Artificial intelligence continues to deepen its impact on university campuses worldwide, with new tools and technologies emerging each day. University of Houston faculty members have been quick to adopt AI and integrate it into teaching and research. Still, there is more to learn about its potential in higher education.
That is where UH’s Education Innovation and Technology comes in.
For the third consecutive year, ETI is hosting a daylong conference featuring presenters from leading technology companies who will share insights on the latest innovations in AI. This year’s event, “The Future of Work with AI,” is scheduled from 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 9 in the ballroom (Room 210) of the Student Center South. The event is free and open to all UH System faculty members and may be attended in person or virtually.
The keynote speaker is Morgan Frank, an assistant professor in the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Informatics and Network Systems. Frank’s recent research explores how AI-related, skill-based and genotypic processes shape outcomes for individuals and society. By integrating labor market analysis with studies of AI research and the broader social implications of AI adoption, his work seeks to deepen understanding of AI’s societal impact.
The annual AI conference is just one of the resources available to UH faculty. An AI working group formed in 2022 continues to meet and communicate via Microsoft Teams. More than 130 faculty members currently participate in the group.
In addition, ETI has developed AI training tools for faculty, staff and students, as well as a website dedicated to AI news and resources. More AI tools will soon be available to UH community members, Morgan said.
“We are busy obtaining licenses for important AI tools for faculty, staff and students,” said Jeff Morgan, associate provost for education innovation and technology. “We are preparing to roll out Gemini to all faculty, staff and students, along with NotebookLM and other Google tools. Copilot has been available for some time.”
Faculty members also may apply for Teaching Innovation Program grants that support AI-related projects.
There is still time to register for the upcoming conference, and Morgan said he is confident it will provide faculty members with practical insights they can bring into their classrooms and scholarly work.
“This conference gives our faculty an opportunity to learn about AI innovations, hear from experts and engage in discussion with colleagues,” he said. “I believe AI will be more important to the future of higher education than the internet.”
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