Audio By Carbonatix
Artificial Intelligence has permeated critical sectors of the economy. This also calls for a critical discourse on the potential bad effects of the technology.
The Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab (RAIL-KNUST) and KNUST Engineering Education Project (KEEP) therefore partnered the KNUST Student Representative Council Debating Society to organize a public debate on the topic: “AI and emerging technologies; a blessings or a curse to higher education.”
According to the Director of Student Affairs, Prof. Wilson Agyare, the debate aims to ignite critical thinking among the university community.
“Through this public debate, we aim to create an environment where students can question assumptions, explore new perspectives and foster empathy, understanding and respect,” he said.
Scientific Director and Principal Investigator of RAIL, Prof. Jerry John Kponyo was hopeful “the public debate will trigger further discussions leading to policy decisions on how universities can position themselves to harness the positive benefits of technology while guarding against the negatives.”
The debate which took a unique form, involved speeches from debaters as well as the audience. Again, the audience had the power to politely interrupt during a submission.
The majority principal speaker, Prince Atisu elaborated the benefits of AI in enhancing education and higher education research.
The minority principal speaker, Kojo Acheampong, however, feared for the disruption in diversity and decreased engagement among faculty and peers as a result of AI. In the end, AI as a curse won the debate with 59.4 points.
The Chancellor of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Prof. Melissa Nobles was impressed with arguments from both sides. He was confident of contestants’ leadership potential.
“Ghana is in good hands. I heard smart students making persuasive arguments using facts. That’s what we need, that’s what human society needs.
“I look forward to hearing more from you in the future and hopefully becoming the leaders of Ghana,” she said.
Latest Stories
-
Kidney health in the spotlight: SHEILD Ghana issues urgent call for national action on World Kidney Day
5 minutes -
Ernesto Yeboah writes: For over 20 years, I have fought a silent battle
2 hours -
‘Heart cleanser’ or toxic cocktail? FDA sounds alarm over ‘Sukudai’
2 hours -
Ghana’s ‘Tier 2’ status under fire: NGOs demand radical action against GH¢7m modern slavery crisis
2 hours -
NPP launches digital membership drive; bans manual dues collection by executives
2 hours -
Learn to win with others – Richard Nii Armah Quaye advises young entrepreneurs
2 hours -
Build yourself first, success requires discipline and time – Richard Nii Armah Quaye tells youth
3 hours -
Upper West Regional Minister denies diverting education infrastructure projects from Issa to Daffiama
3 hours -
When success becomes a target: Ghana’s music industry habit of tearing down its own
3 hours -
Savannah Region inaugurates 10-member health committee to reset sector
4 hours -
Let’s demonstrate Mahama’s peace advocacy in his home region – Fulbe to chiefs and people
4 hours -
Bright Ofori: Commending judicial reforms while advancing conversation on timely justice
4 hours -
Newsfile to tackle security recruitment cuts, GH¢21bn audit exposé, Mahama jet controversy
4 hours -
Vice President receives UCC’s Distinguished Fellow Award, calls for education to deliver dev’t
5 hours -
Tension in DBI District as Issa chiefs demand reversal of relocated GES office
5 hours