This year, AIx will focus on ways in which Artificial Intelligence can make learning accessible and engaging for all individuals. These include:
- AI for Assistive Technology. AI can help all individuals through technologies such as captioning, voice recognition, and video description. One specific focus is on AI's potential to increase the accuracy and efficiency of Speech-to-Text and Text-to-Speech to help caption videos. Led by Dr. Li Liu from Computer Science.
- AI in Teaching and Learning. AI can assist learning in various ways. This semester we are focusing on how virtual tutors can help students learn material by clarifying the questions they are asking, providing helpful answers, and removing the intimidation factor. Led by Dr. Mariano Loza-Coll from Biology.
- AI for Personalized Classrooms. Virtual assistants are now commonplace in the home for controlling appliances and providing information. How might they be used in the classroom? This semester we are exploring faculty use cases for how Alexa can be used creatively in the teaching spaces and beyond. Led by Dr. Deone Zell, AVP for Academic Technology.
- AI in Research. AI can further research by helping to identify patterns in all disciplines, from art to engineering. This semester, interested faculty from across campus are meeting regularly to identify opportunities for funding and collaboration. Meeting dates coming soon. Led by Dr. Crist Khachikian, AVP for Research & Graduate Studies.
- AI-Jam II. This cross-disciplinary competition, held in Spring 2019, will challenge students to create applications of AI that can make learning accessible and engaging for all individuals. Students will be invited to work in teams and draw talent from all interested majors to compete for prizes and recognition.
In addition to support from Information Technology, this year's initiatives are being co-led by two CSUN faculty members: Dr. Mariano Loza-Coll from Biology, and Dr. Li Liu from Computer Science, in collaboration with CSUN's Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES), National Center on Deafness (NCOD), and the Deaf Studies Department in the Michael D. Eisner College of Education at CSUN.
Past Activities
Spring 2018:
Wednesday, 3/7 - AI and Ethics — The ability for computers to make decisions raises a host of ethical questions. How do we help machines guard against bias? Inequality? Use for nefarious reasons? Breach of civil rights? Join this discussion to explore. Facilitated by Rob Gressis, Philosophy Department
Thursday, 4/12 - AI and Assistive Technology — Learn about how artificial intelligence can transform the user interface for all users, above and beyond assistive technology applications, to create a universally seamless communication flow between humans and machines. Facilitated by Li Liu, Computer Science Department. Rescheduled from 4/5.
Monday, 4/23 - AI and Chatbots — Chatbots are a primary application of AI and with virtual assistants may transform our interactions with machines. Learn about the range and depth of these human companions. Facilitated by Kyle Shaver, Information Technology. Rescheduled from 3/21.
Wednesday, 5/2 - AI and Research — Learn about the wealth of AI-related problems and research opportunities that are available to CSUN faculty and can now be now be tackled with available AI tools. Facilitated by Crist Khachikian, Research & Graduate Studies
Featured Story
Artificial Intelligence Nails Predictions of Earthquake Aftershocks
Link to article: Artificial Intelligence Nails Predictions of Earthquake Aftershocks
Photo Credit: Scientific American - Ronaldo Schemidt Getty Images
Blurb:
"A machine-learning study that analysed hundreds of thousands of earthquakes beat the standard method at predicting the location of aftershocks."
