AI in Action

S2E4 - AI Literacy, Equity, and the Future of Teaching with Dr. Jenny Hayman

AI in Action – Season 2, Episode 4Featuring Jenni Hayman In this episode of AI in Action, Dr. Sidney Shapiro speaks with educator, researcher, and senior academic leader Jenni Hayman about the rapidly evolving role of generative AI in education. Their discussion moves beyond surface reactions to explore how institutions, faculty, and students can respond thoughtfully to technological change while maintaining academic integrity, equity, and rigor. Jenni reflects on the pace of AI adoption in post-secondary education and the shift from fear-based conversations about academic misconduct to a more constructive focus on AI literacy and instructional redesign. She highlights the growing reality that students are often early adopters of generative AI tools, challenging traditional assumptions about expertise in the classroom. The conversation examines several critical themes: Lifelong learning in an AI eraWhy this moment represents a defining opportunity for educators to engage in continuous learning and model intellectual agility for students. AI literacy and critical thinkingHow to teach students to question, triangulate, and analyze AI-generated outputs rather than rely on them uncritically. Jenni emphasizes deconstruction exercises and comparative analysis across tools as effective instructional strategies. Equity and accessThe implications of paid versus free AI tools in the classroom, and how faculty can create a level playing field through intentional tool selection and structured assignments. Assessment challengesHow generative AI complicates traditional grading models, particularly in online and digitally submitted coursework. The discussion explores the tension between maintaining learning outcomes and managing faculty workload. Research, bias, and knowledge creationThe risks of AI-generated research proliferation, concerns about bias embedded in training data, and the importance of including dissenting perspectives in scholarly work. Copyright and intellectual propertyOngoing uncertainty around ownership of AI-generated outputs and the ethical implications of training models on scraped content. Preparing students for an AI-driven economyRather than focusing narrowly on tools, Jenni argues for foundational capabilities: adaptability, collaboration, communication, innovation, and the ability to evaluate and integrate new technologies responsibly. The episode concludes with practical guidance for educators at different levels of technological comfort, including the importance of institutional support, peer learning, and contextual integration within disciplines. This episode was made possible through support from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the University of Lethbridge. Subscribe to AI in Action for continued conversations on how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, institutions, and the future of work. Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co [https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co]

S2E3 - Mahammad Ayan Shaikh on Building Real-Time AI Collision Detection with IoT

MAHAMMAD AYAN SHAIKH ON BUILDING REAL-TIME AI COLLISION DETECTION WITH IOT In this episode of AI in Action, Dr. Sidney Shapiro sits down with Mahammad Ayan Shaikh, Computer Programming student and CPIN Lab Monitor at Cambrian College, to explore how artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things are converging to power the next generation of embedded systems. Drawing from his hands-on experience designing and troubleshooting IoT prototypes, Mahammad discusses how AI enhances connected devices by transforming real-time sensor data into intelligent, autonomous decision-making. The conversation highlights one of his most ambitious projects: a real-time collision-detection and automated emergency-notification system. Designed to activate in the event of an accident, the system detects impact, captures GPS location and environmental data, and transmits critical information to emergency contacts or services. Through this example, listeners gain insight into the technical and operational challenges of integrating hardware, sensors, edge processing, and secure data transmission into a reliable safety solution. Dr. Shapiro and Mahammad also examine broader trends shaping the industry, including the rise of edge computing, increased device-level intelligence, and the shift away from cloud-dependent architectures. They address the growing importance of cybersecurity, encryption, and responsible data governance as IoT devices collect and process sensitive information at scale. The episode further explores the gap between academic prototypes and real-world deployment, outlining the technical, organizational, and talent-related barriers businesses face when adopting AI-driven IoT solutions. For students and professionals entering the field, Mahammad shares practical advice on building foundational programming skills, working with microcontrollers such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi, and gaining hands-on experience through applied projects. This episode provides a grounded perspective on how embedded systems, AI, and IoT are reshaping industries through intelligent automation, real-time responsiveness, and connected innovation. Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co [https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co]

S2E2 - AI, Nonprofits, and Social Change with Janelle Marietta

In this episode of AI & Impact, Dr. Sidney Shapiro speaks with Janelle Marietta, PhD candidate, instructor, and nonprofit leader, about the growing role of artificial intelligence in nonprofit organizations, education, and community-based work. The conversation explores how AI tools can help nonprofits address long-standing capacity challenges, improve marketing and donor engagement, and support evaluation and analysis—while also highlighting the risks of over-reliance on automation, biased data, and inauthentic communication. Key topics include ethical considerations in AI adoption, the limits of AI in qualitative and community-engaged research, and the importance of maintaining human-centered approaches in equity-focused and decolonization work. Janelle also discusses the skills nonprofit leaders and emerging professionals need to use AI effectively and responsibly, even in low-resource environments. This episode is particularly relevant for nonprofit leaders, educators, researchers, and students interested in social impact, community development, and responsible AI use. Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co [https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co]

S2E1 - AI in the Classroom and Beyond with Dr. Jason Satel

EPISODE NOTES AI in the Classroom and Beyond In this Season 2 premiere of AI in Action, Dr. Sidney Shapiro is joined by Dr. Jason Satel to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, research, and professional expertise. The conversation explores the realities behind AGI hype, the rapid adoption of AI tools in universities, and why traditional assessment and certification models are under growing pressure. Dr. Satel discusses practical approaches to teaching students how to use AI effectively, rather than attempting to prohibit it, and explains why iteration, context, and critical judgment are now core skills. Key topics include: * AI’s impact on higher education and assessment design * Teaching AI literacy to students and faculty * The limits of current models in creativity, humor, and context * AI as a research assistant: literature review, coding, and data analysis * Hardware constraints, industry–academia gaps, and access to compute * Bias, synthetic data, and model alignment * What AI means for future careers, expertise, and certification This episode offers a grounded, candid discussion on adapting educational and research practices in a world where AI is becoming a standard tool rather than a novelty. Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co [https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co]

S1E26 - Closing Season One

CLOSING SEASON ONE WITH INNOVATION AND INSIGHT Welcome to the final episode of Season One of AI in Action! In this episode, host Dr. Sidney Shapiro reflects on the transformative journey through the world of artificial intelligence, wrapping up a season packed with insights, innovations, and expert discussions. Key Highlights of the Episode: 1. The Democratizing Power of AI: * AI's ability to simplify complex tasks and empower individuals without technical expertise. * Examples of generative AI applications, including coding assistance, app creation, and productivity tools. 2. Ethical and Environmental Considerations: * Balancing AI's potential with its environmental cost and ethical challenges. * Using AI responsibly to optimize efficiency without excessive resource consumption. 3. AI in Education and Creative Fields: * How AI is reshaping learning, from creating engaging educational tools to enhancing translation and communication. * The evolving relationship between artists, creativity, and generative AI tools. 4. Challenges and Limitations: * The scalability and cost-effectiveness of generative AI. * Issues with contextual understanding in AI outputs and the need for better multimodal models. 5. Innovative Applications and Real-World Examples: * From student-built Kickstarters to industry solutions boosting productivity. * Real-life success stories and cautionary tales about integrating AI into workflows. Reflection on the Journey: Dr. Shapiro shares insights from conversations with experts across various disciplines, emphasizing how AI's impact varies dramatically depending on context and implementation. He also discusses the excitement and challenges of navigating this rapidly evolving field, with a hopeful but grounded perspective on its future. Thank You: Special thanks to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and the University of Lethbridge for their support in making this podcast possible. Find out more at https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co [https://ai-in-action.pinecast.co]