TECHNOLOGY, TEACHING & LEARNING
Since its global debut in November 2022, ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre- trained Transformer) has been the subject of widespread discussion. The Microsoft- backed chatbot can write codes, generate essays, jokes, and perform other functions using human-like language. Developer Open AI said it is able to answer follow-up questions, admit its mistakes, challenge incorrect premises, and reject inappropriate requests. Within three months of its introduction, it had over 100 million users, a record adoption rate for technology software. Scientists, AI experts, and global technology leaders, including X (formerly Twitter) Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk , have since called for a pause in the technology to allow it to be studied. They also raised fears it could eventually replace humans and remake civilization. In response to privacy concerns, the Italian Government has banned the chatbot. However, Professor Skilling contended that digital transformation should be embraced as it could position students to become innovators and entrepreneurs and boost overall productivity. “Let’s not be resistant to change. Let’s educate ourselves. The tools are there for us. Artificial intelligence is not the enemy; it’s just a matter of finding out where it fits within our everyday life and understanding that we can all make a difference within it.” The educator noted rapid changes in technology, such as virtual reality headsets replacing 3D glasses and growing interest in Web3 or Web 3.0. This is an evolved World Wide Web that incorporates AI and blockchain technology. He spoke of being introduced to the Barbados-developed AI assistant, Patsy, during the festival. If successful, it could perform the same functions as virtual assistants Siri and Alexa. Prior to the opening ceremony of the festival, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Principal Prof. Clive Landis (third from right) was among campus representatives who attended the exhibition.
Ishmael and Cyrus also believe the festival has been achieving its objective of stimulating interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The latter praised the collaboration between the ministry and the campus and said initiatives like the festival have contributed to popularising science and technology and promoting a culture of creativity and innovativeness. “It has always been my view that universities play a critical role as major actors in national innovation systems, and while it’s the duty of each country to create its own blueprint for development based on its culture and resources, it’s imperative that we all develop a national innovation system to guide policy formulation and allocate scarce resources. “The system should allow us to develop strategies for scientific research and technology development in public, university, and corporate laboratories and build technical human resources for a knowledge society.” An estimated 65 exhibitors representing nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary learning institutions, and private and public sector entities showcased at the event. The theme of the festival was Resilience: Purposeful Innovation for Sustainable Living . u
of the campus Professor Clive Landis toured the exhibition with the Minister of MIIST Davidson Ishmael as well as Deputy Dean and Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry Dr. Thea Scantlebury- Manning and Director of Science, Market Research and Innovation in MIIST Charles Cyrus . Addressing the ceremony, Principal Landis said the university remained committed to the development of science and technology and Barbados’s nascent life sciences sector. “This would require close partnership with government and industry to expand these sectors purposefully while creating a more conducive environment for innovation in which staff and students can convert their research and ideas into commercially viable products and start-ups.” Interest in the areas of science and technology has been growing on campus. Dr. Scantlebury-Manning said since the 2017-2018 academic year, incremental increases have been recorded annually at the undergraduate level. Enrolment reached 1,214 in the 2021-2022 academic year, an all-time high. Over the last five years, registration has climbed by 47%. She attributed the growth to the Science and Technical Festival and other outreach activities.
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