Artificial intelligence is increasingly embedded in daily life.
The Universities of Wisconsin, also known as the UW system, launched a series of free, online videos to introduce people to the basics of AI. The seven videos, each about two minutes long, break down common questions, from how it works to some of its limitations, such as providing inaccurate information.
“This new technology is here, and it’s now,” UW system President Jay Rothman told reporters March 23. “It’s affecting how we live, work and consume information. Yet as inevitable as change is, adoption is challenging and often compounded by misinformation, lack of resources or an uneven learning curve.”
Left out of the videos is any mention of AI’s enormous energy and water usage. Asked why by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Rothman said the goal was to help people understand how AI functions.
“We don’t take a position on the environmental sustainability issues and so forth that AI may present,” Rothman said.
Emily Laird, a UW-Stout AI integration technologist involved in making the videos, said accessibility was top of mind. Viewers should walk away feeling they have an entry-level understanding of what AI is and how to introduce it into life in a responsible way.
For example, viewers can learn what information should never be shared with AI and how to protect personal information.
It was unclear whether AI was used to make the videos. UW system spokesperson Mark Pitsch did not respond to the Journal Sentinel.
UW Credit Union sponsored the videos.
To watch the videos, visit wisconsin.edu/asap. The website also includes information on AI-related programs currently available for non-degree seeking students.
Kelly Meyerhofer has covered higher education in Wisconsin since 2018. Contact her at kmeyerhofer@gannett.com or 414-223-5168. Follow her on X (Twitter) at @KellyMeyerhofer.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Have questions about AI? New videos by UW can help
Reporting by Kelly Meyerhofer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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