AI 101
The Block Center for Technology and Society at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) offers an "AI 101" Initiative that is designed to deepen understanding of how artificial intelligence (AI) will impact various stakeholders, from workers to policymakers. These initiatives bring together diverse groups such as labor unions, media professionals, government representatives, and industry leaders to explore the implications of AI on the future of work, industry disruption, and social equity.
The center regularly hosts in-person meetings, online discussions, and webinars where stakeholders have the opportunity to engage with AI experts, discuss their concerns, and collaboratively explore solutions. These engagements include roundtable discussions and presentations, often involving dialogues on topics like human-machine interaction, AI tools for upskilling workers, generative AI in industries like media, and the development of transparent AI systems.
For example, a visit from the Communications Workers of America (CWA) included discussions on how AI tools can transform worker training and participation in technological development, reflecting CMU’s commitment to addressing the needs of labor unions. Similar efforts extend beyond campus as the Block Center's experts meet with state governments (like Pennsylvania) and federal government representatives in Washington, DC, to ensure that AI policies and innovations are shaped with input from all sectors.
Through these outreach efforts, the Block Center seeks to demystify AI, ensuring that it is implemented responsibly and equitably across various industries and sectors, while actively engaging with those whose livelihoods will be most affected by AI’s rapid advancements.