McMaster University
McMaster University Podcast Fosters Inclusive, In-Depth Discussions on Generative AI in Higher Education
About the Art
Graphic novel illustration style and Art Deco collide in this trans-humanist illustration, compelling us to analyse our coalescence with technology as we approach the impact of AI maturing in our lives.
Original artwork by Aedán Crooke of Surface Impression. No AI was used in the creation of these original artworks.
The “AI Dialogues” podcast series by McMaster University explores the ethical and practical questions of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education, complementing consultations that are shaping new guidance.
Hosted by the university’s MacPherson Institute, the podcast responds to the enthusiastic interest of students and educators in engaging with new and evolving technology. Featuring conversations with educators, students, and academic staff, each episode explores the complexities of AI, its potential for innovation, and the challenges it poses. The podcast tries to bridge the gap between knowledgeable educators, students, practitioners, and those less familiar with the technology. Key themes include how AI technology operates, how it can transform learning and education, and in episode fifteen — how it affects personal privacy.
Transcript
“AI Dialogues” is a podcast series hosted by Stephanie Verkoeyen, an educational developer at McMaster University. One of the goals of the podcast is to foster transparency and civic engagement through conversations on the use of generative AI in higher education.
In Episode 15, Trudi Wright, McMaster’s Privacy and Records Management Specialist, talks about the importance of staying engaged when we use AI. Here are some highlights from the episode.
The Information Privacy Commissioner has been very clear that in the use of any AI enabled or AI associated tool, human oversight is key…So, it can’t just be the AI-enabled tool that is making all the decisions because, you know, then we may bow down to our AI robot overlords. The way I see our work is very much in partnership with other folks across the university community…I have no expectation that someone will flounder on their own, not having read privacy policies or terms of the statements….my job is to do the line by line reading and to actually look between the lines and see what they’re really saying…because we’re in such a moment of fluidity…we can’t apply that same risk assessment through time. So, the responsibility to alert us to those changes really falls on the user of those applications and services.
The podcast is part of McMaster University’s Generative AI Initiative, a comprehensive, grassroots and integrated consultation process on AI. By facilitating accessible, in-depth discussions on the use of AI via the “AI Dialogues” podcast in addition other channels, McMaster ensures thoughtful consideration of the many benefits, along with the ethical and privacy concerns. Discussions and consultations have led to the development provisional guidelines on using generative AI in teaching and learning, as well as for operational excellence.
The “AI Dialogues” podcast promotes openness, transparency and civic engagement through intentional, thoughtful and inclusive conversations on the challenges and concerns regarding the use of generative AI and AI-enabled technology. This initiative shows that creating an open dialogue can result in a more engaged and informed community and even lead to the development of guidelines to help the community use AI technology responsibly.
All accompanying materials available in English.
