Fairmont State hosts conference exploring the complexities of artificial intelligence

Fairmont State University’s Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (CTLI) will host a conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology, February 28-29. The conference will be held in the Falcon Center conference rooms and feature peer-reviewed presentations by Fairmont State faculty, staff, and students, as well as colleagues from other institutions.

The AI Conference is an opportunity for university faculty, staff, administrators, and students to come together and discuss the latest advancements and trends in AI in education and other fields where its use is becoming more prevalent. Registration begins at noon February 28, in the Falcon Center conference rooms’ foyer. 

“Professional development and campus engagement are two of my top priorities for our faculty members and staff. This AI Conference actually helps fulfill both of these priorities,” said Fairmont State Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Dianna Phillips. “It affords faculty members, staff, and students, an opportunity to learn about this ‘hot topic’ and develop their own personal and professional perspectives. But it also engages many of our own faculty and staff members as content experts and presenters. I see this as a win-win for Fairmont State University, and I am very appreciative of the efforts the organizers and presenters have given for this event.”

AI has become a highly debated topic due to the recent mainstream advancement of AI technology. While it can be beneficial, AI also causes ethical dilemmas for many people and raises the question of where the line is drawn when it comes to its use. The goal of the conference is to bring people together to explore the complex issue and discuss what place AI has in the world.

“This AI Conference is yet another example of how the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation, in its first year of reestablishment, is serving our University by offering timely and important topics in a conference format for our faculty, staff, and students,” said Associate Provost and Title III Project Director Dr. Tim Oxley. “This event offers attendees an opportunity for professional development through a variety of sessions in which to learn more about AI presented by many of their colleagues within the University. Our thanks are to the staff of the CTLI and to our faculty and staff members who stepped up to bring this professional conference to fruition.”

During the first day of the conference M.E. Yancosek Gamble, Associate Professor of Business in the College of Business and Aviation will give the keynote address to the participating students, staff and faculty at 1 p.m. Yancosek Gamble will discuss methods to adapt classroom policies and procedures to include ethical and helpful AI. To conclude day one of the conference, there will be a panel discussion with University leaders, responding to the prompt “What does Fairmont State think of AI?”

The conference continues on February 29 at 8 a.m. with thirteen additional presentations.

"Over two days, everyone on campus has an opportunity to gather and learn about AI in cutting-edge, engaging, and peer-reviewed sessions,” said Professor and Director for CTLI Dr. Valerie Morphew. “We are fortunate to have faculty, staff, students, and external colleagues across disciplines who are informed and willing to share in this venue. Session presenters represent leaders in West Virginia who can help harness AI for good."

The CTLI encourages faculty to announce the AI Conference to their students and to encourage them to join. A full schedule of AI Conference events can be found online.