The second edition of the annual ‘AI Educational Revolution’ event took place in June. This hybrid event is co-organised by UCL Computer Science, GSA (Girls School Association) and Guernsey Ladies’ College. The series was developed as a way of inspiring secondary school girls to explore AI and STEM opportunities and to consider how they can shape their own futures in these rapidly evolving fields.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries across the globe, influencing everything from global politics to creative sectors such as fashion. This year’s event offered students a unique opportunity to learn about the role of AI in shaping the future, with a focus on how AI is revolutionising careers and education.
Keynote Speakers and Topics
Leading experts from UCL, the government, and industry took to the stage to discuss AI’s impact on various sectors. The session covered everything from AI in geopolitics to its creative applications, with a particular emphasis on how these technologies are influencing education, career paths, and social inclusion.
Predicting Our Future: The Role of STEM
Insight on AI and Geopolitics
Ms Jo Miller, Director of Technology at the UK Civil Service, kicked off the event with a thought-provoking talk about the vital role STEM and AI play in global geopolitics and technological futures.
The Power of Women in AI
Jo highlighted the importance of women and girls in shaping AI’s future. She posed the question, “What do you want the future to say?” and encouraged the audience to engage with AI to influence its direction.
Overcoming Barriers in Tech
Drawing from her own career in tech, Jo shared how her humanities background didn’t hinder her success. She urged students to pursue their ambitions in tech, regardless of their starting point.
AI in Education: Shaping the Future
AI and Career Paths
Daniele Harford-Fox, Principal of Guernsey Ladies’ College, discussed how AI is reshaping both education and the workforce. She highlighted the significant impact AI could have on professions like medicine, where many tasks may be automated.
The Importance of Human Skills in Some Fields
While AI may transform many areas, Daniele pointed out that certain roles, such as nursing, will still require human expertise and care, stressing the importance of these skills in the workforce of the future.
AI in Multisensory Experiences
Engaging the Senses
Prof Marianna Obrist (Multi-Sensory Devices Lab at UCL Computer Science) introduced the concept of “AI in Multisensory Experiences.” She showcased how AI is enabling new ways to interact with the world through multiple senses, creating richer, more engaging experiences.
Humanising Technology
Marianna’s research focuses on incorporating more ‘humaness’ into technology. She demonstrated how sensory experiences are being used in places like retail outlets and museums, as well as in therapeutic settings, such as using scent to enhance body image perception.
AI in Fashion and Beauty
AI’s Impact on Creative Industries
Prof Philip Treleaven from UCL discussed how AI technologies, including ChatGPT, are transforming the fashion and beauty sectors. He highlighted the use of AI to create digital influencers, automate processes like dexterous sewing robots, and help brands like Shein to capitalise on trends and produce designs at an unprecedented pace.
AI for Social Inclusion
AI’s Potential for Education
Steve Grix, an expert in GENAIE and CAPTR, concluded the talks by discussing the use of AI for social inclusion. He introduced GENAIE, a generative AI platform designed to personalise education for disadvantaged communities.
AI Bridging Educational Gaps
Steve demonstrated how quickly GENAIE could generate lesson plans, showcasing its potential to bridge educational gaps and offer new learning opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
UCAS Applications and Q&A Session
In addition to the expert talks, students were given guidance on making a UCAS application. The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, where students had the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the speakers. The students’ thoughtful and ethical questions impressed the expert panel, sparking deeper discussions about the future role of AI in shaping both careers and society.
When asked for final thoughts, some of the students concluded the concepts and predictions gave them cause to think, but they wouldn’t let it deter them from their career aspirations.
As AI continues to revolutionise a broad range of industries, this event provides an invaluable platform for students to engage with the technologies that will shape their futures. It also highlighted the importance of diverse input into the development of AI and the opportunities for young women to drive change in this field.
