Week 9

Machine Learning & AI

You’ll learn how ubiquitous machine learning is right now and consider just a few of the issues it raises for the information professions.

Read, view, and listen

Further reading

David Bamman, a professor of information studies at UC Berkeley, has published his syllabus for Deconstructing Data Science, a course that introduces students both to detailed understandings of statistical analysis and a consideration of ethical issues

There are a couple podcasts (that I know of) that offer a really good breakdown of how LLMs work, as well as critiques of AI hype:

  1. The Limitations of ChatGPT with Emily M. Bender and Casey Fiesler, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSRN_3pkTsc. (podcast, 62 mins.)
  2. Tech Won’t Save Us. “Don’t Fall for the AI Hype w/ Timnit Gebru,” January 19, 2023. https://techwontsave.us/episode/151_dont_fall_for_the_ai_hype_w_timnit_gebru.html (podcast, 64 mins.)

In-class activities

(A few) Organizations looking at bias in AI/ML