A new research collaboration between Google and the University of Waterloo will look at the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and how it will shape career readiness in the future.
The university created a new research institute, called The Future of Work Institute. The partnership will support several initiatives "at the intersection of technology design and pedagogical innovation."
"This is a response to the idea that the workforce is really changing due to recent trends like climate change, migration and now, the AI revolution," Edith Law, associate professor of computer science at the university, told CBC News.
"We want to be very proactive in trying to shape the future of work and learning instead of just reacting to these changes."
Law said students will study how people interact with computers and explore new paradigms of learning and teaching though a new Future Lab and workshops starting Oct. 6
Students will work in teams with faculty and Google mentors to experiment with AI-powered tools to explore AI's role in education and the broader society.
She said what she's most excited about is the work toward the creation of an AI literacy program that will help small business owners, entrepreneurs, as well as students in elementary and high school and their teachers.
"We want to create this program so that we can make sure everyone is comfortable with AI technology," she said.
As part of the partnership, Google will contribute $1 million over several years. The university will provide $450,000 toward the new institute.
Understanding AI impact and change
Mira Lane, vice president of technology and society at Google, said AI presents a lot of opportunities to the learners, educators and the broader community.
Lane, who is a University of Waterloo alumni, said many people are playing and tinkering with AI in many different capacities and it's important to understand its impact and change.
"Something that I think is really important is really intentionally trying to shape the future of learning because if we're not thoughtful and intentional about it, we know that this technology is disruptive in this domain," she said.
"We want the things that come out of this to be widely accessible and helpful."
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