Collaboration is a formula for success.

The emerging technology of artificial intelligence (AI) is primed for creative collaboration and thus workforce empowerment. The Guilford County Center is hosting a series of workshops to address this workforce potential. Session one was on the working relationship between algorithms, datasets and an AI experiment from Google called Verse by Verse. This AI collaborative tool for creating poetry helps users explore the potential but it’s also striking to notice the similarities between AI and poetry: both using rules of operation, structure constraints and even large datasets such as literary history.

Cat or dog?

Humans can look at a myriad of doodles and tell the difference between the drawings of cats, dogs, and more. AI is quickly learning. The terminology for this technology can seem confusing. Here’s a helpful metaphor.

Several scientists have compared AI to Russian nesting dolls. The largest doll is AI, computer resources leveraged to mimic the decision making of the brain. The next doll inside is machine learning, a subset of AI that learns from data. The next doll inside is deep learning. It’s more advanced and accurate in its competency.

Beginning a new project can benefit from the collaborative potential of AI. Consider the following example objective: create a compelling case for eating more okra.

Linked is a compelling article by MIT on the impact of generative AI on the workforce. 

Step 1: using AI engines for the benefit of enhanced decision making.

Inputting the following question: What are the reasons for people to eat okra? The results help spark an idea to consider multiple aspects of nutrition. One downside of AI engines is a lack of citations. The solution is to use a traditional search engine with parameters to reference a known agricultural authority. Example: N.C. Cooperative Extension for research on nutritional benefits of okra.

Step 2: using online graphic design programs, provides the benefit of enhanced creativity and innovation in creating flyers or social media posts.

Templates on okra are available that provide a foundation for adding nutritional information. Design consistency plus additional AI tools for grammar and writing help to further develop the narrative.

Step 3: Lastly AI offers streamlined workflows.

AI automates processes and enhances collaboration. Many platforms offer porting connections for scheduled social media. Image tags are one way that posts support the sharing algorithms for further reach.

These tactics work together to strengthen the AI collaboration offering. 

As AI tools have grown more popular, so have lawsuits against AI firms: 

• authors have sued OpenAI
• record labels have sued Anthropic
• artists  have sued Stability AI and Midjourney

Copyright infringement is the primary driver of lawsuits. Another concern is that the users of AI tools may become targets for lawsuits as well.

There are global, national and state responses to AI regulation. UNESCO, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, “produced the first-ever global standard on AI ethics – the ‘Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence’ in November 2021. This framework was adopted by all 193 Member States.” 

In 2023, the White House released the Blueprint for AI Bill of Rights. It does not create any legal regulation or enforceable law. It does set forth a proposal for these five principles: 

• you should know that an automated system is being used and understand how and why it contributes to outcomes that impact you. 
• you should be protected from unsafe or ineffective systems.
• you should not face discrimination by algorithms and systems should be used and designed in an equitable way. 
• you should be protected from abusive data practices via built-in protections and you should have agency over how data about you is used.
• you should be able to opt out, where appropriate, and have access to a person who can quickly consider and remedy problems you encounter.

The states are leading the way. Multiple states have enacted legislation to address the technological changes in communication. The National Council of State Legislatures reports that North Carolina has enacted the following:

• A graduation requirement of a passing grade in computer science.
• AI School Safety Program in New Hanover and Davidson Counties
• NC DIT passed a grant to fund the digital literacy across the state including:
  • Digital navigation services at libraries
  • Digital navigators at 20 community colleges 
  • N.C. Cooperative Extension was awarded $1.3 million to hire digital literacy and skills extension agents in participating counties and train existing extension agents to host digital literacy and skills educational opportunities in their communities.

What are the ways in which AI is a collaborative tool for your work? Let us know. Consider joining us for  online Art & AI workshop series.

Use Eventbrite for registration to this free online series.

Questions: Contact Jeffrey Cates, Digital Literacy Agent, Guilford County Center, jeff_cates@ncsu.edu, 336.641.2436