ENLIGHTENMENT: Sac State's Chief AI Officer On Education, Jobs & Humanity

A year ago, Sacramento State launched the National Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Society, calling it a first-of-its-kind program in the U.S. to advance the use and ethical application of AI in the classroom and other settings . It’s led by Dr. Alexander "Sasha" Sidorkin, previously the dean of Sac State's College of Education. 
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He’s positive on AI if it’s managed in the right hands and for the right reasons. At a public talk at Sac State last spring, Sidorkin said, “Some people call to stop developing AI, but it’s really a risky position because if we stop, other countries won’t. I think it’s important to understand that with more powerful computers, artificial intelligence in our hands is better than the same thing somewhere else.”

He doesn’t see it as an evil threat to humanity. since it lacks human emotion and thought. And regarding jobs, Sidorkin said certain sectors undoubtedly will be affected, but AI will create new jobs and allow workers to be more productive and happy. “If there’s anything you don’t like doing because it’s boring, AI is going to do it for you,”

We’re going to ask Sidorkin to expand on his thoughts about the benefits of AI, how he sees it being used in the classroom and the workplace, and the ways it will change us as individuals and a society.

You may have questions about AI’s impact too, so please bring them - no topic is too dumb or too small to ask about.

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Ruhstaller’s BSMT has a variety of beers on tap, as well as wine, kombucha and sparkling water. Light snacks will be available, but please feel free to BYO food and nonalcoholic beverages.

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