Algonquin College and UPES University launch World Design Challenge

Posted on Thursday, March 9th, 2023

Algonquin College, UPES University in India and the World Design Organization (WDO) have partnered to host an international competition launching March 6, 2023. The World Design Challenge includes learners from Algonquin College’s School of Media and Design and the UPES School of Design. Participating programs include Graphic Design, Interior Design, Interactive Media Design and Interdisciplinary Studies in Human-Centred Design.

The WDO supports over 180-member organizations worldwide, representing designers and their contributions to economic, social, cultural, and environmental development. Both Algonquin College and UPES University are WDO members.

Jed Looker, Principal Investigator of the Human-Centred Design Lab, created the event in collaboration with UPES University after connecting with a UPES colleague at a WDO networking event.

“The first week of the challenge is in-person at Algonquin College and UPES respectively, where students come together to form teams, define expectations and learn about the challenge themes. From there, students collaborate virtually over Zoom to develop their projects before making their final pitch to the panel of industry judges in week three,” said Looker. Read more >

Former governor general speaks on gender inequality in digital technology

Posted on Wednesday, March 8th, 2023

The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean speaks to women sitting around a tableIn an event hosted by the Leadership Development for Women Working Group at Algonquin College, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean held a captive audience as the keynote speaker for International Women’s Day on March 8, 2023. Highlighting the United Nations (UN) theme for International Women’s Day 2023, DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality, Jean addressed gender inequality in the technology sector and women’s experiences with online violence, as well as the experiences of visible minority women in Canada.

“Women have made untold contributions to the digital world in which we increasingly live,” said Jean. “Today, persistent gender gap in digital access keeps women from unlocking their potential.”

According to the UN, only 22 per cent of positions in artificial intelligence are held by women, with two in 10 women holding jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) globally. These numbers are concerning, as 75 per cent of all jobs are projected to be related to STEM fields by 2050. Those who do make it into technology often face a hostile work environment with a significant pay gap and half the rates of promotion as men.
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Is ChatGPT going to change the way we teach?

Posted on Monday, March 6th, 2023

In the mid-to late 1970s a new device was introduced in classrooms setting offline drawing of artificial intellegence next to ChatpGPT logo debates and uproars, as to whether or not it would help or hurt student learning. Some fifty years later, the conversation around calculators still goes on, with many wondering if that device is taking away or adding to a student’s learning.

Today, a new form of technology is raising similar discussion. Artificial Intelligence (AI) (and specifically ChatGPT) is the latest tool to have educations minds buzzing. Read more >