Artificial intelligence (AI) is widely recognized as a transformative technology with the potential to revolutionize business, social institutions, and education. Many embrace it as a promising extension of human capabilities, though some are skeptical.

In this episode, listeners will hear an engaging conversation surrounding AI with our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. and Amir Gefen (M.A. ’95), Ph.D., Head of the Artificial Intelligence Lab, Research and Development unit at Israel Ministry of Education.

Gefen started his career in electronic commerce, mobile commerce, business intelligence. Today he is in artificial intelligence where he currently oversees the artificial intelligence lab at Israel Ministry of Education. As an alumnus, Gefen praises New York Tech for pioneering his way into the technology industry.

While Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been in existence for decades, in the past year, AI has instilled a sense of fear in many. This feeling was particularly pronounced when ChatGPT launched but encountered restrictions imposed by multiple educational institutions. Gefen explains on the fact that, leading up to the introduction of ChatGPT, we were already aware of the presence of AI, although it was only accessible to industry experts and corporations. Now with OpenAI's introduction of ChatGPT, it has made generative AI accessible to general public.

He highlights that generative AI holds many potentials. It can positively transform the educational systems by supporting educators in creating an adaptive learning paths catering to each student's pace and learning style. However, there are also challenges on how we utilize AI as learning tools where clear objectives and strategies should be made in order to empower students to enter the workforce with critical skills required for AI-driven professions. He also pointed out the countless ethical concerns, privacy, and fairness issues associated with AI. Gefen emphasizes the importance of proactive regulatory action, suggesting that regulators should act quickly to establish new regulations governing AI.

Gefen encourages individuals who are exploring entrepreneurship or just starting out in their professional careers to welcome Artificial Intelligence without fear of job displacement. Additionally, he advices to draw inspiration from those who have already adapted to the new technology effectively.

By Patthara Chandaragga

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