On October 7 and 9, 2024, a two-day “AI Odyssey” event was hosted jointly by the Hartford Public Library and by UConn colleagues involved in CT-Baden-Württemberg’s HRRC’s Human Rights, Science & Tech Working Group. The aim was to explore the emancipatory potential of AI for students in marginalized communities in an effort to transcend digital divides. Facilitators included staff of the HPL’s YouMedia Center and professors and graduate students from UConn College of Engineering, School of Education, and multiple departments within CLAS – including Political Science, Literatures, Cultures & Languages/German Studies (Prof. Anke Finger and Dr. Isabell Sluka), Math, and Psychology. Our counterparts in Germany are developing a parallel set of student-centered activities to take place in Spring 2025.

For a detailed description of the project, consult the Hartford Courant article by Prof. Brad Tuttle from October 27th on “Kids can benefit from AI, when given chance.” The Hartford Library’s report, published October 15th, includes additional detailed information and specific goals for this ongoing initiative:

Aimed at middle and high school students, the AI Odyssey’s learning objectives include:

• Leveling the playing field and knowledge of access to AI.
• Bridging the gap of the digital divide.
• Demonstrating the tools of AI and identifying the differences of each platform or application.
• Overcoming intimidation, increasing confidence and engagement.
• Promoting a fun learning experience with advanced technology.
• Understanding personalization of data.
• Overcoming resistance of standard educators and institutions to using AI as a learning mechanism.
  

Stay tuned for more from this series of events, continuing into 2025!