Harnessing AI to empower democracy and creativity
In an age when generative AI can be both a boon and a threat, the University of Maine’s New Media program has been harnessing AI to empower students as well as helping them chart a path through its ethical perils.
Driving Student Turnout with AI: The “How To Vote” Flowchart Generator
The How To Vote Flowchart generator, created for Learning With AI, is a prime example of leveraging AI for civic engagement. This app simplifies the often overwhelming process of figuring out when and where to vote. By guiding college students through scenarios like absentee voting deadlines or campus ID requirements, the app aimed to provide clear, concise guidance without adding to students’ information overload.
Ethical AI: A Tournament of Ideas
In a recent Introduction to New Media course, 50 students participated in a unique tournament to develop AI guidelines tailored to their fields. The exercise began with each student brainstorming five AI policies, then progressed through collaborative rounds where pairs and small groups refined these ideas into cohesive policies.
Digital Curation in the Shadow of AI
UMaine’s Digital Curation program recently hosted Christiane Paul, Curator of Digital Art at the Whitney Museum, for a conversation on AI’s impact on creative and curatorial practices. Paul, a trailblazer in the field, discussed how generative AI is reshaping notions of authorship, copyright, and authenticity in art.
A Framework for Navigating AI Risks
Developed by New Media faculty, the IMPACT RISK framework provides a comprehensive lens for examining AI’s potential harms, from misinformation to bias. With a website, infographics, and quizzes, this tool equips students and educators alike to weigh the costs and benefits of AI adoption. The framework also includes 9 takeaways on the energy and water use of AI, including comparisons of text and image generation to watching Netflix or participating in a Zoom call.
Exploring AI’s Impact Across Education and Society
Other recent UMaine activities include:
- Learning Revolution Conference: Computer Science faculty Greg Nelson and Troy Schotter joined New Media professor Jon Ippolito to present their findings on AI’s impact on student creators.
- AI Workshops: Ippolito led workshops on AI’s democratic impact and creative potential for the American University in Cairo, the Law Librarians of New England, Maine Archives & Museums, and the 2024 Maine Town Meeting.
- Teaching in Higher Ed Podcast: Ippolito shared a critical framework for AI use in education.
- RiSE Center Workshop: Maine K-12 teachers explored the pros and cons of AI in classrooms during a New Media workshop.
- New Intelligence about Artificial Intelligence: Ippolito discussed AI’s role in education at this Harvard panel.