Workshop

Northeastern University, USA
Organizer: Dr. Heidi Gregory-Mina, Professor in Northeastern University
This research endeavors to explore the intricate relationship between communication and Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a specific focus on ethical considerations. Contributors are invited to delve into key themes within this domain. Topics include investigating algorithmic biases and proposing strategies for their mitigation, assessing transparency in AI systems through advancements in Explainable AI (XAI), and examining frameworks for the responsible deployment of AI in communication. Additionally, exploring the dynamics of human-AI collaboration in content creation and information dissemination, studying user perception of AI-generated communication, and evaluating existing and proposed regulatory frameworks constitute integral components of the research. The scope also encompasses an examination of AI's role in shaping media landscapes, privacy and security implications, and the societal impact of these advancements. Through these themes, contributors are encouraged to provide comprehensive insights and recommendations, fostering a nuanced understanding of the ethical dimensions in the evolving landscape of AI-mediated communication.

Northumbria University, UK
Organizer: Dr. Nafhesa Ali, Lecturer in Northumbria University
This workshop draws on interviews with key informants involved in local environmental governance to explore how people in positions of power serve to obstruct, erase or facilitate the engagement of racialised communities in activities relevant for environmental change. We argue that new sociological knowledge that takes a symmetrical approach to research and analysis is needed to avoid othering immigrants while surfacing whiteness as the context in which othering occurs. The main aim for this workshop, therefore, calls for greater attention to how white structural advantage shapes the design and implementation of local green agendas in order to develop just and transformative approaches to environmental policy-making.

The University of New South Wales, Australia
Organizer: Dr. Sara Mashayekh, Researcher in The University of New South Wales
The workshop explored the impact of generative AI on student learning and the potential challenges students face when receiving AI-generated feedback. One primary challenge discussed was that students may struggle to effectively evaluate, apply, and learn from the feedback provided by AI tools. Without adequate support, students could misunderstand or misapply the feedback, hindering their learning progress. To mitigate these challenges, the workshop proposed strategies such as fostering student agency and autonomy, enabling students to critically engage with AI feedback. This included training students to assess the relevance and quality of AI feedback, encouraging them to seek clarification when necessary, and developing their ability to apply feedback in meaningful ways. Additionally, the workshop emphasized the importance of creating a learning environment where students feel empowered to make informed decisions about their learning process and take responsibility for their progress. By focusing on these strategies, the workshop aimed to equip both educators and students with practical insights to enhance learning outcomes, promote self-regulation, and cultivate a more independent, self-directed approach to learning in the age of generative AI. This approach encourages active engagement, collaboration, and continuous improvement, ultimately benefiting both students and educators.

Online Session

The online session of The 3rd International Conference on Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication Studies (ICIHCS 2024) was held on November 29, 2024. Dr. Heidi Gregory-Mina from Northeastern University and Dr. Nafhesa Ali from Northumbria University have given keynote speeches on related topics. Also, we invited authors of qualified papers to deliver oral presentations at the Online Session. Several authors have presented their studies of literature, communication, art, etc. Questions from the audience were collected and answered by the presenters.

Highlights

Title: Communication in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Presented by: Heidi Gregory-Mina, Ph.D., Professor in Northeastern University

Title: Researching Symmetrically to Explore Exclusion, Othering and Whiteness in Local Policy Making
Presented by: Nafhesa Ali, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in Northumbria University