Our Exploration of Core Concepts, Infrastructure, and Hands-on Text Analysis
Artificial Intelligence has become increasingly common in our lives, yet many people still have a limited understanding of how it works and how it may shape our future. This project shows how AI can be demystified through learning core concepts, visiting physical infrastructure, and working on a hands-on text analysis project.
To lay the groundwork for our experiments in AI, we started by learning core AI concepts. We dug through the layers of the "onion" that is AI, finding out the difference between machine learning, neural networks, large language models, and other key terms.
Learn MoreUsing MSU's High Performance Computing Center's LM Studio, we tested various open-source language models against each other, comparing their outputs side-by-side.
Learn MoreTo ground AI concepts in physical reality, our class visited MSU's on-campus data center, where we experienced the heat generated by computing infrastructure and learned about hardware lifecycles.
Learn MoreWe compared AI-assisted topic modeling with Python-based LDA workflows on news articles about Michigan data centers.
Learn MoreThis project explored chatbots created by four major news publishers, examining how AI-powered conversational interfaces are being integrated into journalism and news delivery.
Learn MoreThis course demonstrates how emerging AI technologies are reshaping teaching and learning by offering new (and fun) ways for students to explore data and analysis, while also raising important questions about infrastructure and interpretive choices built into these tools.
Grounded in AI literacy, our project demonstrates that learning how AI works and working with it critically can reduce anxiety and build critical awareness. As AI continues to develop and shape many aspects of work and daily life, knowing how to navigate the AI landscape can help ease fears and counter misinformation.
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