Can you tell us about your background in Digital Education and your research into AI?
“I’ve worked in universities across Scotland and England for over 20 years, and I’m interested in all the ways that technologies can support – or sometimes hinder – learning and working. I teach others how to design and deliver online or use technology effectively in the classroom, and I’m always reflecting on how I use technology myself, whether personally or professionally. I’ve also researched attitudes and experiences around generative AI among learners, educators, and other professionals. Generative AI brings exciting opportunities for how we work and learn, but we need to think carefully about what appropriate and responsible use looks like.”
When we talk about GenAI, what exactly do we mean?
“GenAI is newer development within the much larger and older field of artificial intelligence. It refers to a range of easy-to-use tools which create content – whether text, images, video or audio – in response to a user’s request. These systems are trained on vast datasets and use patterns in that data to generate content that can feel quite human-like. Some people describe GenAI like ‘predictive text on steroids’ and I like this description because sometimes it can get things wrong, just like predictive text. Well-known GenAI tools include Copilot, Google’s Gemini, ChatGPT, Dall-E, but more GenAI is being integrated into other tools like Microsoft Word, Canva, Grammarly and even Google search results.”
Why did you approach MCA from Edinburgh Napier University to run this workshop?
“I am keen as a researcher to share my expertise with different communities and to find out more about how people are using AI in their work. We were keen to work with a wide cross-section of third sector organisations and approached MCA as they have such a strong network across Midlothian. The event is supported by Napier’s public engagement team and funding, and we are always happy to discuss any future collaborations.”
How are charities and third sector organisations already using AI in their work?
“The areas which these organisations seem to be using AI are streamlining admin, fundraising, service delivery, and data analysis. However, according to The Software Bureau it is mainly larger charities who have embedded GenAI and are benefiting from its use, and only 6% have a formal AI policy, with over half of staff having received no AI training.”
Some people are concerned that AI is unethical or even dangerous – how do you respond to these concerns?
“There are many complex ethical issues with AI, even for an individual user. The first priority is always to ensure we are acting within the law. But beyond that, there are also serious concerns about how these tools are developed and used, such as their environmental and societal impact, to name just two. I always advocate for making informed choices about any tool that we use, so this means engaging with reliable evidence and making decisions based on knowledge, not than hear-say or the hype on social or other media, which can lean towards extreme pro- or anti- GenAI views. A little understanding goes a long way, and I fully support anyone who, having thought through the ethical implications, decides that GenAI use is not right for them.”
What can attendees expect to take away from the Innovation Morning?
“Whatever your current knowledge about GenAI – whether you are completely new to it or already experimenting – you can expect an interactive session designed to help you to think through the pros and cons of using GenAI in their work. You’ll have the chance to get hands-on with some GenAI tools, explore real life examples relevant to you, and take away practical resources which you can use in your role straight away. The focus will be on making informed, responsible choices – no technical expertise required.”
