University of Portland Hosts Second AI Conference for Catholic Educators
The University of Portland will host its second annual AI conference for Catholic higher education June 3-5. The event, titled "Catholic Education and Artificial Intelligence: Principled Educational Leadership for the AI Revolution," targets educators, administrators, and students seeking practical strategies for integrating AI for Education.
The conference distinguishes itself by grounding AI discussions in Catholic values and ethical considerations. Jennie Marable, senior administrative assistant to the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and a main organizer, said the university's identity as a Holy Cross institution positions it to lead these conversations.
"At the heart of the conference is, 'What is the right path' and 'how do we protect human dignity and values as we embrace, or not, this technology?'" Marable said.
Speakers and Programming
The conference will feature presentations, workshops, and panels focused on ethical Generative AI and LLM integration in academic settings. Hannah Highlander, associate dean of students for the College of Arts and Sciences, is organizing the event.
Clare Duffy, a University of Portland alumna and CNN Business Reporter, will speak at the conference. Duffy hosts the CNN podcast "Terms of Service," where she regularly covers AI topics.
Duffy emphasized the value of deliberate conversations about AI's role in education. "It's really important that in this moment, when people feel afraid of being left behind, that we take a moment to slow down and think intentionally about who this technology is serving," she said.
Building Relationships Beyond Technology
Fr. Tim Weed, director of Campus Ministry, served on the conference's steering committee. He views the event as an opportunity for relationship-building among educators and administrators working with AI.
"AI cannot build relationships, but people can," Weed said. "If the fruit of this conference is merely building relationships, I think that's a huge triumph."
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