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Demystifying AI: From Hype to Practical Use

Dates
Location
Ashburton Community Centre 160 High Street, Ashburton, VIC, 3147 Get directions

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Ashburton Community Centre

About

Join us for one, two or all three sessions as we explore the rapidly changing world of Artificial Intelligence. Led by our Digital Mentor, Chris Wright, each session includes time for discussion and questions, giving you the chance to better understand the technology, its opportunities and its challenges.

Session 1: AI - What's It All About?
Thursday October 22, 10am - 11am
There's so much talk about AI these days that it can be difficult to separate fact from hype. This session will explore what Artificial Intelligence actually is, where it came from, and why it has become such a major topic in recent years.

We'll take a brief look at the history of AI, from its beginnings in the 1950s through to today's powerful generative AI tools, and discuss what makes modern AI different from earlier technologies. By the end of the session, you'll have a clearer understanding of the technology and the role it is likely to play in our future.

Session 2: AI - Benefits and Dangers
Thursday October 29, 10am - 11am
Some people believe AI will transform society for the better, while others warn of significant risks. How do we make sense of the competing claims?

This session examines the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, including its potential impact on work, education, creativity, privacy and decision-making. We'll look at who is driving AI development, the role of major technology companies and governments, and explore the questions many people are asking: What are the real benefits? What are the risks? And how concerned should we be?

Session 3: AI - How Can I Use It?
Thursday November 5, 10am - 11am
AI is no longer just for tech experts. From writing and research to travel planning, learning, creativity and everyday problem-solving, AI tools can be surprisingly useful.

In this hands-on session, we'll explore a range of popular AI tools, including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and other emerging platforms. Through practical demonstrations and real-world examples, you'll learn what these tools can do, where they work best, and how to use them safely and effectively in everyday life.