AI: What It Is & How It Works (Robot Rerun)

Robot Rerun! By popular demand, we are running our AI programs a second time for those who missed the first event.

Generative artificial intelligence. Machine learning. Artificial hallucination. Neural networks. Large language models.

These terms might sound like science fiction, but they describe a very real technology affecting much of our daily lives, with, we’re constantly told, vast implications for how we live, learn, and interact with the world and people around us. But what is AI, really? Hype and fear aside, how does it work, how “intelligent” is it, and how is it being used all around us, right now? Can it really take our jobs? And perhaps more importantly –– what does it mean for the future?

Together, we’ll walk through a comprehensive, easy-to-understand tour of how exactly AI models work, what they can do, and what they can’t. We’ll also explore current developments in AI, meeting models like ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, and – even scarier – humans along the way, and find out that whatever you think about AI, it’s probably a little different and a little more weird than you’d expect.

This lecture is geared toward adult learners, but is accessible to interested teens and tweens. Registration is kindly requested for this program.

This lecture is part of the Spotlight on AI series – a monthly look at how this powerful and destabilizing technology is affecting both our day-to-day lives and the broader landscape of world events. 

February 12, 2pm – AI: What It Is & How It Works
March 12, 2pm – Real or Robot: How to Identify AI Images & Text
April 9, 2pm – Good Bot: Responsible AI Use For Home & Work
April 26, 2pm – AI: What It Is & How It Works (Robot Rerun)
May 14, 2pm – Protecting Your Privacy & Identity in an AI World
May 17, 2pm – Real or Robot: How to Identify AI Images & Text (Robot Rerun)