strategies so you can help others. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: MACHINE LEARNING SOLUTIONS Learn how AI and Machine Learning can solve the most important challenges in your business or organization and fuel your career. BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM) MANAGEMENT Build on your career in Architecture, En- gineering, Construction, or as an Owner or Operator (AECOO) and learn to effec- tively manage your part of a project's lifecycle with BIM project management processes. MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Take the next step in your management career with an academic credential and a nationally recognized professional desig- nation to add to your resume. MEDIA LITERACY, CRITICAL THINKING AND INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM Learn how to assess the validity of news and social media reports, spot fake news, and do your own online research using in- vestigative journalism techniques. QUALITY MANAGEMENT Learn how to lead the transition from quality control to quality excellence. Quality Management tools can be ap- plied in any industry. Build on your knowledge base. Transform your future. As we have learned, there is no way to predict the future but you can embrace it and plan for change with online learning. We have the quality courses and programs to help you move forward in your life and in your career. Register now for Fall courses UMextended.ca/programs

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