Artificial Intelligence Primer for Nonprofits
Thursday, September 12, 2024
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Virtual workshop through Zoom
Registration fee: $95 per person
Workshop Overview
Artificial Intelligence has rapidly grown from science fiction to everyday reality. Organizations across sectors are exploring how to integrate or exclude AI in their operations. Uncertainty around functionality, accuracy, legality, and the pace of change contribute to the challenges of decision-making. This workshop will provide context to the AI conversation, detailing the history of the tools, how they work, what they can and cannot do, how they are being used or misused, and how they will impact governments, individuals, and the nonprofit sector. As society shifts in response to the existence of these tools, how will the sector change as a result?
Workshop Outline
Part 1: Background
- What is AI? Where did it come from? How does it work? Why is it new this time?
- What can AI do? Why are people excited? How are people using it in their work?
- What can’t AI do? What are the limitations of AI? Why does it make mistakes? Can it be trusted?
- What is the reaction to AI? How do people feel about AI?
Part 2: Discussion and Activities
- Where do you use AI in your work?
- What tools are available?
- What concerns do you have? What stories have you heard?
- Scenarios and case studies.
Part 3: AI and Nonprofits
- Unique challenges related to the nonprofit sector.
- Unique opportunities related to the nonprofit sector.
- Relationships with governments, corporations and individuals.
Part 4: Philosophy, Existentialism, and change
- Can machines think?
- What is the impact for jobs, economy, copyright, creative practice?
Facilitator
Dr. David Gerhard
Dr. David Gerhard is Head of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Manitoba. With over 20 years experience in the technology sector, Dr. Gerhard is an award-winning researcher and educator, known for his real-world insights and clear explanations of complicated technological issues. He is regularly consulted by local and national media to provide commentary on technology stories, examining how we use technology and its impact on our lives.