Artificial Intelligence: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Latest Developments

This two-part series provides a general understanding of the concepts, methods, and technologies underpinning artificial intelligence (AI), including recent innovations that have enabled entirely new capabilities. We provide examples of exciting applications as well as discuss the limitations and potential misuse of AI. A key objective is to equip ministry leaders to (a) harness new AI applications fully and appropriately and (b) bring a Christian perspective to discussions about the use of AI and its impacts on our communities and society at large. 

Part one of this series covers a basic understanding of AI technology, where it has excelled, and where the technology is heading. We explain terms and concepts, including machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), Artificial Super-Intelligence (ASI), agents, and AI reasoning. We also review a broad range of uses of today's interactive AI tools, like Google Gemini, ChatGPT, or Claude, for tasks ranging from personal study and research to improving communication (writing, speaking, etc.). This session includes hands-on demonstrations of appropriate uses of AI to improve the quality, efficacy, and efficiency of tasks we do in our daily lives and ministries.