Mabelette Adams Bermack

In this course, we explored emerging technologies, including AI tools like NotebookLM and ChatGPT, translation apps and digital tours.

One of the most impactful aspects in the course was NotebookLM. I updated the first page of a book I idea I have been working on for years. I found the discussion to be insightful in ways I could never have imaged. It was fascinating and downright scary in their assessment of the cultural and psychological factors at play on just one page. They were also able to project what was to come in a way that demonstrated true understanding.  I am editing to add the link to the discussion. https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/fc44ee75-a295-4c9f-9502-c2fdfa1c5e1e/audioLinks to an external site..

Before this course, I had limited exposure to AI.  The exploration of it was eye-opening and helped me better understand the potential and debate surrounding apps like ChatGPT. I think this tool may appear problematic at first.  There is the fear that people may stop thinking, developing their minds and learning in the manner recognized today. I think this is a realistic fear in the short term. In the long term, I think humanity will adapt and perhaps exercise previously underused parts of the brain. 

I think the use of AI is unavoidable and we will have to find a way to work with it. 

From the discussions (translating apps):

I have used Google translate to supplement my Duolingo learning but did not appreciate the potential of it and the other translation apps reviewed until this assignment. I particularly like the apps’ ability to read texts with the camera. This could be helpful when shopping in ethnic stores and for reading instructions. I don’t know that I would feel confident in depending on it exclusively in travel situations. I would use it as a supplement to printed materials and my own knowledge.  Technology sometimes fails when you least expect it and I want to avoid the potential of being “abandoned” somewhere where I don’t speak the language. 

I think the apps can be useful to new learners as a backup, but there is the risk that they will become dependent on it. I would not advocate the use of it in a classroom setting and would encourage that it be used as a reference, much like a dictionary.