Campus artificial intelligence group builds real life connections

Unlocking the Future: How One University Group is Building Real-Life AI Connections

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, Artificial Intelligence stands as a transformative force, reshaping industries, education, and daily life. Rather than merely observing this revolution, Boise State University is actively leading the charge, fostering a unique collaborative environment where individuals from diverse fields come together to explore, understand, and harness the power of AI. What began as a focused initiative for a single college has blossomed into a dynamic, cross-campus and community-wide hub for AI innovation, demonstrating immense value and sparking genuine interest.

From Concept to Community: The Evolution of AI Engagement

The journey started humbly in the spring of 2023 with the COBE AI Brown Bag group. Initially, it was a specialized interest forum for faculty within Boise State’s College of Business and Economics, focused on integrating AI into teaching and research, and crucially, preparing students for responsible AI use in the professional world. However, the vision quickly expanded. Inspired by broader discussions on the social impacts of computing, Kevin Rank, the College of Business and Economic’s inaugural AI fellow, broadened the group's invitation. This strategic move transformed the brown bag sessions into a vibrant melting pot, drawing attendees from across the university — including the Office of Information Technology, Department of Philosophy, Public Safety, the School of Nursing, and the Office of General Counsel — as well as students and external community partners like TheUnstoppables.AI. Guest speakers from tech giants like Google AI and OpenAI Education have further enriched these sessions, providing invaluable industry insights directly to the participants.

Beyond the Classroom: Tangible Benefits of Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

The strength of this initiative lies in its collaborative spirit. As Kevin Rank, a realist on AI's inevitability, puts it, "Instead of fighting it, I want to learn to use the tool effectively." This philosophy has led to remarkable "cross-pollination." Faculty and staff who might never have otherwise interacted are now regularly meeting, exchanging ideas, and putting faces to names, forging a stronger, more interconnected community. Brian Bolt, Deputy Chief Information Officer for Boise State’s OIT, highlights a key benefit: direct engagement with faculty challenges. This interaction has facilitated deeper conversations and quicker resolutions for tech-related issues in research and the classroom. Furthermore, the ability to bring top-tier AI vendors like Google and OpenAI directly to campus for dialogue and Q&A sessions provides unparalleled access and understanding for all involved, streamlining the process of addressing faculty and staff questions that OIT might typically relay.

Future-Proofing Education: Integrating AI into Student Learning

Perhaps the most critical aspect of this initiative is its direct impact on student preparedness. Students actively participate in these brown bag sessions, sharing their own innovative uses of AI for academic tasks like note-taking and creating study guides. These real-world applications directly inform classroom strategies, ensuring students not only understand AI's capabilities but also grasp its immediate relevance to their future careers. Steven Hyde, Assistant Professor in Management, whose research highlights AI's disruptive influence on the job market – creating new roles, altering skill requirements, and necessitating a new type of "boundary worker" between humans and AI – emphasizes the urgency: "If universities don't teach students AI literacy, we're not setting them up for life in the society they’ll be working in."

This understanding drives direct curriculum integration. In Professor Hyde's BUS450 Business Policies class, fourth-year students engage in weekly tasks utilizing various AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Midjourney. The goal is not just interaction, but creation, pushing students to leverage AI as a tool to develop solutions. Similarly, Kevin Rank incorporates AI into his ITM 310 Business Intelligence course, where students use AI to generate study materials. His specialized ITM 370 AI Augmented Projects class delves deeper, encouraging third-year and higher students to automate tasks, engage in profound ethical discussions surrounding AI, and refine their practical AI skills. As Rank notes, just as Microsoft Office skills were once a job market prerequisite, today, specific generative AI skills are increasingly sought after. Students entering the workforce today will navigate careers fundamentally shaped by AI, making this literacy indispensable.

The Human Element of AI: Discovery and Delight

Beyond its practical applications and economic necessity, there's an often-overlooked aspect of AI exploration: the sheer joy of discovery. Kevin Rank points out that a recent paper found an increase in positive feelings associated with using generative AI. It's about exploring something novel, using it to create unique experiences, and sharing those breakthroughs with others. This inherent sense of wonder and creativity is a powerful motivator, driving deeper engagement and fostering a proactive approach to technology.

Get Involved: Shape the Future of AI with Us

The success of the Boise State AI initiative underscores a crucial lesson: embracing AI is not about fighting change, but about harnessing its potential through collaboration, education, and ethical exploration. By building a diverse community that shares knowledge and practical applications, they are not only preparing their students for the future but also empowering their entire ecosystem. If you're inspired to learn more, contribute to these vital discussions, or explore how to integrate AI into your own field, consider reaching out. For details on upcoming COBE AI Brown Bags and how to participate, contact Kevin Rank at [email protected]. Join the growing network of individuals shaping a more intelligent and connected future.