Each afternoon session will be presented at 1–1:50 p.m. and 2–2:50 p.m.
“Discerning the Past Online”
This session will look at representations of events and figures from ancient history on various online platforms and at how we consume them. Not only will we consider whether the representations are accurate or fictional, we will also look at their aesthetics and visual rhetoric.
Owen Ewald, Associate Professor of Classics
Location: Weter Hall 202
“What Could Go Wrong? AI Tools in the Classroom – a Live Experiment”
Join us as we explore some of the questions about the use and perils of generative AI tools in teaching and learning. We will explore and reflect on some of the challenges and opportunities of using tools like ChatGPT, BARD, Perplexity, ResearchRabbit, and Firefly. Whether you regularly use such tools or just want to find out more, come and watch the live demo and find out what could possibly go wrong ...
Carrie Fry, Sciences Librarian
Grace Seo, Associate Director Educational Technology and Media
John Robertson, Assistant Dean for Instructional Design and Emerging Technologies; Associate Professor
Location: Cremona 102
“Digital and Information Equity: Discerning the Issues & Solutions in Seattle”
Seattle's economy is fueled by the tech industry, yet many citizens do not have access to internet service, devices, and basic technology training. Join librarians and Information Studies professors Kristen Hoffman and Liz Gruchala-Gilbert in exploring Digital and Information Equity in Seattle — what it is, who is impacted, and what solutions are being implemented.
Liz Gruchala-Gilbert, College of Arts and Sciences and School of Education Librarian; Associate Professor
Kristen Hoffman, Psychology and Scholarly Communications Librarian
Location: Cremona 101
“Back to AI, Faith, and the Future”
Four years ago, a group of SPU professors got together to study artificial intelligence and faith. They created a year-long research project to explore the impact of AI from various disciplinary perspectives and from the perspective of Christian faith. The project culminated in a collection of essays published as AI, Faith, and the Future: An Interdisciplinary Approach. Since the appearance of their book, due to the availability of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, AI has become a hot topic. In this session, contributors to the book will revisit and update their thoughts about AI, faith, and the future.
Michael Paulus, Assistant Provost for Education Technology; Dean of the Library; Associate Professor of Information Studies
Phil Baker, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Mike Langford, Professor of Theology, Discipleship, and Ministry
Rebekah Rice, Interim Co-dean for College of Arts and Sciences, Chair of Philosophy, Professor of Philosophy
David Wicks, Associate Professor of Curriculum & Instruction
Location: Library Seminar Room
“Discerning Climate Change Information and Responses”
Climate Change can feel like an overwhelming topic. We will discuss good strategies for intaking news, discerning truth, responding, and maintaining hope and agency. How can lament, anger and grief be helpful? This will be a lecture format with a Q&A.
Janette Plunkett, Sustainability Manager
Location: Eaton Hall 112
“Leveraging Ancient Wisdom to Steward AI Opportunities”
Drawing on the six-year participation of AI and Faith in this global conversation, this talk discusses how Christians can better engage the AI ethics debate at scale through traditional and new story telling techniques that leverage the Bible’s powerful stories of fall and restoration; soulful integration of mind, heart, and strength; and the fundamental importance of incarnation.
Carlos Arias, Chair of Computer Science, Associate Professor of Computer Science
David Brenner Board chair for AI and Faith
Location: Otto Miller Hall 109
“Digital Discernment at Home, School, and Church”
In this session we will be discussing the implications of Dr. Ott’s presentation with regard to raising children and youth. This session will be conversational, inviting local ministry leaders, seminarians, parents, and educators to discuss how information about “Digital Discernment” might inform how they shape the digital world of the children in their lives.
Katherine Douglass, Associate Professor of Educational Ministry and Practical Theology
Location: Demaray 150
“Digital Detox: Art and Embodiment”
As communication technologies become more and more pervasive, penetrating our private spaces, and moving entire communities into "virtual space," the art world responds by creating ever more embodied, visceral and interactive experiences. In this breakout session, SPU Art History Professor Katie Kresser will interview multimedia artist Daniel Chang about both his work in digital media and his recent performance piece, "Breath of God: Please Remove Your Shoes," staged at Biola University. In this interactive piece, which included elements of sound, light, and movement, Chang hoped to create a physical experience of journeying and transition that would help visitors detox from the harms of Covid-era “digital” isolation.
Katie Kresser, Professor of Art
Daniel Chang, Associate Professor of Art, Biola University
Location: Art Center 5
Daniel Chang will also present his new exhibition of works in the SPU Art Center Gallery.