Friday, September 20: Plenary Sessions
1–4 p.m.
Ames Library
On Day 1 of the conference, join us for these plenary sessions exploring the state of the art in AI and the future of work. These sessions will be for all in-person attendees thoughout the afternoon and will be recorded for the virtual conference in October.
1–1:10 p.m. | Welcome
Rebekah Rice, PhD, Professor and Chair of Philosophy
1:10–1:50 p.m. | “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 suggest ways we might collaborate with AI.
1:50–2:30 p.m. | “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.
2:30–2:45 p.m. | Break
2:45–3:10 p.m. | “The Impacts of AI in the Workplace: Fireside Chats With SPU Alumni”
Moderated by Abel Cruz, MBA, CISSP, PMP, Assistant Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer
3:10–3:50 p.m. | “Craft, Content, and Communication: Negotiating Practical and Ethical Issues in 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.
Saturday, September 21: Professional Tracks
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Ames Library
On Day 2 of the conference, we begin with a short plenary session before splitting into professional tracks for an in-depth conversation in smaller groups about how we see AI impacting our field. The plenary will be at 9:00a.m. - 9:30a.m. then each track runs 9:40a.m. - 4p.m. but will share the lunch break (Noon - 1:00p.m.) with the other tracks. When you register, you will select which track you wish to attend.
"Thinking Theologically about AI"
Mike Langford, PhD, Professor of Theology, Discipleship, and Ministry
There is a temptation to relegate reflection upon artificial intelligence to the arena of science and engineering, and perhaps ethics and philosophy. But what does Christianity have to say about AI? In this session we will outline a few doctrinal keystones that could help us toward a theological framework for thinking about AI.
“AI for Good … Business!”
Ryan LaBrie, PhD, Professor of Management and Information Systems
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 whom? 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 we can 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; Chair of Digital Education Leadership
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
Carrie Fry, MLS, Sciences Librarian
Phillip Baker, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychology
The aim of this track is to provide health professionals, and those interested in mental health and healthcare careers 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.