Saginaw Valley State University held a discussion panel titled “The Age of AI”, Mar. 24, where tools, ethics, and the future of AI were all discussed.
The panel took place in the Roberta R. Allen Room, and those who spoke at the event included Librarian Kyle Bylin, English Professor Dr. Kim Lacey, and Philosophy Professor Dr. Peter Rose-Barry. All of those speaking at the panel were able to add different perspectives on how the tools, ethics, and the future of AI impact everyone.
The topic of AI was discussed because the panel took place during SVSU’s AI Literacy Week. Some of the events that took place during the week included a movie night, an AI in Words & Worlds book discussion, and an AI-generated cardinal contest. They even had the hashtag #AILitWeek available for students to join the conversation on AI.
Bylin, a research & assessment librarian at SVSU commented on AI Literacy Week.
“AI Literacy Week is inspired by National AI Literacy Day and is designed to coincide with this new holiday,” stated Bylin. “I wanted to host multiple events to raise awareness of AI literacy, an extension of the information literacy skills that university libraries teach, and explore the broader conversation unfolding in Silicon Valley.”
Looking at AI tools through an academic lens, Erik Trump, director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, added his thoughts.
“I think we’ll see them become more integrated into both academic and professional environments,” he stated. “In some cases, they may simply support what we already do, but I believe there’s a strong likelihood that these tools will also disrupt occupations in negative ways. In higher education, that means we’ll need to help our students prepare for a world changed by AI.”
Although Trump did not speak at the panel, he was in attendance.
“As we saw in the panel discussion, AI poses opportunities for some disciplines but represents a threat to others. What’s important is that we create space for thoughtful experimentation, for faculty and students alike, and continue to support one another as we figure out what responsible, meaningful learning looks like in the age of AI.”
Although this was the first time AI Literacy Week was represented at SVSU, Bylin hopes that it is not the last.
“I would like AI Literacy Week to become a regular event at SVSU,” he continued. “My goal is for this to align with National AI Literacy Day and to help broaden our conversations from basic AI skills to deeper questions about how AI will shape our future.”
“I want this event to help students develop AI literacy knowledge and skills that are useful not only during their time at the university but also in any career they choose after graduation. I want to ensure they’re prepared for a world that’s being changed by AI.”
An overview of some of the events that took place during AI Literacy Week can be found on the Zahnow Library website, as well as more information on AI literacy as a whole.
