The New Skill Imperative: Why AI Literacy Is Non-Negotiable Dr. Brandon Harrison-Smith speaks with Dr. Kofi Nyarko, a professor at Morgan State University and the founding director of the Center for Equitable Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems (CEAMLS). Together, they discuss the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, what it means for our daily lives, and why equity is a critical part of its development. The conversation covers how AI is changing education and the workforce for everyone.

Dr. Harrison-Smith and Dr. Nyarko explore the practical definition of artificial intelligence and its relationship to machine learning. Dr. Nyarko explains that AI systems are designed to mimic human thinking, and machine learning is one popular method used to achieve this. They also discuss the importance of using AI responsibly, highlighting the differences between predictive and generative AI. The conversation examines the risks of "hallucination" in AI models and how users can apply critical thinking to evaluate AI-generated content. Finally, they address the future of AI in education and the skills needed to adapt to a changing job market.

Episode Highlights: Defining artificial intelligence and its relationship to machine learning. Understanding the key difference between AI's ability to mimic human thought and true intelligence. Breaking down the two main types of AI, predictive and generative, and the risks of "hallucination" in models. Why AI must be developed and tested responsibly to ensure fairness and minimize harm. The necessity of using critical thinking to evaluate AI outputs and avoid misinformation. How AI is transforming the classroom, presenting both challenges for faculty and new opportunities for learning. How AI will reshape industries and create a significant advantage for those who learn to use it effectively. An overview of the efforts at CEAMLS to address bias and build more equitable AI systems.

Key Takeaways: "I think most people should just understand that AI at its core is just a system mimicking human thinking and human reasoning." "I like to use the term responsible AI... we like to use it responsibly. So we like to train responsibly, we like to put it in practice responsibly, and also to continue to test and evaluate." "Be a critical thinker. Don't always just take what comes out and just run with it." "I like to use AI to help me do some of the mundane things that's kind of difficult to do. For example, craft quizzes." "AI gives you such a leg up that you would be at a great disadvantage if you don't figure how to use it responsibly in what you do." "AI to me is going to be the same thing. We don't really know what's going to open up... But it's going to open up so many new opportunities that if you do not engage now, most likely you will be disadvantaged in the future." "Don't be afraid of AI taking your job... Be afraid of the person who uses AI well to come take your job."

Links: B-Xcellent Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@b-xcellentpodcast Dr. Kofi Nyarko: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kofinyarko/ Center for Equitable Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems (CEAMLS): https://www.instagram.com/centerforequitableai/