AI lecture inspires students

By Richard Harvey | Posted: Tuesday August 22, 2023

Last Friday, we had the privilege of hosting Lech Szymański, a senior lecturer from the School of Computing at Otago University.

Lech delivered a lecture to two Year 10 classes and a select group of Year 9 students on the capabilities of modern AI.

He discussed the University's significant involvement in AI research and development, while also addressing the ethical considerations in this field. The purpose of the lecture was to enrich the critical thinking that Year 10B and 10O have been doing on this topic this year.

Lech reminded us that the progress of AI comes with a host of ethical implications that deserve thoughtful consideration. Touching on topics such as bias in AI systems, the importance of safeguarding data privacy, and what the future of art and warfare looks like with AI involved.

The boys followed the lecture with a Q&A session, asking questions about the possibility of AI achieving a state of consciousness and whether AI could potentially lead to the end of humanity.

Students left the lecture with a sense of optimism; Lech conveyed a hopeful message that any higher form of intelligence that may arise from AI will likely come to appreciate and value humanity for its unique qualities… and not spell the end of humankind!

Otago Boys' High School would like to extend their appreciation to Lech Szymański and the University’s School of Computing Department for their time spent speaking with our students.

Image Gallery