That technology is changing Virginians’ lives and work is a given. But how? Daily Tech Notes examines the new ventures, educational opportunities, and public ways companies and individuals are leveraging technology to write the commonwealth’s future.
Digital Natives have a leg up on people who didn’t grow up with technology, but that doesn’t mean that they instinctively understand how to maximize its power. Two higher-ed institutions – Hampton University and Roanoke College – are addressing that challenge.
Hampton University has just announced the launch of its Digital Artificial Intelligence Immersive Experience, an 11,000 square foot facility featuring both AI-enabled computers and spaces for creative work. More than simply a resource for university faculty and students, Hampton is making the facility available to the public. Roanoke College, meanwhile, has announced it has joined Google AI for Education Accelerator. The program “teaches foundational AI skills, effective prompting techniques and responsible AI usage,” according to a press release issued by the college. “Students who utilize the training will also learn how to use AI tools for tasks like building resumes and practicing job interviews.” Ryan King, chief of staff and innovation officer, said that “A Roanoke College liberal arts education already equips our learners with the skills to ask good questions and spot a bad answer when they see one…. Pairing that with practical AI skills, at no cost, means our learners graduate knowing how to use these tools and when to question what they produce.”
On the business front, a new tech accelerator in Arlington County is bringing in 11 startups for the 18-week program that have the potential for rapid growth. The companies were selected from 41 applications. According to reporting in ALXNow, “The accelerator is the first strategy outlined in the ALX Forward framework, a roadmap for Alexandria’s economic future approved by City Council in January. The program will be offered through National Landing’s new innovation district, National Innovation Quarter, and will end with a public showcase event in December.”
911 Call Centers are under increasing strain as calls rise while there are significant shortages for people available to answer those calls. According to a report on WBUR, AI is helping to ease some of the burden. The vice president of Motorola Solutions, Jim Wolfinbarger, talks about how the AI is being used to handle less-pressing issues. The interview includes a demonstration of the service, and answers questions about possible errors with the system, legal questions, and how the system handles workflow.
In the federal government, purchasing AI is forcing a re-think about how services are procured. A report in GOVCIO, a Virginia-based company, explains how the U.S. government is using its buying power “to negotiate enterprise-wide software, cloud and AI discounts directly with original equipment manufacturers,” According to the report, the government has saved more than $1.6 billion using the strategy.
Finally, when Lakshmi Katrapati learned a neighbor had fallen victim to an AI scam, the George Mason student decided to help educate seniors about protecting themselves online. According to a story at WTOP, Katrapati has spoken at about 30 meetings, many at senior centers, about how to protect oneself against bad actors who leverage AI for scams. “Some of them are more suspicious of the internet now, which is good, because a lot of them before used to be trusting of scams,” Katrapati said.
