About This Conference
Plenary Sessions
“The Current State of AI,” Carlos Arias, PhD, Associate Professor and Chair of Computer Science
Advances in AI are raising questions about how we work. This session will present some of the newest AI technologies, provide an overview of AI’s potential impact on the workplace, and ways we might collaborate with AI.
"Algorithms and Ethics: Considerations on the Ethical Aspects of AI,” Leland Saunders, PhD, Professor of Philosophy
Like any technology, AI raises ethical questions in three different areas: in its development, in its use, and in its consequences. In this plenary we will discuss ethical issues particular to AI in each of these areas.
“Writing with AI,” Traynor Hansen, PhD, Assistant Professor of English and Director of Campus Writing
Many people see generative AI and large-language models, such as ChatGPT, as representing a fundamental change to the way we think about writing in academic and professional spaces. Some argue that it is a threat to original thinking, while others suggest that it is tool that can increase the efficiency of writing and idea generation. This plenary will consider what is gained and what is lost when we think about writing with AI tools.
“The Impacts of AI in the Workplace: Fireside Chats with SPU Alumni,” moderated by Rebekah Rice, PhD, Professor and Chair of Philosophy
Professional Tracks (offered simultaneously)
"AI for Good … Business!,” Ryan LaBrie, PhD, Professor of Management and Information Systems and Thomas Parks, MDiv, Instructor of Business Ethics
This track will investigate how AI is being used for good and where it might be faltering. There has been a recent trend in AI literature focused on AI advancements for “good.” Good for who? Good for the environment, good for humanity, good for the companies (and their shareholders) that create the technology, or perhaps good for all (or at least many of) these stakeholder groups. This track will discuss some of the pinch points in which AI might not live up to the hype of being “good for all” and investigate what mechanisms can we use to prevent bias, ensure some level of transparency, or at least reproducibility, and ensure responsible AI usage. Using Ferres & Weeks’ AI for Good: Applications in Sustainability, Humanitarian Action, and Health as a jumping off point, we’ll seek ways that AI can be used to advance human flourishing… for all!
“Educating with AI,” David Wicks, EdD, Professor of Curriculum and Instruction and Chair of Digital Education Leadership and Grace Seo, PhD, Associate Director Educational Technology and Media
This conference track explores the integration of AI within teaching and learning, with a focus on practical approaches that leverage AI technologies to optimize teaching practices and enhance students' learning experience. The topics include the essential AI literacies in educational contexts, collaborative learning with AI, and the use of AI for enhanced learning assessments.
"AI in the Health Professions,” Heidi Monroe, PhD, Associate Professor of Nursing, Erika Busz, MSN, Instructor of Nursing, and Carrie Fry, MLS, Sciences Librarian
The aim of this track is to provide health professionals and healthcare-interested participants with an understanding of key aspects of AI use in healthcare. Participants will explore advantages of some recent AI developments and evaluate how they may be effectively leveraged to improve patient care, while addressing potential challenges, limitations, and ethical considerations.
“AI in Psychological Research and Practice,” Phillip Baker, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Both open source and proprietary tools now abound for utilizing machine learning in psychological research and its application in the clinical setting. Understanding how these tools work, both their advantages and limitations, will be critical as the field of psychology increasingly interacts with them. The aim of this track is to familiarize participants with some of these applications and assess how they impact human well-being from a Christian perspective.
"AI and the Church,” Michael Langford, PhD, Professor of Theology, Discipleship, and Ministry
In this track we will examine how the use of artificial intelligence affects our conception and practice of ministry in the church. How does the church use AI? How can Christian beliefs inform our posture toward AI? How might AI benefit or detract from the mission of the church? What are best practices for engaging AI as a Christian?