About the event
On Tuesday, May 11, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, the ISSP and the RCIS hosted an expert panel discussion on AI and machine learning.
Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will lead some to question whether this statement still holds true. While computers have been used to assist with creative processes for some time, the creative input has largely been human. Nowadays, we’re training AI to write news articles, poems and novels, create paintings, produce video games and even compose music. Interest in machine learning will likely only increase as demand for fast, smart, original work - without the need for human endeavour and expense - rises.
Will AI and machine learning augment or replace human creativity? How do we teach creativity to the next generation in a world of AI and machine learning? And how do we ensure teaching creativity and innovation in this world remains inclusive?
Welcome Remarks
Prof. Monica Gatinger, Director, ISSP and Full Professor at the School of Political Studies, uOttawa
Moderator
Denise Amyot, Chair of the Advisory Committee, ISSP, uOttawa and President and CEO, Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan)
Speakers
Prof. David Cropley, Professor of Engineering Innovation, University of South Australia
David Cropley's research interests span creativity in schools and education, assessing organisational innovation capacity, and the nexus of creative problem solving and engineering. Now a recognised expert in creative problem solving and innovation, Dr David Cropley was a scientific consultant and on-screen expert for the Australian ABC TV Documentaries Redesign My Brain (2013), Life at 9 (2014) and Redesign My Brain, Series 2 (2015).
Prof. Matthew Guzdial, Assistant Professor, Computing Science, University of Alberta and CIFAR AI Chair
Matthew Guzdial' research focuses on the intersection of machine learning, creativity, and human-centered computing. This includes investigating machine learning-based automated game generation, human-AI design collaboration, and improving machine learning transfer and generalization with computational creativity. He is a recipient of an Early Career Researcher Award from NSERC, a Unity Graduate Fellowship, and two best conference paper awards. His work has been featured in the BBC, WIRED, Popular Science, and Time.
Dr. Val Walker, CEO, Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER)
Val Walker leads the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER). As CEO of this member-based not-for-profit organization, she sets BHER’s strategic direction and leads a strong team focused on building new opportunities in Canada’s skills and innovation ecosystem through collaboration. Beyond this, Val serves as co-chair of the Future Skills Council – a group established by the Government of Canada to advise on national and regional skills development and training priorities. She also speaks and advises regularly on innovation and talent. Prior to BHER, Val was the Vice President, Innovation and Skills, at the Business Council of Canada and Director of Policy at Mitacs. She holds a PhD from McGill University and is an alumna of the Government of Canada’s Recruitment of Policy Leaders Program.
Closing Remarks
