On a dreary, rainy and traffic havoc Wednesday, The Learning Network hosted an unforgettable mastery day in getting hands on with AI. In the spirit of consistency, and perhaps to keep us all feeling young at heart, the workshop was held at a club in central Bristol. Now, if the subject matter wasn’t already making me question my grasp on modern technology (and lament my age), being surrounded by pulsating neon lights and waddling through the sticky floor certainly did the trick!
Outside of the value gleaned from hearing real life applications of AI from experts, I was struck – as I often am at LN events – by the enthusiasm and genuine happiness to be there of all our members! For those of us who spend our days discussing things with our screen and bathroom mirror, it is invaluable to be able to discuss L&D topics with like-minded individuals who are also passionate and engaged. For me it is particularly nice to skip the high-level discussions and delve into real life applications and frustrations of our trade. These events truly make a difference to me in my working life. Now, for the topic areas:
First up was Quantum Rise who set out to reassure us that AI isn’t as intimidating as it may seem. Their message was simple yet profound: the best way to conquer our fear of AI is to dive right in and give it a try. It’s like learning to ride a bike – sure, it might seem daunting at first, but once you start pedaling, you realize it’s not so scary after all. Quantum Rise emphasized the importance of taking that first step, encouraging us to embrace the learning process and discover the endless possibilities that AI has to offer.
Next, we delved into the realm of ChatGPT – not just for work-related tasks. Imagine you’re in a new city, with only an hour to spare. We spoke about how AI can be your personal tour guide, helping you uncover hidden gems and must-see attractions in no time. From recommending the best local eateries to reassuring me that my toddler’s tantrums top off at 4 years old, the presentation opened my mind to using ChatGPT outside of my work.
Then came the deep dive into the inner workings of AI and its fascinating alignment with human interaction. Digital Acumen took us on a journey through the intricate algorithms and processes that power AI systems, shedding light on how they mimic human thought patterns and behaviour. It was like peeling an onion, revealing the intricate connections between AI and our own cognitive processes. By understanding these parallels, we gained a deeper appreciation for the remarkable capabilities of AI and its potential to revolutionize the way we interact with technology.
Last but not least, we were treated to practical insights on creating, amending, and selling learning programmes. Filtered provided valuable tips and prompts for harnessing the power of AI to design engaging and effective educational experiences. From personalized learning pathways to adaptive assessments, AI offers a wealth of opportunities to enhance the way we teach and learn. By leveraging AI-driven tools and techniques, educators can create dynamic learning environments that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of their students.
This workshop helped us understand the various applications and untapped potential and current limitations of AI but perhaps more importantly, it reminds us of how lucky we are to be part of a network of talented, pragmatic and motivated individuals who can now add daytime frequenting of nightclubs to their CV.
