The University of Waterloo is partnering with Google to research the ways human intelligence interacts with artificial intelligence (AI).
Google has invested $1 million into creating the Chair in the Future of Work and Learning, which was announced by Dr. Edith Law, professor of computer science in the Faculty of Mathematics and executive director of the Future of Work Institute at the University of Waterloo, on Wednesday.
Within her role as chair, Law will be tasked with researching and educating on the ways humans interact with artificial intelligence.
“Waterloo is at its best when we are thinking differently about the role of technology in society, acting with purpose to create hands-on learning opportunities for students and working together across disciplines and sectors to shape a future where people and communities thrive,” said Dr. Vivek Goel, president of the University of Waterloo.
“(The Chair) connects mathematics and computer science with the social sciences and humanities, and links academia with industry and government.”
At the announcement on Wednesday, Ontario’s Minister of Colleges and Universities, Nolan Quinn, was on hand, as well as the Vice President and Manager for Google in Canada, Sabrina Geremia.
“With AI, you learn every day, and you’re continuously learning, and this partnership is really about getting students to co-create,” said Geremia.
Concerns have been raised about the dangers generative AI may pose; however, Geremia noted that Google is investing millions in Canada into ensuring AI is being used in the right ways.
“Instead of AI being the information provider in learning, we can actually turn the table around and have AI be the student,” said Dr. Law. “By turning the table around, we’re limiting what the AI outputs, we’re giving the students a different role to play, so they’re not just consuming information they’re generating information and they learn by teaching the AI.”
Learn more about the Future of Work Institute at uwaterloo.ca.
link